We had about 2-3 acres of plots last year that turned out very well and we killed a pile of nice deer in and around them. However, my suspicion is that the BIG bucks spend any daylight time on their feet cruising the plot edges looking for does out there and then scent checking for a doe who's ready to roll. In other words without a reason driving them the slammers aren't real eager to pop out in an open turnip plot at 3pm (big news flash I know). We have some ambush stands set up to try and catch these bucks skirting the plots during the day but we thought we might bump up the game a bit this year and have some fun while we're at it. We've never used a decoy before. Do you guys think if a buck sees a doe we have some estrous scent on it would draw him out or would be be more likely to come out to beat the snot out of a small buck he thinks is horning in on his territory?? Thanks in advance........real decoy--food plot experience stories would be awesome!!!
My experiance is that it depends on the buck. Some with and some won't. One thing you have to be careful of is the buck very well will circle downwind of the set-up and bust you. The other variable I've found is how many other people in your area use decoys. If it is an area where you are the only one doing it I've found it works better than if other hunters in the area use them. If it were me, I would consider starting up a man made licking/scrape branch in the plot instead.
I would say no. I have two decoys and will only use them on secluded tree lines, ditches, etc. during parts of the rut. I would never use them in areas that have high numbers of deer. My experience is they will spook deer you pass on and mature does really do not like them.
It's a high risk, high reward. Some of my most exciting hunts have came with a decoy out, but it's going to spook some deer. Most people say to use a buck decoy, but most my luck has came with a doe.
don't know on the decoy, but i suggest you plant Egyptian wheat around the plot edges, this will keep the big boys from being able to see in and forces them to come check the plot visually. i have good luck with this set up.
Try edge feathering or food plot screens to make the plot more appear smaller and more secluded than it really is.
