I’ve also never had luck with decoys, just scare them away the second they see it. Spot and stalk is my favorite way to hunt them. My advice would be if the antelope aren’t in a really good spot to try a stalk don’t even try it. Be patient until you find one in a good spot then go for it. Antelope can be very frustrating because they will get up and move for no apparent reason, but this can also be in your favor. Just because one is in a bad stalking spot one hour they could be in a perfect stalking spot the next hour.
Bow killed 3 buck antelope with decoys, all shots under 30 yards. Decoys work great if used are right time of rut and in particular, in my experience, if you are within 200 yds, preferable closer when you pop it up. Popping up a decoy from way off is a pointless exercise, in my experience.
Also arrowed 4 other bucks spot and stalk.
The fun of bowhunting lopes is the thrill of the stalk and the nonstop activity in a good area were can do many stalks in a day.
For guys saying expect to shoot 80 or more yds to bowhunt antelope spot and stalk or with decoy I suggest you are too impatient or need to up your game. It ain’t easy to sneak in close to antelope but far from impossible. It is the challenge of a close well earned shot that defines why it is so darn fun. An absolute favorite big game animal for reasons noted above.
To OP, go for it, try crazy things to get close and have fun. Eight bad stalks then it all comes together is my experience. And have a good, compact camera with a lot of optical zoom on your person at all times. Many great memories there, too, This buck is as close to me and my decoy as he looks. 10 feet. Passed on this one and ate tag soup on the trip....
This wild scene occured nearly in bow range when spot and stalking. One buck ran in and chased off the one I was hunting. Love chasing them. Even the failed stalks can put a smile on your face.
The hats can work too. This is a buddy who ALMOST at the moment of the photo arrowed a great buck I killed a couple days later.