Montana elk decoy

[JC84]

Legit or do they end up left in the pack truck or closet

 

[Idahohillboy]

I lost mine on the hill last year but super effective in a two man calling scenario you can actualy have a buddy stand behind a tree behind the shooter and cow call and move it around I ditched the stakes. I did not even use mine while solo hunting. Gets the bulls atention and pulled a few of them right in. This year I may try the Carla easier handling.

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[cnelk]

Have one. Use it some. Eh....
It works like all decoys do, sometimes yes, sometimes no.

I'm thinking of selling mine and getting the Ultimate Predator cow elk decoy for my bow

 

[JC84]

I see the goods and bads I've never killed a turkey with a decoy I guess it's that wish I had one why did I bring one type of thing

 

[Beendare]

Love those decoys. I've called or killed over 1/2 of the elk [30-35 maybe?] I've seen die to an arrow with a decoy. I've had one bull come easily 1/2 off of a far point across a big canyon to our setup.

As with anything....theres a learning curve with these dekes. I have the Montana [3] and the Heads Up [which is awesome] and planning on getting the UP this year.

 

[TJ]

Love those decoys. I've called or killed over 1/2 of the elk [30-35 maybe?] I've seen die to an arrow with a decoy. I've had one bull come easily 1/2 off of a far point across a big canyon to our setup.

As with anything....theres a learning curve with these dekes. I have the Montana [3] and the Heads Up [which is awesome] and planning on getting the UP this year.

What is your strategy when using a decoy?

 

[kicker338]

What is your strategy when using a decoy?

Bet he wont tell you LOL.

 

[Idahohillboy]

Set decoy behind the shooter may be a start but off to the side.

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[TJ]

Bet he wont tell you LOL.

Might be a secret!

 

[Ross]

Used to pack diligently now has been basement decoration for about 10 yrs.

 

[freebird134]

This year I may try the Carla easier handling.

Carla?


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[TJ]

Used to pack diligently now has been basement decoration for about 10 yrs.

Same deal here. I hunt alone most of the time. It seems like most of time I could have used one it was too late.

I thought maybe the op may have some different ideas to how to use one.

 

[Beendare]

What is your strategy when using a decoy?

I've posted tips on using these decoys many times on different forums. Sure I hold a couple things back but for the most part I've been pretty forward about it.
One of the keys is you have to hold still ... all of the new guys and take out with a decoy can't sit still to save their life. Those elk will spot you 100 yards through the timber if you are moving.

You have to give the time the elk time to see it. Take the time for a good setup. In dark timber they work best with a little ray of sun shining on it- really makes it pop. Sometimes adding a little movement to the decoy helps them spot it. That heads up decoy is probably my favorite right now just because it's the most compact and easy to use.

We usually try to get close before we set it up that they can see it. That of course depends on the foliage/ the terrain....many times we've try to get too close and get picked off....so not that close- grin. Sometimes it's a couple hundred yards away. Sometimes it's under 100.

One mistake I've seen guys making in the woods is overcalling....they just blow on their cow call nonstop. On one hand I appreciate them doing that as its easy to pick them out as hunters NOT elk. We all know how good those elk are at pinpointing your location from a distance....its good to call less frequently and make them have to look for you.

My calling strategy is to sound like a cow or multiple Cows sometimes that have a small bull with them. One thing that works particularly good is to make it sound like a bunch of excited Cows and a bull trying to breed another cow.

I've had them to where I know they can see the decoy and just run in [so be ready] Then I've had them meander in at a glacial pace. One big advantage with decoys is it diverts their focus and its easier to draw on them.....even if you are right next to it.

 

[maxemus]

They're great. I killed a Roosevelt bull and a Coues buck with my cow elk Montana decoy

 

[KMT]

It works sometimes, I think. It's hard to prove either way. I don't bring mine more than 10% of the times I hunt.

 

[COLOelkman]

The first time I used mine I had a bull come right out in the open as I was still setting it up. Had my bow 20 yds away so didn't get a shot. If I'm backpacking, I typically only bring my Heads Up but I do use them from a road camp. Hate the heavy stakes that come with it so I ofen use 2 tent poles as a substitute for lighter weight. I think they may have a lightweight option now as I suggested it to them about 3 years ago!

 

[TJ]

I've posted tips on using these decoys many times on different forums. Sure I hold a couple things back but for the most part I've been pretty forward about it.
One of the keys is you have to hold still ... all of the new guys and take out with a decoy can't sit still to save their life. Those elk will spot you 100 yards through the timber if you are moving.

You have to give the time the elk time to see it. Take the time for a good setup. In dark timber they work best with a little ray of sun shining on it- really makes it pop. Sometimes adding a little movement to the decoy helps them spot it. That heads up decoy is probably my favorite right now just because it's the most compact and easy to use.

We usually try to get close before we set it up that they can see it. That of course depends on the foliage/ the terrain....many times we've try to get too close and get picked off....so not that close- grin. Sometimes it's a couple hundred yards away. Sometimes it's under 100.

One mistake I've seen guys making in the woods is overcalling....they just blow on their cow call nonstop. On one hand I appreciate them doing that as its easy to pick them out as hunters NOT elk. We all know how good those elk are at pinpointing your location from a distance....its good to call less frequently and make them have to look for you.

My calling strategy is to sound like a cow or multiple Cows sometimes that have a small bull with them. One thing that works particularly good is to make it sound like a bunch of excited Cows and a bull trying to breed another cow.

I've had them to where I know they can see the decoy and just run in [so be ready] Then I've had them meander in at a glacial pace. One big advantage with decoys is it diverts their focus and its easier to draw on them.....even if you are right next to it.

Thanks Beendare

 

[Beendare]

Thanks Beendare

Anytime...

These dekes are funny. They come to the heads up decoy with you holding the head on a stick. They come right in to the montana too though many times I set up the Montana where the head will be shielded by a tree. These elk are pretty easily fooled but I think the key a somewhat realistic situation between calling/display.
This bull is close .....staring at the montana [ms sept] decoy behind me over my left shoulder [Utah Book Cliffs] .The wind is moving the decoy just enough. I had to actually shoo him away. Setting them up for just the right amount of movement is a winner.



A little natural movement is a plus. Dipping the Heads Up deke slowly like its feeding is deadly. Thats what my buddy Tim did to put this bull in his lap for a chip shot. I saw this bull from 80-100yds out with my binos...as he was coming across in front about 60,70 yds between us and the herd bull [timber] he caught the movement of the HU, made a left turn and came right in.

 

[MAVinWA]

I know a saddle in eastern WA that probably still has a heads up decoy on a stick, by some small firs, bushes.
came across it last year during modern rifle on a windy day. From 200 yards away, saw little movement, zeroed in the binocs and wow, that's a cow. Got closer, then realized what it was. Upon inspection it looked brand new. I think some archers must have forgot where they left it. Must have took off after elk in the heat of a moment, leaving the decoy behind.
Saw it there for a week, but left it there. Maybe check for it on this spring's scouting trip.
wonder if exposure will fade it out....
could use it if my AZ point draw comes through.

 

[ElkNut1]

As to your question, no you do not need a Decoy to effectively hunt elk. I agree they can come in handy now & then but the time it's really needed ends up off setting the days, weeks & months it just doesn't get used. I've called in 100's of bulls on OTC DIY elk hunts over the years & not one has been called into a Decoy. Like Ross I packed one many years ago off & on for years but simply realized they were more of a pain in the butt! (grin)

Not saying guys shouldn't consider them but don't think they're a "Silver Bullet" out there. To me ones "Tight Setup" is far more important than having a Decoy at your disposal in setup form. I choose areas that are hidden for the most part from an approaching elk's view, what this does is force them into "search mode" -- Elk will generally keep coming to calling if they cannot see the source, this can put them into bowrange before they do, to me this is a good setup! It has paid great dividends over the years & continues to do so.Most our elk are taken under 30 yards, it's all about a good setup & not giving oncoming elk the luxury to see the calling source outside of bowrange!

The two main reasons I'd consider a Decoy these days is, one, to move through an opening where elk were calling in timber on the other side, rare occasion! Two, using one like the Ultimate Predator Decoy (I own) attached to my bow as I head straight to a bull calling me to him. I've not used one yet in that situation but I see some possibilities there. I've killed a few bulls while going straight to the bull calling me to him with no Decoy but using cover & wind to my favor. All in all the need of a Decoy is needed about as much as a 3-iron in my golf game! (grin) If they work for you, stay with them, just don't use them in the majority of your setups or your setups need some adjustment! Like anything out there, there are Pro's & Con's!

ElkNut1