When passing judgment on gobblers struck stupid by a piece of foam shaped and colored to look like a hen turkey, the Spanish Inquisition's stance on heretics was more lenient. When it happens, every advantage should be taken. Turkey decoys are a blessing and curse. The fake birds can make the difference between success and failure. And that cuts both ways.
Decoys can pull a reluctant gobbler close enough for a shot.
Sometimes, as with that opening weekend long-beard, a decoy can enthrall them so completely that they seem oblivious of everything around them. But a decoy also can spook a bird that otherwise would have ended up in the oven, or cause him to hang up far out of range. In the right situation, they can bring a bird straight to you that you otherwise wouldn't have killed. But they'll cost you birds, too. The trick is knowing when, where and which decoys to use in specific situations.