What Makes A Decoy Work?

[Swede]

I can't say decoys have been a real success maker for me. When I am on the ground the bulls ignore my decoy. When I used to set one up near my tree stand, some elk would ignore it. Some elk were curious or skeptical, but several fled at the sight of one. After a couple of experiences where they took off with the whole herd, I abandoned the idea of ever using one anywhere near my stand.
Some people swear by decoys when hunting alone on the ground, and even claim they are essential for getting in nervous bulls within shooting range. They claim they prevent hang-ups. That frankly has not been my experience. I would like some other thoughts on the subject.

[zpd307]

I have yet to use one...... so I have no experience

[Lefty]

Depends on what is meant by works Two situation ovwer a year ago.
In open timber we had a herd 45-60 yards from the decoy for over 8 minutes. I would say they were very comfortable. But dint care
The other situation I met a big bull about in the middle Im guessing I ran 250 yards the bull covered twice that. The bull hung up on his own, again open timber.60 yards out it just hung around.
the decoy held little interest I slipped over a rocky ridge and cow called nothing. A bugle nothing, more aggressive cow and bugling while he paid attention his interest seemed to be in the direction I had called from originally ,.. and he walked of.
Now goose decoys I could give you all sorts of advise

[asmithpro]

I can say that I use a decoy almost 100% of the time when I'm the caller! I usually set it 50-75 yards behind the shooter and then I'm behind that. I also try to put it in the open as it seems to draw enough attention that it allows the shooter to get drawn...I only have 4 bulls to my credit with my current decoy (Montana) but I'm a believer that it doesn't seem to hurt the situations...unless my dad is using it and forgets to run the stake up through her head... The decoy's head flopped on the bull I killed last year when he was at 5 yards. Needless to say he boogered and ran to about 30 before I could get him stopped!!!

All in all, I'm a believer in them until it doesn't go right...

[Elksniper1]

We mostly use them to flash color and movement much like a feeding elk will do moveing through timber. This has certainly helped at times. I also rely on a decoy to hide behind when we are forced to move when necessary cover is not available . I carry one at all times but would say I only pull the decoy when time allows . Meaning it's not a necessity if that makes sense. I do feel that it's worth the weight (hardly any).

[Indian Summer]

In my limited experience it amazed me how a decoy can go so un-noticed by elk even at fairly close ranges. I tried tying a string to it so I could move it a little but didn't get many chances to try that.

[jmez]

I don't think anyone knows what makes them work or not. I have an elk decoy and haven't used it. I always forget about it or things happen quickly enough I don't have time to get it out.

I've used turkey and antelope decoys a lot. I don't use either anymore. I've never gotten a consistent response to any of them. At times they get ignored, at times they get attacked, and at times the animals head for the next county at mach speed as soon as they see them. I don't know that I've ever felt that they were the difference for success.

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[Swede]

I've never gotten a consistent response to any of them. At times they get ignored, at times they get attacked, and at times the animals head for the next county at mach speed as soon as they see them. I don't know that I've ever felt that they were the difference for success.

Ditto.