New Decoy Design

[elkmtngear]

Several months ago, I contacted wildlife photographer and fellow bowhunter Bill Allard, in hopes of getting some high resolution muley doe photos. Bill came through for me big time, and through consulting efforts with Pro Staffer Lou Phillippe, we were able to develop the most photo-realistic 2D Muley doe decoy in the Industry to date.

[elkmtngear]

In addition, thanks to a great peak Season, we are re-stocking and improving our four most popular Slipcovers (Open Country Camo, Open Country Elk, Timber Elk, and Pronghorn)

The stretch poly slipcovers fit the SLIP System blind like a second skin. They do not glare, reflect UV, stain, rip, or fade; the images are sublimated into the polyester fiber itself.

Covers can be changed in a matter of seconds, depending on quarry, location, or strategy. We currently have 22 camo or decoy designs.

[elkmtngear]

[elkmtngear]

[elkmtngear]

Best of Luck to all in 2013!

[ElkNut1]

Wow! Those are very impressive!! Bill is a great guy, don't know many better than him with a camera either! Great stuff Jeff!

ElkNut1

[WapitiTalk1]

I find myself oddly atracted to those decoys. Is that wrong Absolutely incredible and so realistic. Nicely done Sir.. I'm sure many hunters will be taking these new products into the field this year.

[romey]

I covered a very open terrain 800 yard stalk down to 120 yards into a herd of 75 elk with hunting in town using the slip system. Even with wind swirling and eyes on it It works backed up with some calling.

[elkmtngear]

Thanks for the replies, Gentlemen!

I'm actually working with Bill on another custom project for Tom Foss right now, and if you know Tom, you can kinda guess what I'm making.

The drawbacks are, they are a little heavier than other 2D decoys. Advantages include the ability to walk with the decoy in hand (it converts to a carbon fiber trekking pole), which allows greater stealth over deadfalls, rocks, uneven terrain. Also, near instant deployment, and near total concealment if needed when stalking.

The System also can be used as a treestand umbrella, windbreak and rain shelter, bivy pole, gun rest, camera mount....many uses.

[>>>---WW---->]

You couldn't have hooked up with a better guy than BB. I consider him as a close friend. But watch out for Lou (Jaquomo) Phillippe. Awww! Just kidding, I've known Lou for several years. Great guy.

Have you ever thought about a square or rectangle slip with loops on all four corners that could be hung on a tree or bush without the umbrella frame? I'd sure be interested in something like that in the elk butt style.

[elkmtngear]

ww,
That's funny, I did consult with Lou Phillippe on the Muley Doe design. I sent him several proofs, and we went with the one you see above.

You can easily accomplish what you are talking about, by just slipping off the decoy cover, and tying some pieces of cord in the small eyelets on the cover. I have used
camo covers many times like this when turkey hunting in a fixed setup. You can tie off to brush, trees, etc. for a stationary setup. Covers are available separately from the
device for $34.95.

The disadvantage to a "flat" presentation like this, is it is less approachable from a diagonal angle. The convex nature of the umbrella presentation makes the decoy more approachable from an angle, and you can just grab the handle and move quickly if need be, and stab it back down when you get to where you want to be.

[>>>---WW---->]

Any chance you could show a pic of the elk tail end hung up like I mentioned?

[elkmtngear]

WW, I used four short pieces of paracord on the top and top sides, and two small galvanized garden stakes for the eyelets in the bottom, to keep it from flapping in the breeze.

[>>>---WW---->]

Thanks for posting the picture Jeff. I like it! I'll be giving you a call real soon.

[elkmtngear]

Awesome WW. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[elkmtngear]

Just wanted to bump this thread....I just received the shipment of the New Slipcovers, and the quality is excellent!

All the Slipcovers shown above and the SLIP System are now available right here on the Elknut Forums at a discounted rate, see the links on the right hand side of the forum sections.

[otcWill]

Ok, your hard work has obviously paid off! I'm at least getting the lope. You'll hear from me before long as well. Your efforts are greatly appreciated

[elkmtngear]

otcwill,

That's awesome, thanks!

I'm sending a loper decoy out with a System right now as we speak (type) . The new ones are excellent....larger prongs and better body proportions. And hands down the best photorealism on the market.

I am getting much better at this design thing

[Indian Summer]

Can you make me one that looks like Brad Pitt sitting on a barstool? hee hee

How wide and what do they weigh?

[elkmtngear]

[elkmtngear]

Can you make me one that looks like Brad Pitt sitting on a barstool? hee hee

How wide and what do they weigh?

Joe, I can print whatever you want on these......for a price

Unit is about 2.5 pounds with the cover on, and is about 48 inches wide
(covers weigh about 3/4th of a pound)

The material has quite bit of weight, but is virtually indestructable.

[elkmtngear]

Ain't she purty?

[RockyMountainHi]

Jeff,

Of the two elk options, what do you see as the pros/cons of the Butt versus Side Profile. I like them, but don't want to carry both.

Thx

[elkmtngear]

Barton,
Here's what I've come up with in my experiences:

Profile Decoy- Pros- definitely the best choice for Open Country hunts, and for moving across parks to get around elk to get wind position, etc.
great for running and gunning into elk herds as well. Great for cold calling setups

Cons- not as visible at a distance through the timber, sex is immediately determined on sight.

Butt Decoy- Pros- Highly visible through timber and thicker cover, great for challenging the herd bull (rake and scream from behind it)
Great for cold calling setups as well

Cons- Looks somewhat unnatural when running in on elk. More effective static or moving away.

That being said, I have had elk literally within a few feet of both decoy Slips...so they are both highly effective

Here's a video that shows both in use: