re: Had a public land turkey make a fool of me...what did I do wrong?

Op as said that's normal for Easterns especially public land birds. If they are pretty sure where you are, they hold up at 60-75 yards and just strut.

You have to call them through you. As said, have one guy sit behind you. Or call and then move forward, or call very quiet in front of some vegetation and make them think you are further back.

I've had birds hold up at 75 yards 4 times this season. I did all the tricks in the book, it just happens if they catch you out in the open or they aren't horny enough like in the late season.