Deer Decoys?

[ed1315]

Mrbb, That sounds like a lot of bad luck and I respect your opinion. Tell me, I there much hunting in the areas you hunt? also are you decoying in open areas? from what I have read they need to be placed in open areas so deer can see them 100yds or better away. I have also read that they will scare does and it is best to use them in areas where does are not out numbering bucks by too much. I am hunting on 20 acres and 10acres is hay. the deer are in the field at night but otherwise the area is no good to hunt. I am planning on setting up in a corner with a decoy 20-30 yds in the field and see how deer react to it. The hay field is surrounded by woods on three sides and a tree lined fence that deer use for cover when crossing the field. Any way I agree with you that the on line videos are hard to believe, especially when bucks are mounting decoys... My deer aren't that dumb. I guess if I try this and it does work, it may only work for one or two hunts per season... the rest of the year it will be a lawn ordament.

After reading your post, I wonder if the 12pointer would have come out at all without the decoy. Again I respect your opinion. and thank you for shareing. It's like you say "another trick"
nothing is a sure bet... I know

[blackbeard]

From my experience, which isn't a whole lot, my doe decoy freaked the deer out. I think it's one of those things that will work to perfection in about 1/10 scenarios, and I already pack enough stuff into the woods so I never really gave it too much of a chance. But good luck to you let us know how it goes. The best advice I ever read was to tack a piece of unscented toilet paper to the decoys rear and ears to give it just a little bit of movement.

[zachc]

I started using my decoy about 5-6 years ago and have had quite a bit off luck with it. I will have to say that old wise does are very nervous about them, from my experiences. I have found that they are magnets for smaller bucks, but I have never had the chance to see how they work on a big buck. I like to set it up where deer can see it from a long ways out, as much as possible. Make sure you spray it down with scent killer completely after you set it up. I like to hang a scent bomb right behind the decoy. One thing to remember is that most deer will come in from behind or down wind to scent check it, so you should angle your decoy accordingly. Like I said I have had quite a bit of luck with them but I agree it's not a for sure deal sealer. Wouldn't try to use if your hunting does. Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

[ed1315]

Well I went ahead and ordered one. It came the other day. It looks good and I think a good price. I put it together and set it out in the front yard to see the reaction of passing cars LOL! Many slowed and looked it was funny. Then later my neighbor (a hunter) ran out of his house and thought it was real. His little boy set him straight: THAT'S NOT A REAL DEER! the boy exclaimed. I have it in the back yard now and it will stay outside untill I can hunt in two weeks... but already having fun with it.

[mrbb]

well thats funny, I have tried putting mine out with a trail cam over it in the off season, never had a deer go near it, was actually hoping to get a coyote more than deer by it, but never worked ot, will try again this winter and see lol