Decoys

[Stnmtz]

So im thinking about trying to use a decoy for the first time when rut starts.  What tactics/advice do yall have?

Thanks,
Stnmtz

[lentz]

my opion if its to big it will scare them away so i would use a medium six pointer if i were going to use one/buy one and make sure its got a swelled up neck

[ray634]

Use a doe decoy and spray it down with estrous. Then hit the tending grunt like mad.

[deadeye]

I have used them on and off for a few years now.  First of all, not much good for a mature doe, but a fawn will come to a doe decoy.  Here is a picture I took last Friday evening from a stand with a buck decoy in front of me.  Nothing came that night, however, last year about the same time I had a nice 10 point come running across the field and circle the decoy.

 

[kenhuntin]

Decoy hunting can be great amusement! I have had great success with a doe decoy. It is funny to watch how live deer associate with the fake. If they are unalarmed they smell or lick the block first and then stand next to it and look in the direction that the decoy is faced seemingly wondering what the heck the decoy is staring at. A word of caution to you considering using one: a wary buck will approach and if there is a small whiff of mammal on it he will bolt. Ceanse the ntire decopy inside and out. Do not forget that people tend to grab the decoy by any opening in the bottom of the shell. Descenting the decoy and adding an estrus after will keep the live animals around longer if you are hunting a particular animal.