Abstract:
A method of assembling a turkey decoy includes coupling a head assembly and a tail assembly to a body using a head attachment mechanism and a tail attachment mechanism, respectively. The method also includes coupling a biasing device to each of the head and tail assemblies. The method further includes coupling a movement mechanism to the head assembly and the tail assembly for initiating movement of at least one of the head assembly and the tail assembly. A method for operating the turkey decoy includes positioning the turkey decoy in an outdoor field. The method also includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the first force-applying device and modulating the position of the head assembly. The method further includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the second force-applying device and modulating the position of the tail assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/318,069, entitled “A MOVABLE TURKEY DECOY AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME”, which was filed on Mar. 26, 2010 and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to hunting decoys, and specifically to movable turkey decoys for attracting wild turkeys to a desired location and a method of making these decoys. 
         [0003]    Many known turkey decoys are used to lure wild turkeys into a predetermined range for effective hunting, harvest, and/or observation and study. At least some of these known decoys are substantially stationary and provide a reasonable life-like appearance. Such stationary/static decoys represent the general shape, size, color, and feather pattern of a live turkey. Such static decoys are placed in an open area and used to attract a wild turkey, that may be passing by. These decoys are very basic and rely on the ability of a passing turkey to recognize the shape as a fellow turkey. However, wild turkeys are well known for their visual acuity in detecting slight movements, and a lack of movement may increase their suspicion of a static decoy. 
         [0004]    Many known game animals, such as birds, and specifically wild turkeys, participate in courting rituals that are highly visual with the male of the species generally having vivid colorations and other displays to attract a female mate. For example, it is well-known among wild turkey hunters that during the turkey mating season, male turkeys (gobblers or toms) attempt to find female (hen) turkeys with which to breed. This results in gobblers initiating a mating ritual by spreading their tail feathers into a semi-circular fan shape and moving them from side-to-side in what is known as a full strut, to attract the hen to the gobbler for potential mating. Therefore, the male wild turkey is known for its spectacular display fan as it extends the plumage of its tail feathers during its courting ritual where it will strut about and ruffle its feathers in order to attract a receptive female. This particular behavior is known as strutting. 
         [0005]    More specifically, during strutting, the tail feathers begin in a prone, or close to horizontal, position behind the bird and then rise vertically while simultaneously spreading into a fan shape. The strut demonstrates the dominance of the male turkey and thus convinces a female to mate with him. In general, the female turkey is attracted to the sight of the male turkey&#39;s fantail. A female wild turkey will indicate her receptiveness to breeding by assuming a submissive position in front of the male, a crouch position, with the neck erect and the head held perpendicular to the ground. In this regard, it is the hen that chooses the tom in response to the courting strut and display exhibited by the male. 
         [0006]    Because of their competitive nature, other male turkeys are also attracted to the fantail display. The sight of a strutting male will excite and irritate a fellow male turkey. The males will compete for a hen by trying to out-strut their fellow male turkeys and/or by sparring. That is, the male turkey then will engage the competitors and attempt to drive them off or try to out-strut them. If a male turkey has already gathered a group of females it is very difficult to draw him away from their company. The sight of a competing male turkey that may steal his mates is one of the few things that will pull him away from his group of females. 
         [0007]    Further, wild turkeys are also communal animals in which the hierarchy of the flock is established according to an established pecking order. In this regard, a tom&#39;s display fan may also serve as an indication of aggression as competing males attempt to establish their dominance within the flock. Once established, the pecking order particularly holds when it comes to breeding habits as discussed above, wherein the dominant male will aggressively suppress breeding activities of the subordinate toms within the flock. 
         [0008]    Therefore, at least some known turkey decoys are moveable/motivated. Specifically, some decoys have been manufactured to partially simulate movement in a life-like fashion. More specifically, motion is employed to simulate/mimic movements of a live wild turkey in order to catch the attention of a passing or nearby turkey. However, some of these known movable decoys are static decoys positioned on a pivot point which uses wind to move the decoy side to side, or rock back and forth. Such wind-induced motion of the decoys is highly unpredictable and erratic, and does not realistically simulate actual wild turkey movements. Such use of random movement does not consistently give the level of certainty needed to attract a live turkey. Such movement may occur when the live turkey is out of sight or may occur too often when a turkey is close and frighten the turkey away. Moreover, other known movable decoys use a mechanism to simulate one movement of wild turkeys, but do not simulate other movements, and are therefore not sufficiently realistic. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In one aspect, a turkey decoy is provided. The turkey decoy includes a head assembly coupled to a body via a head attachment mechanism. The decoy also includes a tail assembly coupled to the body via a tail attachment mechanism. The decoy further includes at least one biasing device coupled to each of the head assembly and the tail assembly for applying a movement-resistant force thereon. The decoy also includes a movement mechanism coupled to each of said head assembly and said tail assembly for initiating movement of at least one of said head assembly and said tail assembly against the movement-resistant forces applied thereto. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a method of assembling a turkey decoy is provided. The method includes coupling a head assembly to a body using a head attachment mechanism. The method includes coupling a tail assembly to the body using a tail attachment mechanism. The method also includes coupling a biasing device to each of the head assembly and the tail assembly. The method further includes coupling a movement mechanism to each of the head assembly and the tail assembly for initiating movement of at least one of the head assembly and the tail assembly. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, a method for operating a turkey decoy is provided. The method includes providing a turkey decoy that includes a body, a head assembly, a tail assembly, a first force-applying device, a second force-applying device, and a movement-applying string. The method also includes positioning the turkey decoy in an outdoor field. The method further includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the first force-applying device and modulating the tension in the movement-applying string to modulate the head assembly between a fully upright position and a fully bowed position. The method also includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the second force-applying device and modulating the tension in the movement-applying string to modulate the tail assembly between a fully upright position and a fully prone position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary partially assembled turkey decoy; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of the partially assembled turkey decoy shown in  FIG. 1  in the field; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the partially assembled turkey decoy shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  with a head assembly fully bowed and a tail assembly fully prone; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a comparison of the partially assembled turkey decoy shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3  and an exemplary fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy shown in  FIG. 4  with the head assembly and the tail assembly fully raised; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  with the head assembly fully bowed and the tail assembly fully prone; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of an exemplary movable decoy stake system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of an exemplary alternative turkey decoy that may be used with the movable decoy stake system shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of another exemplary alterative turkey decoy and an exemplary alternative movable decoy stake system; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a schematic overhead view an exemplary alternative head assembly that may be used with the turkey decoy shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The effectiveness of a turkey decoy in attracting wild turkeys is limited by how closely the turkey decoy resembles a real turkey. More specifically, to be effective, a turkey decoy should look like a wild turkey and move like a wild turkey. The decoys and methods described herein include a decoy mechanism which emulates life-like movements of wild turkeys. Specifically, an operator initiates the motion of the decoys described herein with a manual pull string. Such manual activation capability as described gives the operator the advantage of triggering the decoy&#39;s movement at opportune times with motions closely simulating those of actual wild turkeys. More specifically, the manually motivated, taxidermied turkey decoy, as described herein, realistically simulates key behavioral aspects inherent to a gobbler&#39;s mating ritual. Also, a full strut may be used to not only attract hens, but also gobblers. Further, a hen&#39;s behavioral features may also be realistically simulated. Moreover, the decoy embodiments and methods described herein may be used to assemble and operate decoys of any wild bird. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary partially assembled turkey decoy  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, turkey decoy  100  includes a body  102  manufactured from materials that include, without limitation, foam, plastic, and wood. Turkey decoy  100  also includes a handle  104  coupled to body  102  to facilitate transport of turkey decoy  100 . Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, handle  104  facilitates coupling of biasing, motive force-applying devices  106  and  108 , hereon referred to as first and second biasing devices  106  and  108 , respectively, and both discussed further below. Alternatively, such biasing devices  106  and  108  are coupled to any stationary attachment device that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, an eyebolt and a post. 
         [0024]    Turkey decoy  100  further includes a tube  110 , or cylinder  110 , inserted into decoy body  102 . Tube  110  is manufactured from materials that include, without limitation, foam, plastic, and wood. Such tube  110  facilitates placement of turkey decoy  100  onto a stake system, or ground stake  112  (discussed further below). Turkey decoy  100  also includes a first, or head receiving device  114  that receives a first, or turkey head attachment mechanism  116  (discussed further below). Turkey decoy  100  further includes a second, or tail receiving device  118  that receives a second, or tail attachment mechanism  120  (also discussed further below). In the exemplary embodiment, head receiving device  114  and tail receiving device  118  are tube, or cylindrical devices. In other embodiments, first and second receiving devices  114  and  118 , respectively, are any devices that define a receiving cavity that enables assembly and operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein. 
         [0025]    Also, in the exemplary embodiment, turkey decoy  100  includes a tail stop device  122  that facilitates limiting arcual travel of a tail assembly  124  (discussed further below) to approximately 90°. Turkey decoy  100  also includes a turkey head assembly  126  that is manufactured by any method that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, epoxy cast molding. Moreover, head assembly  126  is manufactured of any material that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, rubber, foam, plastic, and wood. Turkey head assembly  126  includes turkey head attachment mechanism  116  fixedly coupled to head assembly  126 . Attachment mechanism  116  is received by head receiving device  114 , wherein mechanism  116  is any attachment device that applies a rotational/bending moment and enables motive operation of head assembly  126  as described herein, including, without limitation, hinges, springs, chain links, and linked eyebolts. 
         [0026]    Further, in the exemplary embodiment, turkey head assembly  126  includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  128  coupled to head assembly  126 , wherein device  128  is any device that guides a movement mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), which includes, without limitation, an eyebolt and hook screw. The movement mechanism is any device, including, without limitation, string, cable, chain, or rope that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein. Turkey head assembly  126  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  130  coupled to head assembly  126 , wherein device  130  is substantially similar to device  128 . 
         [0027]    Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, turkey decoy  100  includes tail assembly  124  coupled to body  102 . Tail assembly  124  includes a fan configuration. However, tail assembly  124  may include any configuration that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein. Tail assembly  124  may also include taxidermied real wild turkey feathers  125 . Alternatively, tail assembly  124  includes any feather-like devices fabricated of any material that enables operation of the decoy as described herein. Tail assembly  124  further includes a tail assembly bracket  132 , wherein the feathers are fixedly coupled. Bracket  132  is fabricated of any materials that enable operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, and metal. More specifically, bracket  132  is formed from two semicircular pieces (not shown) coupled to each other by methods that include, but are not limited to, fasteners and adhesives. 
         [0028]    Tail assembly  124  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  134  that is substantially similar to devices  128  and  130 . Tail assembly  124  further includes tail attachment mechanism  120  fixedly coupled to tail assembly  124 , wherein mechanism  120  is substantially similar to mechanism  116 . 
         [0029]    Also, in the exemplary embodiment, turkey decoy  100  includes ground stake  112  that is received by tube  110 . Stake  112  is fabricated of any materials that enable operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, and metal. Moreover, turkey decoy  100  also includes a string guide device  136  that receives the movement mechanism, e.g., motive string (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment, string guide device  136  is any device that enables operation of turkey decoy  100  as described herein, including, without limitation, an eyebolt. 
         [0030]    Further, in the exemplary embodiment, turkey decoy  100  includes biasing devices  106  and  108  coupled to handle  104  and motive force-applying attachment devices  130  and  134 , respectively. Biasing devices  106  and  108  apply movement-resistant forces to head assembly  126  and tail assembly  124 , respectively, and are any devices that enable operation of the decoy as described herein, including, without limitation, hydraulic pistons, bow-type devices, elastic bands, and springs. 
         [0031]    Tail assembly  124  also includes fasteners  138  fixedly coupled to tail assembly  124 , wherein fasters  138  facilitate fastening bracket  132  together and coupling feathers  125  to bracket  132 . An optional notch  140  is defined in tube  110 , and an optional anti-rotation device  142  is coupled to ground stake  112 , wherein notch  140  and device  142  cooperate to facilitate establishing travel parameters for a predetermined radial motion of turkey decoy  100  during operation as described herein. Device  142  is any device that enables operation of the turkey decoy  100  including, but not limited to, a fastener, a post, and a dowel. 
         [0032]    Motors, servos, and electronic processing devices may be used in some embodiments to at least partially automate turkey decoy  100  described herein. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of partially assembled turkey decoy  100  in the field. Turkey decoy  100  includes a movement mechanism  144 , e.g., motive string  144 . Turkey decoy  100  also includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  145  coupled to tail assembly bracket  132  on the side opposite to motive force-applying attachment device  134 . Attachment device  145  is configured to receive motive string  144  and is substantially similar to attachment devices  128 ,  130 , and  134 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of partially assembled turkey decoy  100  with head assembly  126  fully bowed and tail assembly  124  fully prone. 
         [0034]    In operation, stake  112  is positioned into the ground  146 . An operator (not shown) handling turkey decoy  100  positions decoy  100  onto stake  112  via handle  104 , and slides tube  110  over stake  112 . Head assembly  126  is coupled to body  102  by inserting attachment mechanism  116  into head receiving device  114 , wherein head assembly  126  is oriented in a direction opposite to guide device  136 . At least one biasing device  106  is coupled to handle  104  and motive force-applying attachment device  130 , thereby applying a first movement-resistant force  148  on head assembly  126 . Tail attachment  124  is coupled to body  102  by inserting attachment mechanism  120  into tail receiving device  118 . At least one biasing device  108  is coupled to handle  104  and motive force-applying attachment device  134 , thereby applying a second movement-resistant force  150  on tail assembly  124 . 
         [0035]    Also, in operation of the exemplary embodiment, at least one motive string  144  is channeled from a hunter area (not shown) through attachment device  128  and guide device  136 , to attachment device  145 . Motive string  144  is configured to apply a third force  152  to overcome first movement-resistant force  148  and initiate movement in head assembly  126 . Motive string  144  is also configured to apply a fourth force  154  to overcome second movement-resistant force  150  and initiate movement in tail assembly  124 . Fourth force  154  is greater than third force  152 . 
         [0036]    Further, in operation, the hunter pulls motive string  144 , applying third force  152 , and head assembly  126  shifts from the upright position to a bowed position in opposition to first biasing force  148  applied by biasing device  106 . The hunter modulates the position of head assembly  126  between the fully upright position and the fully bowed position by modulating the tension on motive string  144 . The hunter also shifts tail assembly  124  by further increasing and modulating the tension on motive string  144  by applying fourth force  154  in motive string  144  after head assembly  126  is fully bowed. Fourth force  154  is greater than third force  152 . Therefore, tail assembly  124  is modulated between a fully upright position and a fully prone position in opposition to second biasing force  150  applied by biasing device  108 . Head assembly  126  and tail assembly  124  are individually modulated based on the operator&#39;s experience and actual field conditions. Such independent actions include fluttering tail assembly  124  while maintaining head assembly  126  bowed. Such independent actions also include applying head assembly  126  to simulate gobbling, fluttering, and/or pecking with or without movement of tail assembly  124 . 
         [0037]    Moreover, in some alternative embodiments, the motive string  144  is coupled to tail assembly  124  first and then routed to head assembly  126  such that tail assembly  124  is moved prior to head assembly  126 . Also, head assembly  126  and tail assembly  124  have any predetermined stationary initial positions defined along their associated arcual travel paths (not shown) that facilitate simulation of wild turkeys as described herein. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a comparison of partially assembled turkey decoy  100  and an exemplary fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy  200 . Turkey decoy  200  is similar to turkey decoy  100  with the exception that turkey decoy  200  includes a plurality of taxidermied feathers  202  coupled to body  102 .  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy  200  with head assembly  126  and tail assembly  124  fully raised.  FIG. 6  is a side view of fully assembled taxidermied turkey decoy  200  shown with head assembly  126  fully bowed and tail assembly  124  fully prone. In the exemplary embodiment, a significant portion of turkey decoy  200  that includes devices not naturally occurring is hidden from view when head assembly  126  and tail assembly  124  are fully raised. Operation of turkey decoy  200  is substantially similar to that of turkey decoy  100 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of an exemplary movable decoy stake system  300 . In the exemplary embodiment, stake system  300  includes a ground stake  302  extending in a vertical direction for the entire vertical height of stake system  300 . Stake system  300  also includes a stake extension  304  coupled to and extending from ground stake  302 . Both ground stake  302  and stake extension  304  are configured to be inserted into the ground and to provide longitudinal stability for a turkey decoy (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) positioned thereon. In the exemplary embodiment, ground stake  302  and stake extension  304  are fabricated unitarily of any materials that enable operation of stake system  300  as described herein, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, and metal. Alternatively, ground stake  302  and stake extension  304  may be fabricated separately and are coupled by any mechanism that enables operation of stake system  300  as described herein. 
         [0040]    Stake system  300  also includes a string guide device  306  that receives a movement mechanism, e.g., motive string (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). In the exemplary embodiment, string guide device  306  is substantially similar to string guide device  136  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and is any device that enables operation of stake system  300  as described herein, including, without limitation, an eyebolt. 
         [0041]    Stake system  300  further includes a head support member  308  coupled to and extending from ground stake  302 . Head support member  308  includes a front, or head assembly receptacle  310  that receives a head assembly (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). Stake system  300  also includes a tail support member  312  coupled to and extending from ground stake  302 . Tail support member  312  includes a rear, or tail assembly receptacle  314  that receives a tail assembly (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). In the exemplary embodiment, head assembly receptacle  310  and tail assembly receptacle  314  are tubes, or cylindrical devices, each with a slit  316  and  318 , respectively, defined thereon. Slits  316  and  318  facilitate receipt of head and tail attachment devices (neither shown in  FIG. 7 ), respectively. In other embodiments, head and tail assembly receptacles  310  and  314  may be any devices that define a receiving cavity that enables assembly and operation of stake system  300  and any turkey decoy as described herein. 
         [0042]    In the exemplary embodiment, head support member  308  and tail support member  312  extend from ground stake  302  substantially horizontally. Alternatively, head support member  308  and tail support member  312  extend from ground stake  302  in any direction and any orientation that enables operation of stake system  300  as described herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, head support member  308 , head assembly receptacle  310 , tail support member  312 , and tail assembly receptacle  314  are fabricated from polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping. Alternatively, members  308  and  312  and receptacles  310  and  314  may be fabricated from any materials that enable operation of stake system  300  as described herein. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, head assembly receptacle  310  may be tail assembly receptacle  314  are configured to receive and coupled to the head assembly and the tail assembly, respectively, by a friction fit. Alternatively, mechanical fastening hardware may be used. 
         [0043]    Stake system  300  further includes at least one string, or motive force-applying attachment device  320  coupled to ground stake  302 , wherein each device  320  is any device that enables operation of stake system  300 , including, without limitation, an eyebolt and hook screw that guides a movement mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). The movement mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) is any device that enables operation of stake system  300 , including, without limitation, string, cable, chain, or rope. Motive force-applying attachment device  320  is substantially similar to motive force-applying attachment devices  128 ,  130 , and  134  (all shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  6 ). 
         [0044]    Stake system  300  also includes a handle attachment device  322  positioned at the top of ground stake  302 . Handle attachment device  322  includes any mechanical fastening apparatus that enables operation of stake system  300  as described herein, including, without limitation, a nut and bolt. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of an exemplary alternative turkey decoy  400  that may be used with movable decoy stake system  300 . Turkey decoy  400  includes an artificial body  402  configured to receive most of stake system  300  above string guide device  306 . Artificial body  402  is fabricated from any material that enables operation of turkey decoy  400  as described herein, including, without limitation, molded plastic. 
         [0046]    Turkey decoy  400  also includes a head assembly  426  that includes a head attachment mechanism  416  fixedly coupled to head assembly  426 . Head assembly receptacle  310  receives attachment mechanism  416 , wherein mechanism  416  is any attachment device that applies a rotational/bending moment and enables motive operation of head assembly  426  as described herein, including, without limitation, hinges, springs, chain links, and linked eyebolts. 
         [0047]    Head assembly  426  includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  428  coupled to head assembly  426 , wherein device  428  is any device that guides a movement mechanism  444 , including, without limitation, an eyebolt and hook screw. Movement mechanism  444  is any device that enables operation of turkey decoy  400  as described herein, including, without limitation, string, cable, chain, and rope. Head assembly  426  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  430  coupled to head assembly  426 , wherein device  430  is substantially similar to device  428 . First biasing device  106  is coupled to and extends between motive force-applying attachment devices  320  and  430 . 
         [0048]    Turkey decoy  400  further includes a tail assembly  424  that includes a tail attachment mechanism  420  fixedly coupled to tail assembly  424 , wherein mechanism  420  is substantially similar to mechanism  416 . Tail assembly  424  also includes taxidermied real wild turkey feathers  425 . Alternatively, tail assembly  424  may include any feather-like devices fabricated of any material that enables operation of the decoy as described herein. Tail assembly  424  further includes a tail assembly bracket  432 , wherein the feathers are fixedly coupled. Bracket  432  is fabricated of any materials that enable operation of turkey decoy  400  as described herein, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, and metal. More specifically, bracket  432  is formed from two semicircular pieces (not shown) coupled to each other by methods that include, but are not limited to, fasteners and adhesives. 
         [0049]    Tail assembly  424  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  434  that is substantially similar to devices  428  and  430 . Second biasing device  108  is coupled to and extends between motive force-applying attachment devices  320  and  434 . Tail assembly  424  further also includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  445  coupled to tail assembly bracket  432  on a side opposite to motive force-applying attachment device  434 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, turkey decoy  400  also includes a plurality of optional clips  460  coupled to body  402  (only some shown in  FIG. 8 ). Clips  460  facilitate coupling of taxidermied feathers (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) to body  402 . 
         [0051]    Turkey decoy  400  includes an opening  462  defined within body  402  adjacent to tail assembly receptacle  314  and tail assembly  424 . Opening  462  is configured to receive movement mechanism  444 , e.g., string for initiating movement in body  402  as it is routed between string guide device  306  and attachment device  445 . Such movement of body  402  is characterized by a slight turning movement about ground stake  302  that appears natural to nearby live turkeys. Such movement is further characterized by apparent floating and shaking as a function of the tension in movement mechanism  444  that also appears natural to nearby live turkeys. Otherwise, operation of turkey decoy  400  is similar to that for turkey decoy  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 ). 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of another exemplary alterative turkey decoy  500  and an exemplary alternative movable decoy stake system  501 . Stake system  501  is similar to stake system  300  (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) with the exception that stake system  501  does not include a head support member  308  and associated head assembly receptacle  310  and slit  316  (all shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Moreover, alternative embodiments of stake system  501  may not have tail support member  312 , rear assembly receptacle  314 , and slit  318 . 
         [0053]    Turkey decoy  500  includes an artificial body  502  that is configured to receive a portion of stake system  501  above string guide device  306 . Artificial body  502  is fabricated from any material that enables operation of turkey decoy  400  as described herein, including, without limitation, molded plastic and rubber. In this alternative embodiment, artificial body  502  is a realistic facsimile of a turkey body. Artificial body  502  includes a first side  503  and a second side  505 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  is a schematic overhead view an exemplary alternative head assembly  526  that may be used with the turkey decoy  500 . In this alternative embodiment, turkey decoy  500  also includes head assembly  526 , which includes a turkey head  527  unitarily formed with a swivel device  529 . Swivel device  529  includes an upper portion  531  of body  502 . Swivel device  529  also includes a transverse member  533  coupled to upper portion  531  and extending between first side  503  and second side  505  of body  502 . Transverse member  533  is rotationally coupled to first side  503  and second side  505  of body  502 . Head assembly  526  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  530  coupled to upper portion  531 , wherein device  530  is any device that receives biasing device  106 , including, without limitation, an eyebolt and hook screw. When head assembly  526  is tilted forward, an access opening  535  is defined in the top of body  502  to allow access to attachment device  530  and biasing device. Moreover, alternative embodiments of turkey decoy  500  may includes a swivel device (not shown) for tail assembly  524  that is similar to swivel device  529 . 
         [0055]    Referring again to  FIG. 9 , head assembly  526  includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  528  coupled to head assembly  526 , wherein device  528  is any device that guides a movement mechanism  544 , including, without limitation, an eyebolt and hook screw. Device  528  is substantially similar to device  530 . Movement mechanism  544  is any device that enables operation of turkey decoy  500  as described herein, including, without limitation, string, cable, chain, and rope. 
         [0056]    Turkey decoy  500  further includes a tail assembly  524  that includes a tail attachment mechanism  520  fixedly coupled to tail assembly  524 , wherein mechanism  520  is substantially similar to mechanism  420  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). Tail assembly  524  also includes taxidermied real wild turkey feathers  525 . Alternatively, tail assembly  524  may include any feather-like devices fabricated of any material that enables operation of the decoy as described herein. Tail assembly  524  further includes a tail assembly bracket  532 , wherein the feathers are fixedly coupled. Bracket  532  is fabricated of any materials that enable operation of turkey decoy  500  as described herein, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, and metal. More specifically, bracket  532  is formed from two semicircular pieces (not shown) that are coupled to each other by methods that include, but are not limited to, fasteners and adhesives. 
         [0057]    Tail assembly  524  also includes a biasing, or motive force-applying attachment device  534  that is substantially similar to devices  528  and  530 . Second biasing device  108  is coupled to and extends between motive force-applying attachment devices  520  and  534 . Tail assembly  524  further also includes a string, or motive force-applying attachment device  545  coupled to tail assembly bracket  532  on a side opposite to motive force-applying attachment device  534 . 
         [0058]    Turkey decoy  500  includes an opening  562  defined within body  502  adjacent to tail assembly receptacle  314  and tail assembly  524 . Opening  562  is configured to receive movement mechanism  544 , e.g., string for initiating movement in body  502 , as it is routed between string guide device  306  and attachment device  545 . Such movement of body  502  is characterized by a slight turning movement about ground stake  302  that appears natural to nearby live turkeys. Such movement is further characterized by apparent floating and shaking as a function of the tension in movement mechanism  544  that also appears natural to nearby live turkeys. Operation of turkey decoy  500  is similar to that for turkey decoy  400  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) with the exception of operation of head assembly  526 , swivel device  529 , and transverse member  533  in place of head assembly  428 . 
         [0059]    Methods and apparatus for using a turkey decoy to facilitate attracting wild turkeys are provided herein. Specifically, a turkey decoy is fabricated to closely resemble a wild turkey. Moreover, the turkey decoy is assembled to move in a manner similar to a wild turkey. More specifically, the decoys and methods described herein include a decoy mechanism which emulates life-like movements of wild turkeys. The motion of the decoys described herein is initiated by an operator with a manual pull string. Such manual activation capability as described gives the operator the advantage of triggering the decoy&#39;s movement at opportune times with motions closely simulating those of actual wild turkeys. Such manually motivated, taxidermied turkey decoys realistically simulate key behavioral aspects inherent to a gobbler&#39;s mating ritual. Also, a full strut may be used to not only attract hens, but also gobblers. Further, a hen&#39;s behavioral features may also be realistically simulated. Moreover, the decoy embodiments and methods described herein may be used to assemble and operate decoys of any wild bird. 
         [0060]    Exemplary embodiments of turkey decoys as associated with attracting wild turkeys are described above in detail. The methods, apparatus and systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein nor to the specific illustrated turkey decoys. 
         [0061]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.