Decoys during the muzzleloader season

[dapper]

The first week we pack in will be during the muzzleloader season in Colorado. Last year we saw one muzzleloader hunter on the trail about 2 miles in. How do you veterans handle the use of a decoy at this time? Debating whether to tie a blaze orange ribbon to the decoys ear or just don't use it until the following week. In our home state it would be crazy to use any decoy during a gun season.

[buglmin]

Why do guys freak out about bowhunting elk during black powder season? Guys seem to think that whatever they do they will end up getting shot! Do you really think you run a risk of getting shot? Black powder hunters aint dumb, and you prolly run just as much risk getting shot by a bowhunter!!

[mtnmutt]

I use my Montana Decoy during ML. Ever since CO went to limited ML, there are far fewer ML in my hunting area.

ML have been very respectful to me while I have been archery hunting that week. They even gave me calling tips when I encountered them.

However, there is no way I would hunt that same area when it is rifle season. It is tent city there.

Do not worry about the Muzzleloaders in CO.

[dapper]

Sorry if I struck a nerve. No way was the post intended to degrade muzzleloaders or anybody hunting with a firearm. I've hunted and still do with firearms/muzzleloaders. I merely wanted to know how others would handle it.

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

Why do guys freak out about bowhunting elk during black powder season? Guys seem to think that whatever they do they will end up getting shot! Do you really think you run a risk of getting shot? Black powder hunters aint dumb, and you prolly run just as much risk getting shot by a bowhunter!!

I have only had a couple of what I'd call run-ins with MZ guys in all my years of hunting. For the most part they just want to hunt like the rest of us. But for those two times, stupid is what stupid does. And it only takes one rotten apple to ruin the whole barrell! And that goes for rifle and archery hunters as well.

But most are great guys. And as long as they keep their orange on I'm OK with hunting around them. When I see orange, I usually give them a wide birth if possible. If that isn't possible, I make my persence known to them. And if that isn't enough, hey guys, there is nothing wrong with a bowhunter wearing an orange hat during MZ season.

But to answer the original question for this post, There is no way in you know what , that I would even consider using a decoy during that time period.

[elkmtngear]

I'm very selective about opening the decoy during ML Season. Even though I have never seen a ML hunter in our area, I have heard them shoot a couple times over the years.

I always have the option to deploy the decoy instantly if I need it, since I use it as a walking stick. During ML Season, I will not use it as a "shield" to cover my human outline when crossing an open area. I will only deploy it when directly working a bull, that means he is visible to me, and the decoy presentation is toward him.

If hunting solo, not so much of an issue when working a herd bull; you would stab the decoy in the ground and move toward the bull, so you are away from it.