Decoys

[Swede]

What do you look for in a good decoy, and how do you make it work for you? I know quick and easy to carry and set up are desirable, and as soon as it is up we want elk to come in close to check it out. But what decoy gets the best response or does it matter? How and where do you locate yours for the best results?

[ElkNut1]

Just picked up this decoy, can't wait to use it, it's pretty sweet! I don't use one often but I can really see some serious use with this unit!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNAhRYP1LEo

ElkNut1

[WapitiTalk1]

That thing looks pretty sweet Paul. I'm anxious to hear how it worked for you after some hunts this fall! I'm a huge fan of the Poison Arrow Gear, pretty cow face decoy. I've used one for two years now with really good results. I've literally had elk stare at me, go back to feeding, lift their heads, and stare again without busting. Oh, this fine fellow came off his cows twice last year to try to "kiss" my PAG decoy.

I'll also be packing one of the Elk Mountain Gear Slip System cow butt decoys into a few spots this September. They are built rock solid and are very visually realistic. I haven't used this decoy nearly enough but really want to get it into play this fall.

IMG_0506.JPG (187.81 KiB) Viewed 3848 times

[Lefty]

Stalker has a booth at The SLC ISE show , I really liked the looks of the moo cow decoy

My list :
looks real
fast to set up and beck down
easy to put away
lightweight



My daughter has a Montana Eichler cow elk decoy . First saturday: I think the decoy held a bull for a bit longer , I believe the bull was looking for the bull he heard.,

Met a young guy that had about very bow mounted decoy that existed. He walked up and killed a 218 Mulie in an alphafa field during a late season.

[mandrroofing]

I have not used a decoy yet but i just ordered the heads up cow elk.since ill be hunting total solo this year i thought it would be a nice option to have if needed.just another trickin the bag for the the right place for the right time.

[mongopino915]

Have always wanted to try a decoy but never used one before. Walked into Cabelas bargain cave and saw a Montana Eichler cow elk decoy for $50. Will have to lug her into the back wood this September and try her out. Hope she does her magic.

[poisonarrow]

One thing to remember, 99% of the time you are hiking through the woods. Only a very small amount of time is actually spent using your decoy. The benefit of my decoy, Poison Arrow Gear, is the way it carries. It is totally out of the way but deploys in a second or two.

[Backyard]

I have not used a decoy yet but i just ordered the heads up cow elk.since ill be hunting total solo this year i thought it would be a nice option to have if needed.just another trickin the bag for the the right place for the right time.

Same here. I've got the mount for the bow for speed goat hunting, so that expense is taken care of already. Couldn't hurt right?

[Northman]

I look at decoys as being in two categories-

1-The first type of decoy is a true decoy in that you are using it to draw the animal in. It gives the animal confidence to see another elk while it is hearing elk calls. It is best to have this decoy and the person calling set up behind you. Ideally they will be back at least 40 yards. If you are calling all by yourself I think they are even more valuable because when the elk gets close you can shut up and let the decoy draw it past you. That way you don't peg yourself by calling when the elk is "too close". This type of decoying is what will get you a shot under 30 yards when things go to plan. This is the type of decoying I do, and I use a Eichler Montana Decoy. It is light weight and sets up quick. I'm sure there are other quality decoys out there, I just have not used them. In my experience calling elk with a decoy is about 30%-50% more effective than not using one.

2- The second type of decoy is more of a shield than a decoy. They are effective means of getting close to a animal when it is out in the open and there is a lack of cover to stalk the animal. I have seen people get much closer to game using these decoys then they ever would have belly crawling, but you are still not going to be able to go up and scratch the animal behind its ears. I think people using this method should realistically expect a shot over 40 yards.

[GobbleFarmer]

I want to try James' decoy, it is pretty smart if you ask me. I like the thought of putting it up or collapsing it in an instant I think it kinda doubles as a blind of sorts too. I like stalking whitetails, I have stalked and put down deer with a crossbow and a 30-30, I want to make it a bit more challenging with a compound as I have never killed a deer with it. But I dont want to try it without some kind of decoy. I have been practicing with my bow more this year, getting stronger, and I'm going to start trying to further my effective range!