I usually put out a hen and a jake decoy, they seem to hate the jake and usually come in looking to fight. As for the calls, it doesn’t matter as long as you can sound somewhat realistic. Good luck to you guys!
I don’t know much about the Gila, but the later end of the season when the hens go to nest seems to be a great time. Typically you will find gobblers mid day searching for the hens that aren’t on the nest yet. When I find them this way they typically come in on a string.
The farm I live on in Easter Washington gets hit hard with Blue tounge every 3 or 4 years. It’s a terrible deal and I don’t think we can do a thing about it, except maybe being more picky on the deer we decide to hunt.