Decoys

[OS hunter]

Who here uses a decoy? I'm thinking about adding one to my arsenal this year to help draw the bulls in. I hunt solo so any extra advantage I can get is much needed.

Thinking about the heads up decoy. Any experience/recommendations? I back pack in so light weight is always important.

[baddaddy]

I carry two of the Montana decoys.

[Swede]

For solo hunting on the ground I believe a decoy is very helpful. For a very cheap and light weight one, cut out a headless cow elk outline. You only need two short legs. Sew around the edge so it doesn't unravel, and look at a picture of an elk or commercial decoy and paint with unscented latex to match. Place a grommet high on each end of your new friend and tie some string to each grommet. Hang your new decoy out to attract the elk. It is spooky how realistic your new decoy will look even to you. Never mind the missing head.

[Toby]

For solo hunting on the ground I believe a decoy is very helpful. For a very cheap and light weight one, cut out a headless cow elk outline. You only need two short legs. Sew around the edge so it doesn't unravel, and look at a picture of an elk or commercial decoy and paint with unscented latex to match. Place a grommet high on each end of your new friend and tie some string to each grommet. Hang your new decoy out to attract the elk. It is spooky how realistic your new decoy will look even to you. Never mind the missing head.

I like this idea. Light, easy to pack and set up without strangling yourself with the slinky wire found inside some decoys. I think you could sew a couple pockets in the bottom of the legs and when setting it up stick a rock in each one so it hangs better.

[Toby]

Any recommendations for dimensions?

[ElkNut1]

Even If you use one of the styles you have to hang or setup with legs because your setup calls for it I would still have this decoy attached to my bow from Poison Arrow Gear http://www.poisonarrowgear.com/ This is one of the most innovative ones I've seen & it is awesome looking & lightweight. You do not have to remove your pack to set it up & it's with you leaving your hands free so you can handle your bow with ease. Just another option to consider!

ElkNut1

[elkmtngear]

Another option. This lightweight, photorealistic decoy will also serve as a trekking pole, and a rain shelter if needed. Innovative stretch slipcovers allow you to change the presentation to any of 20 available camo or decoy patterns.

Provides near total concealment for two hunters if necessary to move in, spikes into the ground instantly.

I'm expecting a new shipment of the elk butt decoy Slipcovers this week.

[ElkNut1]

Jeff, your first photo of the distant elk rump is sweet, I may have to get that one from you, I really like that one best! What's the cost on the Rump? Thanks for posting it!

ElkNut1

[Swede]

I just measured my decoys. They are 53"x 20", not including the three (3) legs. The head of the elk is missing, but still it is a small elk. I know I wrote two legs above. I don't think it matters to the elk. Also I put grommets with short tie strings at the bottoms of the legs. I like Toby's idea of having pockets at the bottoms of the legs to put a stick in. I tie my legs to a long limb, but pockets may be even quicker. It is interesting to watch the decoy move round a little when there is a breeze. I think it adds to the realism. I got the idea for the burlap decoys by watching Larry D. Jones in Elk Fever II. The show is produced by Wilderness Sound.

[Toby]

Thanks Swede.

[stringunner]

So for those of you using decoys regularly, which one and why do you prefer it, the heads view, side view or butt view? Which one have you had more success with?

[elkmtngear]

Jeff, your first photo of the distant elk rump is sweet, I may have to get that one from you, I really like that one best! What's the cost on the Rump? Thanks for posting it!

ElkNut1

Paul, I thought you already had the butt decoy??? Slipcovers retail for $34.95...but I'm always open to giving Elknut discounts

I just got the tracking info for the shipment, I'll post up an announcement as soon as I get those covers in hand

[elkmtngear]

So for those of you using decoys regularly, which one and why do you prefer it, the heads view, side view or butt view? Which one have you had more success with?

In wide open country when you have to move around elk that have you in plain view, I prefer the Profile Decoy (like my avatar)

It can allow several hunters to strategically relocate, even when elk have you in sight.

For dark timber encounters or thicker areas...can't beat the butt decoy IMHO. It can be seen from a long way in the timber, and you can get behind it, shake it, and rake a tree to simulate a rival bull. Or, just "be a cow". We've had elk within just a few feet of the butt decoy with two hunters crouched behind it.

[ElkNut1]

Jeff, sounds good! For some reason I thought it was the cow's head that we had here, now you're going to make me look! (grin) I know we have a couple so will see which they are, thanks for the reply! Hey guys, did you notice he said a possible DISCOUNT for ElkNut guys! Hey that's us! (grin) Swede you need one of these! (grin)

ElkNut1

[elkmtngear]

Swede you need one of these! (grin)

ElkNut1

Haha I've been working on Swede, but he's a tough nut to crack!

[elkmtngear]

Swede you need one of these! (grin)

ElkNut1

Haha I've been working on Swede, but he's a tough nut to crack!

Did I mention that the SLIP system doubles as a treestand umbrella?

[WapitiTalk1]

I have definite plans for my new slip system this fall. In camo mode, I think it's gonna work great as either a pre-planned or impromtu blind. In "cow butt" mode, I have visions of getting up close and personal with bullwinkle either by myself, or, calling for hunting partners. A great deal of planning and forethought went into these things folks. Very, very well built, lightweight, and more than large enough when deployed to be used as a blind, or, a decoy. Yep, I'm hoping for some great stories to tell after usin it this fall. RJ

[elkmtngear]

I have definite plans for my new slip system this fall. In camo mode, I think it's gonna work great as either a pre-planned or impromtu blind. In "cow butt" mode, I have visions of getting up close and personal with bullwinkle either by myself, or, calling for hunting partners. A great deal of planning and forethought went into these things folks. Very, very well built, lightweight, and more than large enough when deployed to be used as a blind, or, a decoy. Yep, I'm hoping for some great stories to tell after usin it this fall. RJ

RJ, your new butt will be on the way very soon! (I am told your current butt has a crack in it)

[elkmtngear]

I have definite plans for my new slip system this fall. In camo mode, I think it's gonna work great as either a pre-planned or impromtu blind. In "cow butt" mode, I have visions of getting up close and personal with bullwinkle either by myself, or, calling for hunting partners. A great deal of planning and forethought went into these things folks. Very, very well built, lightweight, and more than large enough when deployed to be used as a blind, or, a decoy. Yep, I'm hoping for some great stories to tell after usin it this fall. RJ

RJ, your new butt will be on the way very soon! (I am told your current butt has a crack in it)

RJ brought up a good point in a PM...you could use the Poison Arrow decoy or a Heads Up in conjunction with the elk butt for a little extra realism, and to allow you to shoot over the blind without spooking a bull if solo decoying!

[Olydog09]

Another option. This lightweight, photorealistic decoy will also serve as a trekking pole, and a rain shelter if needed. Innovative stretch slipcovers allow you to change the presentation to any of 20 available camo or decoy patterns.

Provides near total concealment for two hunters if necessary to move in, spikes into the ground instantly.

I'm expecting a new shipment of the elk butt decoy Slipcovers this week.

Jeff, I have decided that I really like your product and the variety of uses it has. I was gung ho for a Montana decoy until I came across your Slip System. After checking into it more I think it is very innovative. Well done. A great out of the box product with multiple uses. I am excited to try one out this fall.

[WapitiTalk1]

Jeff, I have decided that I really like your product and the variety of uses it has. I was gung ho for a Montana decoy until I came across your Slip System. After checking into it more I think it is very innovative. Well done. A great out of the box product with multiple uses. I am excited to try one out this fall.

Sent you an email Scott. I think you're gonna really like the slip system! RJ

[elkmtngear]

Jeff, I have decided that I really like your product and the variety of uses it has. I was gung ho for a Montana decoy until I came across your Slip System. After checking into it more I think it is very innovative. Well done. A great out of the box product with multiple uses. I am excited to try one out this fall.

Thank you Scott...send me a PM when you are ready to place an order!