so i have a 3d target and i couldnt help but thinking how it could also serve as a decoy. Has anyone tried or had luck with a decoy and if so was it a buck or doe decoy? or any tips in using one? thanks
Using a decoy can be very tricky. You want to use one in a fairly open area so the deer can see it from a little ways off. They don't like to come around a bush and all of a sudden have another deer looking them in the face. I like to set my decoys up around 20-30 yards infront of me facing towards me. A buck will almost always circle to the front of another buck decoy. Try not to get any human odor on the decoy as well. Hope this helps.
I just got the "Boss" decoy and use it strictly with a ground blind over a clover plot. Its almost hilarious to see how deer react. I have had deer kick its butt and freak out, and have seen bucks come from 500 yrds away to investigate. just as the reply above, it would not be as affective in the woods as they cannot see it as clearly. I almost always use rattling and scent with decoy at this time of year, unless I know that a buck is in the area and has already spotted him. Otherwise, loud rattling, grunts, and scent bombs will draw them in 50 times greater than without the decoy. I have had seen deer as close as 5 steps from my blind without looking my way as their focus is on the decoy. Treestands will work as well, but I dont use a rangefinder and am known to not hit the vitals when shooting down from the height that I like to hunt with a tree stand. The 3d targets will get their attention, but the does have a tendency to be timid near decoys and will almost instantly blow and clear the fields if they get close enough to notice. Make sure you TOTALLY de-scent the target when using as a decoy, and never apply scent to it either, only around it. I hope this helps. Shoot straight!
hmm thanks for all the info. i guess i wont be using one the area that i wanted to use it is where thick bedding turns into oaks right beside a corn field and there is a good scrape there. The cornfield is still standing and most of the woods is thick so the only place i could put it is on the quad trail that goes around the field.. if they cut the corn field tho i will deffinately try it ! thanks for all the help!
It is fun to see them react I agree with those who have responded...you have to use them in the open. When you do you will be shocked how they act...I had a small buck stand in front of me for 30 minutes with the decoy. I stood up and sat back down twice, drew the bos twice. I used the experience as a practice session. One thing was clear, his attention was on that decoy and NOT on me....I had just put it up maybe 15 before he came in. I recommend them...might offer an edge on a giant?
