elk decoys in CO

[cnyhunter84]

Hello all, first post here, been reading the site for a while. I am heading out for my first archery elk hunt in CO, DIY with two other guys. I was wondering if it is worth lugging decoy in with us. If anyone has experience with them any info would be appreciated.

[Gypsumreaper]

I pack one usually when I have it I never have an opportunity and when I could really use it I don't have it. Couldn't tell you if it's worth it or not, basically i just prefer it as a visual to keep the focus off of me. I only carry it during archery only when the smoke poles are running around for that 9 days I leave it at home.


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[Elkduds]

Check out site sponsor Poison Arrow gear decoys. Weigh a few oz, attach to your bow so always ready when that big bubba bull approaches.

[CurlyTail]

I do not routinely use a decoy

I feel that a decoy is a double edged sword, but may have some limited use.

When an Elk is coming towards you I want them to keep coming past me. With a decoy, they tend to stop and stare when first sighted. Then maybe keep coming but maybe leave or circle downwind. I want the elk to come looking where he heard the call, and then when he does not see an elk, to keep going in the direction of the call searching for the Elk he heard.

I do use a Poison Arrow Decoy sometimes, as I like to hide behind it stalking close to a herd to help cover my movement. I like a decoy to cover movement in open terrain over use as an actual attractant.

I would love to hear from guys who have used decoys sucessfully, and would be willing to share their tactics

[CurlyTail]

I do not routinely use a decoy

I feel that a decoy is a double edged sword, but may have some limited use.

When an Elk is coming towards you I want them to keep coming past me. With a decoy, they tend to stop and stare when first sighted. Then maybe keep coming but maybe leave or circle downwind. I want the elk to come looking where he heard the call, and then when he does not see an elk, to keep going in the direction of the call searching for the Elk he heard.

I do use a Poison Arrow Decoy sometimes, as I like to hide behind it stalking close to a herd to help cover my movement. I like a decoy to cover movement in open terrain over use as an actual attractant.

I would love to hear from guys who have used decoys sucessfully, and would be willing to share their tactics

[stringunner]

I have three for elk, a heads up (I carry this always when running and gunning), a Montana butt, and one of the elk heads by be the decoy. I have used all three in various situations to some success. I haven't had much success when hunting solo with them as I want to stay as mobile as possible. When using them as a caller when I have my dad or buddies up ahead as shooters as I use them regularly. Mostly just to give quick glimpses to peak the interest of in coming elk. It has worked but not every time.

I have used the Montana butt to move openingly around herds when in a pinch.

I also have one for mule deer, the mule deer head by be the decoy, that I have used to stalk in open country but have yet to get close enough for a shot. I get a few good laughs when I have run into other hunters while packing the elk or deer head decoys.

They are fun to have in the arsenal.

[WapitiTalk1]

I really like the minimalist design of the Poison Arrow Gear Decoy. It deploys in seconds and stows away almost as fast. I called this guy off his small group of cows, "twice", in a matter of a handful of seconds last year. I was trying to call him past my buddy for a shot but a clear lane never materialized for him; instead, the bull came to my calling, directly at me both times and each time he stopped he made googly eyes at the pretty cow face . The first time I had no shot but after I moved very quickly 15 feet to my left, called again, he wheeled on a dime and came back but this time by the time he slowed and was staring at the cow face, the arrow was on it's way.

http://www.poisonarrowgear.com/

[JJ Overkill]

another hunter on here has a good story from last year in CO. had a 6pt bull across a meadow about 4-500 yds away. he set up his decoy, cow called and the bull was on a trot to him until a muzzle loader walked out in the meadow with no clue the bull was there, the bull put on the breaks and bolted out of the area. I had a 5pt bull last yr a 47yds looking at my decoy broadside. I had some cow sent out and was cow calling softly every 15 min or so, he came in on a dead run saw her and stopped. this was on a bow mounted decoy. I shot and missed low. estimated him at about 35yds, the shot was a steep up hill shot. still kicking myself. I later ranged the area he was standing. as to your question, I wont be in the woods without one.

[Trophyhill]

another hunter on here has a good story from last year in CO. had a 6pt bull across a meadow about 4-500 yds away. he set up his decoy, cow called and the bull was on a trot to him until a muzzle loader walked out in the meadow with no clue the bull was there, the bull put on the breaks and bolted out of the area. I had a 5pt bull last yr a 47yds looking at my decoy broadside. I had some cow sent out and was cow calling softly every 15 min or so, he came in on a dead run saw her and stopped. this was on a bow mounted decoy. I shot and missed low. estimated him at about 35yds, the shot was a steep up hill shot. still kicking myself. I later ranged the area he was standing. as to your question, I wont be in the woods without one.

Hey look who came out of his igloo

[WapitiTalk1]

another hunter on here has a good story from last year in CO. had a 6pt bull across a meadow about 4-500 yds away. he set up his decoy, cow called and the bull was on a trot to him until a muzzle loader walked out in the meadow with no clue the bull was there, the bull put on the breaks and bolted out of the area. I had a 5pt bull last yr a 47yds looking at my decoy broadside. I had some cow sent out and was cow calling softly every 15 min or so, he came in on a dead run saw her and stopped. this was on a bow mounted decoy. I shot and missed low. estimated him at about 35yds, the shot was a steep up hill shot. still kicking myself. I later ranged the area he was standing. as to your question, I wont be in the woods without one.

Hey look who came out of his igloo

LOL, no kidding. I think he's back in MN now?