Decoys

[gaBBY]

I've been on the hunt for the same property for 5 years now and while I've had some success, I'm always eager to improve my game. Recently, I chatted with a few guys who use life-size deer replicas and it got me thinking. If you’re using these, which brands or specific products do you recommend? Also, are you setting up does or bucks and how does that choice shift depending on where we are in the breeding cycle? I appreciate any insights you can share!

 

[Huntsman]

I see people using Montana Decoys when they want to move a lot and Flambeau for when things need to last. Early in the season, a doe decoy is my go-to. When the rut is on, a buck decoy can get other bucks worked up fast. Wind and where you put them are more important than the brand..

 

[sharp shooter]

Early on, I had better luck keeping things simple with a doe and then swapping later. Those big setups can work but where you put them and the wind usually matter more than the decoy itself.

 

[Dobeman2000]

Personally, I have never had any success with my decoy (used both as a doe and a buck)- it has spooked more deer than anything else- I think it is a Primos decoy, but I haven't used it in a few years. They can obviously be successful however-very much like using decoys for turkey hunting. It really depends on what buck/gobblers are looking at that decoy.