Elk Decoy

[TREESTANDMAN]

I've got an Archery Bull Elk hunt starting next week and was wondering if any of you have tried using a decoy when calling? And if so what your impressions are?

 

Thx,

 

Mike

[jamaro]

I have only used them over water and they seem to work. As you know don't stand behind one.. I have heard more than a few stories of hunters shooting them...

jason

[TREESTANDMAN]

Thx for the response Jamaro.

 

I'm thinking it may be very effective to use while calling without a partner. It should in theory limit the number of bulls hanging up just out of bow range like they frequently do when you don't have a partner 70 yds behind you. I purchased the montana elk III decoy and plan on trying it out so hopefully I'll have a good report when I return.

[AZP&Y]

Mike,

 

We've used nickname "bessie" - aka - Montana Cow elk decoy. It can be a great tool and has done well for satellite bulls and spike bulls. We (our hunt group) has yet to have a monarch walk into one, but it seems to make them feel at ease. They show up and say " ahhh another member of the family".

 

It breaks down in seconds and is worth carrying and utilizing during your hunt. It can be extremely effective when hunting cows (which we have another tag in 2006).

 

Good luck and notice the set-up next to a mature ponderosa and a nice shooting lane and the opportunity to draw without being noticed.

 

And Double what Jamaro said, because I've stalked my hunt buddy's "bessie" - it's easy enough to do (don't stand behind it)..

 

Doug

AzP&Y

[TREESTANDMAN]

Thankyou Doug for the valuable info. I'll be hunting for 8 days so hopefully I can have an experience w/ a Monarch bull coming in. I'm figuring most of the bigger bulls will have their harems so calling in cows using this decoy could also bring the bigger herd bulls within range. Man I can't wait!!!

[TLH]

They work on big bulls too--here is my friend Eric who is a guide that uses decoys for his primary style of hunting BIG bulls. He will set his hunter up about 60 yards away from him then he gets about 15 yards behind his decoy and he will call with a mouth call--it works and it works very well as you can see by the picture.

 

Good luck!!

 

[TREESTANDMAN]

Holy swords!!! That bull is huge!!

 

That got me really pumped for the hunt.

 

Thx for the picture and response.

[coueshunter]

I have used them the past three years not as the major tactic, but just carrying it with me & when we get in on a bull and then setting up. I have had good bulls 330" ish come within 10 yards and seem to be comfortable as well as distracted with the decoy. It can help draw the bulls attention away from you so you spook less bulls..............Allen........

[coues4x4]

I have the Montana decoy and it works great at getting the bulls in for the crucial shot. Good luck on your hunt.