Decoys for Archery Whitetails
- Thread starter cnelk
- Start date
iccyman001
New member
- Apr 30, 2014
- 5,489
Brad, it\'s funny you bring this up because I was just looking into this myself.
I have a 3d target that I think I will try to use to decoy this year around the rut time frame.
I have a 3d target that I think I will try to use to decoy this year around the rut time frame.
elkmtngear
New member
- Aug 9, 2017
- 1,152
Never hunted whitetails, so I can\'t really make any recommendations. Like other big game, I know decoys are not a 100 percent guaranteed solution, and can be \"hit and miss\"...sometimes they work great, and sometimes they can cause bucks to \"bug out\". You\'ve got to have the right buck.
In a semi-open country situation, you might be able to spot and stalk by \"flashing\" a rutty buck, I know the Heads Up Decoy has been used successfully this way, and we have been successful doing this in the rut on blacktails using our Open Country Buck Decoy. With a quartering in presentation, it looks natural when moving in, and can help you get into shootable range.
Of course, you always have the option to switch the cover to a Moo Cow, or camo if desired as well.
In a semi-open country situation, you might be able to spot and stalk by \"flashing\" a rutty buck, I know the Heads Up Decoy has been used successfully this way, and we have been successful doing this in the rut on blacktails using our Open Country Buck Decoy. With a quartering in presentation, it looks natural when moving in, and can help you get into shootable range.
Of course, you always have the option to switch the cover to a Moo Cow, or camo if desired as well.
AaronJohnson
New member
- Mar 4, 2014
- 240
I used some the last two years. I don\'t own one anymore as I took the one I had back. That said I think they are effective when used correctly and under the right circumstances.
In my limited experience decoying, I\'ll throw the following advice out there.
1. Use a buck decoy, ideally a subordinate buck (1-2.5 yr old looking decoy)
2. If you use a doe in conjunction, use a feeding doe and try to put it in the edge of the timber or tall grass with the subordinate buck trailing.
3. Don\'t use a lone doe decoy. If you use a doe decoy make sure and use the subordinate buck following suit. Does in the area know other does very well. They know when another doe seems out of place.I myself have experienced misfortunes with this set up and others I know have done the same.
4. Spend a few bucks and buy either a tail-wagger or spend $5 or so and buy the synthetic tail that just blows in the wind. Google \"tail-wagger\".
5. Make sure the decoys are facing you in your stand or on the ground. Most bucks will approach the decoy downwind and this positioning will most likely give you a broadside shot.
6. Only use it if you are planning to hunt a mature buck. If you goal is to shoot a doe or if your willing to shoot a subordinate buck, leave the decoy in the truck.
My $0.02
In my limited experience decoying, I\'ll throw the following advice out there.
1. Use a buck decoy, ideally a subordinate buck (1-2.5 yr old looking decoy)
2. If you use a doe in conjunction, use a feeding doe and try to put it in the edge of the timber or tall grass with the subordinate buck trailing.
3. Don\'t use a lone doe decoy. If you use a doe decoy make sure and use the subordinate buck following suit. Does in the area know other does very well. They know when another doe seems out of place.I myself have experienced misfortunes with this set up and others I know have done the same.
4. Spend a few bucks and buy either a tail-wagger or spend $5 or so and buy the synthetic tail that just blows in the wind. Google \"tail-wagger\".
5. Make sure the decoys are facing you in your stand or on the ground. Most bucks will approach the decoy downwind and this positioning will most likely give you a broadside shot.
6. Only use it if you are planning to hunt a mature buck. If you goal is to shoot a doe or if your willing to shoot a subordinate buck, leave the decoy in the truck.
My $0.02
AaronJohnson
New member
- Mar 4, 2014
- 240
Also, I\'ve used Montana decoys and Flambeau. Both are good products.
We use a Carry-lite deer decoy and have had great success with it.
Things we learned is use it as a buck, and take 1 antler off. As stated above a subordinate buck is what your looking for and taking 1 antler off works great. When you use a doe decoy it seems the deer can get real nervous. Does usually don\'t stand in one spot long so I am thinking the doe decoy just standing there makes them a bit nervous.
Angle the decoy to look behind either side of you as the bucks will come in and circle to the front of the decoy to one side before they try to attack it.
The decoys are not a magic thing but when they do work its a blast.
Things we learned is use it as a buck, and take 1 antler off. As stated above a subordinate buck is what your looking for and taking 1 antler off works great. When you use a doe decoy it seems the deer can get real nervous. Does usually don\'t stand in one spot long so I am thinking the doe decoy just standing there makes them a bit nervous.
Angle the decoy to look behind either side of you as the bucks will come in and circle to the front of the decoy to one side before they try to attack it.
The decoys are not a magic thing but when they do work its a blast.
