Keeping Turkey Decoys in Shape and Other Decoy Tips

By Pat Rayta

 

I have found that after a lot of use and having been put away for the winter, most collapsible turkey decoys lose their form. To bring them back into shape, I take a wire coat hanger, and pull it into the shape of a diamond. Fold the hook back into the center of the coat hanger. Insert this diamond into the decoy. This allows the foam to return back to its original shape, and the decoys can also be used this way in the field.

 

To prevent holes from being made in your decoy from the hook, a little bit of electrical tape will cover the point fine.

 

The extra bit of weight in the field also helps hold the decoys down upon your stakes better on those windy spring days like we get here in Vermont.

 

This is also a great way to dry your wet decoys: simply bend the hook down out of the cavity. The decoy can now be hung up to dry, upside down.

Pat Rayta

 

How To Avoid Getting Water Over the Tops of Your Boots

By A. Sayward Lamb

 

To avoid getting in over your hunting boots when crossing a stream while hunting, simply carry a pair of the thin covered, nylon fabric, hip boots that fold flat and will easily fit into the back pocket of your hunting jacket. When you see the water is so deep that it will be over the top of your hunting boots, take your boots off and slip into the lightweight nylon hip waders. These boots do not have a solid sole, so pick your way carefully, to avoid punching holes in them. Once safely across the stream, remove them and put your hunting boots back on. Takes a couple of extra minutes, but sure beats running around in the cold weather with wet feet.