For those that use a decoy.
Whitetail Deer
Contributors to this thread:
Scrappy's Link
Just a little motivational video to remind everyone that goes through the hassle of dragging their decoy into the field with them. Video is from 2016, the only thing I spray on the decoy is scent killer from Wally world.
I'm assuming that in the deer world if you can knock the head off of your opponent then you are entitled to breed him.
cool vid. always wanted to try one.
I love it.
It’s pretty entertaining watching even does interact with the decoy
Scrappy's Link
In this one the buck throws the head of my decoy. The violence in the deer world is real folk.
I used one for the first time last year with 100% success. 3 times in 2 different locations I had nice bucks come in and had multiple shot opportunities. One location was a cut corn field and the other was hardwoods. Fairly open but def in the woods. Worked like a charm. Will def use again.
Do you always use a buck? Will a doe work as We'll? -Jeff
Never used a doe decoy and I've never read of anyone having any real success with a doe.
Maybe we give these deer to much credit?
The synthetic tail I believe I bought from carrylite way back when.
Do you think it's double to put a basket rack on a doe decoy? I feel like the buck decoys they sell would scare most bucks in my area. -Jeff
Guess that answers the thread about having a tail or not. Heck if you forget the head in the truck, no issue set it up.
When is the best time to deploy the decoy?? Pre-rut, rut ?? Thx
Jpayne, a doe decoy with antlers I think would work just as e effective. I've only used one antler on my decoy for several years now since I lost the other one.
wkochevar, I'll use mine from now until the end of November whenever I hunt a spot that I need a decoy to help draw in the bucks.
How tight of quarters should a guy employ a decoy? I was sitting a 3 year old clear cut last night, visibility was probably 60 yards. Could have used a little help.
I've never used one in thick cover. I've always read they don't work well when a buck is surprised by a decoy in thick cover. In real nasty stuff I prefer hunting some kind of terrain feature that funnels deer by my set up.
Scrappy's Link
Here's another fun day while using the decoy.
“Fun day” that would be one hell of a year in Mn
3D or 2D? Does it matter? I have the Carry-Lite, it's not "lite" at all. And loud to set up. I also have a flimsy pop up that is quiet, small, and sets up in seconds. I've had responses from both in the few times I've used them. Good and bad. Biggest was a big six pt that came to the carry lite. I passed on him, then kicked myself in the ass all the way home.
I've never used a 2D. I maybe mistaken but I believe Sito over on the Kansas forum uses a 2D quite often with good success. He also hunts over those failure piles of yellow gold so that might be why he has success with the 2D. HE HE
Piles of yellow gold... So he has a corn tree? :-)
David Geyer's Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOpkxAd1sFQ Kansas decoy!
David Geyer's Link
Love using a decoy!! I even bought a battery motorized tail gimmick that makes the tail "twitch" every so often (sits inside the belly of the carry lite)
Use my carry light for doe and small buck duty, and a big buck decoy for other occasions. Both buck and doe decoy work. The difference is how you set them up - a buck approaches the doe decoy from the rear, and approaches the buck decoy head on. Buck decoy for pre rut, then switch to doe decoy for breeding phase.
My buck decoy is a beast that I even worry might scare away most other bucks. Super realistic, with a "flocked" coating so it doesn't shine like the carry lite. Trouble is that it's so realistic, it brings in more people than deer! I have had the mailman drive up to it, and even neighbors on bicycles. Cars stop when it can be seen from the road and I expect a shot to ring out any second. Oooofa
BowSniper's Link
Here is a video of my carry lite in doe setup, with the tail wag device flicking every so often. Adds realism!!
In this case, brings a young buck broadside in perfect kill zone coming up to doe decoy from behind. Had a bigger buck come in the same way that I killed.... but got excited and forgot to run the camera. Doh!
The realistic big buck decoy I like is the Flambeau Boss Buck masters series (with flocked fuzzy fur)
So realistic, it serves as the reindeer each year in my kid's chorus at Christmas. :-)
i have a Primos Scar Face. Only thing i really don't like is it's just such a pain in the you know what to carry a decoy in and set it up etc.
I have great success with 2D doe decoys for muleys, but they are a different creature.