Archery elk, decoy opinions?

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istahill

New Member
Mar 9, 2014
19
0
Hey guys,
I'm going to be hunting elk this year in Colorado with a bow for the first time and I was just wondering what everyones opinion on using a decoy is? I don't have one (yet) but too me it seems to make sense to use one. Give the bull a visual along with the calling to ease him into the killzone easier. But I've never used one and I'm curious what the general thought is on these. And if you DO use one what brand/decoy do you use. I'm leaning towards the heads up decoy because of the compact size.
 
Umpqua Hunter

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
88
61
North Umpqua, Oregon
The McKenzie is pretty realistic, but may be a TINY bit on the heavy side ;)



In all seriousness I have heard good things about Montana Decoys but never used one.
 
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Hilltop

Hilltop

Veteran member
Feb 25, 2014
3,847
2,230
Eastern Nebraska
I have used a couple different lightweight cow decoys. I believe they all will work in the right situations. Saw a guide on TV the other day. He had a cow elk head and neck mount on a stick- was pretty cool. To me the key with the decoys is they have to be light and have the ability to be set up fast. You don't want to be fumbling with one with a bull running in.
 
RUTTIN

RUTTIN

Veteran member
Feb 26, 2011
1,299
0
Kamas, Utah
I have used a couple of the montana decoys before, and they were the ticket in the right situation. Have had a few bulls hang up and as soon as they saw the decoy their eyes got big and they came running in licking their lips. I say you can never have to many advantages.
 
az.mountain runner

az.mountain runner

Active Member
May 22, 2012
283
0
Mesa Az.
Montana decoys have worked well for me if I have time I like to use two different ones, and I sowed a tan rag on the rear end and made sure one of the ears flop,I believe it has helped with the shock factor because parts are moving in the wind not just a statue.
 
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TeamOC

New Member
Mar 18, 2014
7
0
San Juan Mountains
I love our Montana Decoy! Ms September has saved me more than once and in the strangest way. I carry is strapped on the outside of my pack with the face looking behind me. It's actually saved us from blowing out a herd that snuck up behind us. They couldn't quite figure out why that cow was walking away...
 
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Topgun 30-06

Banned
Jun 12, 2013
1,353
1
Allegan, MI
IMHO any time you can get an animal focused on something other than the hunter it's a plus. We have a full size and a couple heads that we use, but they're my buddies and I don't remember the manufacturer. We got caught out in the middle of an open area one day and both hid behind the full size one and brought a raghorn almost within bow range with no other cover between us.
 
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istahill

New Member
Mar 9, 2014
19
0
Well it seems pretty clear to me that having a decoy would be a potentially handy tool in the field when closing the deal with a hung up bull.not sure what decoy I'll get yet, but I'm going to take a look at those montana decoys!
 
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acook

Member
Apr 25, 2013
51
0
Haven't used one for elk but used the Montana Muley doe decoy this Jan. Used it for cover and then as an attractant along with a bleat...not a nice 4x4 to come in to 30 yds. Waiting on taxidermy now! ;)
 
ivorytip

ivorytip

Veteran member
Mar 24, 2012
3,768
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SE Idaho
the miss september and elk rump montana decoys are impossible to beat and they work so so well. its amazing how a bull or any elk for that matter will notice it and stop in thier tracks to figure out where the hell she came from.
 
S

Springville

New Member
Feb 27, 2014
14
0
utah
They work

ivorytip said:
the miss september and elk rump montana decoys are impossible to beat and they work so so well. its amazing how a bull or any elk for that matter will notice it and stop in thier tracks to figure out where the hell she came from.
Click to expand...
I have called in several bulls that hung up and would not budge....I pulled out the decoy and wham.
Once, I had 3 bulls (satellites) all in a group about 700 yards away. Called and called, nothing.
pulled out the decoy, called again, and they came RUNNING. It was awesome.
My companion shot the largest of the group, a good 5x6.

I use a Montana, and a Slip System by elk Mountain, both work GREAT.
The slip system is handy, in that you can use it as a walking stick, and keep it ready to deploy in an instant.

One more story...
I once had to sneak across an open hillside with elk on the opposite hill, I walk right across it with the decoy by my side. I guess they cannot could legs, because they looked, and did not care.

Great tool to have!!
 
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