Montana elk decoy

[Beendare]

Paul and I have gone around on this for years.....and I agree with his post above. You DON'T need a decoy.

I can tell you there have been 2 bulls in the last 3 years that wouldn't have been called without one....this is one; Pictured is my setup in U27 Az. Calling with the herd bull and appx 15 cows 125 yds away....just wouldn't work without a decoy even with the excellent Elknut tactics....they can clearly see there is no elk there! [edit; the herd was on the opposite hillside]


Just setup somewhere else more conducive you say? Well you can't always do that! This was in appx 5,000 acres of burn they were living in.

I really like the Chris Roe and Elknut calling stuff [both seem a little down on decoys]...but hey it works for me, YMMV
The DIY bull from that setup

 

[oldgoat]

I'm a big believer, especially with trad gear. For this upcoming year, we added one of those cow elk hats to our strategy

 

[MtnHunter]

In addition to the ways everyone else has mentioned they use it, I've used my Montana decoy (Eichler Elk) successfully when accidentally bumping elk (especially when hunting with more than one person). I created a quick release strap on my pack that holds the decoy and can release it with one hand while still wearing my pack. When accidentally bumping elk (and am close), I quickly shoot out some cow calls and pop up the decoy. This usually stops the elk, providing an opportunity for either you to take a shot, or more frequently, allow your hunting partner to take a long shot or sneak in for a shot while the elk's distracted.

I used the full Eichler elk for at least two seasons, but once or twice a day brush would snag the elk and make it pop open out of my quick release system. I got a little tired of this, so I cut the neck and head off and now use it by sticking my hand up the neck and holding the plastic that gives the head its shape. Plus, this saves a little weight as well, which is always nice. I still bring the aligator clips so I can hang the head in a tree on certain setups, which has also worked well for me.

I also use ElkNut's calling techniques and mini chuckler, which have worked great for me. The decoy just provides another tool in the toolbox, so-to-speak, that can be used when the time is right.

@oldgoat, I'm tempted to add some sort of attachment to my modified Eichler Elk head so I can attach it to my hat. Would love to be able to pop it up there real quickly!

 

[ElkNut1]

Bruce, no worries bud! If you look at my opening sentence you'll see I directed my post to the OP. I was sharing the flip side of the coin with him that there's an alternative way through a good setup that in most cases a Decoy is not needed. I also shared the times that I felt where one could be utilized! I also respect your thoughts & use as well. Just sharing my opinion was all.

p.s. I enjoy reading your posts! (grin)

ElkNut1

 

[Beendare]

^^Yeah, It seems every year we have scenarios where we don't bother taking the decoy out...don't need it- its fine without it.

But then I hunt mostly heavily hunted OTC or Gen areas late in the season and some of those bulls are call shy. The decoys help in those situations too.