I have used decoys for deer and antelope with mixed success depending on the season. However I have never utilized a decoy for elk hunting. Was wondering what everyone's opinions are.
Thoughts on Elk decoys
- Thread starter Shortbow
- Start date
sneakypete
Veteran member
I have a full body cow but haven't had the chance to use it yet. There was a thread on this topic last year. You may want to search it under the elk topic?
Thanks sneakypete, I tried a search and didn't see anything (although I'm sure I probably missused the search tool!l
Micah S
Active Member
if a decoy is used right it will draw that Leary bull into shooting range. prob is a lot of people that use them just set them up in a random spot and start calling and that isn't the way to use them. they work, they work. I like the Montana decoys.
We've had good and bad results. Some bulls almost completely let their guard down when they see it. Others seem to never be fooled one bit and head for the next state. One thing that we noticed was keeping it in some cover helps, out in the open they know something is up quickly.
mntnguide
Very Active Member
+1 for Montana Decoys...never a bad thing to have something that resembles elk color when your trying to bring a bull in close the last few yards for a shot...they usually are looking at the color of the decoy instead of looking around and finding you. Ive had good luck with the one that is just a silouette of an elk a**
If you watch the Western Hunter, you see them using the Montana decoy to successfully bring a bull in
Slugz
Veteran member
Love em. If I'm the caller (archery) I have two on me. Montana decoy minus the sticks. I have a length of parachute cord on them to hang from a branch for a quick set up. I've pulled bachelor herds of bulls long distances with a cow call and a little brown butt showing. we have had great success as Scott said, when used properly.
ShepDog
Member
It is all situational. If you have a bull hung up just out of range, they will work. Elk approach your calling expecting to see another elk. Once they reach the danger zone range if they don't see an elk, they get weary. Decoys do work along with movement. Don't be afraid to move and make noise. Elk are noisy and run and play and rut.
Be like elk. Watch them and act like them. Decoys can and will work. I carry one everyday.
Be like elk. Watch them and act like them. Decoys can and will work. I carry one everyday.
COLOelkman
Member
I have both a Heads Up and several Montana decoys. First time I used a Montana, I had a bull actually come in to 50 yds. as I was driving the stakes in the ground! Unfortunately I left my bow 20 yds away. I'll never do that again. So they do work but as others have noted, the setup location is very important as I've learned a couple times by my mistakes.
Slugz
Veteran member
Speed/ease of set up is why I ditched the stakes..I have a length of paracord on them so i can just pull out and hang off a branch. works really well. Eliminates the noisy stakes in the woods also.
I'm gonna try this, good idea. sometimes I'm fighting damn rocks in the ground trying to setup in a hurry