Deer Decoys

Never really used deer decoys before but have kinda been bouncing the idea around in my head about it. I hunt in georgia in the big woods, so i dont know if that would affect the usefulness of a decoy or not. But, what decoys are more effective are certain times and have any of you had any luck with using them.

 

I shot a 159 inch buck over a decoy in 2011. I found an area where deer moved from one stand of trees to another along a creek that had an open area they had to cross through. The big buck spotted my decoy from 100 yards when he excited the trees and came right in. They work in the woods too if you rattle or grunt a deer in and he spots your decoy. They almost always come in down wind so keep that in mind when you set up your decoy. I like mine to be quartering to me so the deer presents a broad side shot when he approaches the buck from down wind. I used a Scarface decoy that Primos makes. Youtube probably shows some set ups too I would guess. Good luck. Here's the buck I took.

 

I already have a decoy on my shopping list before next season. I have never hunted with one but think I missed a few opportunities this year without one so figure I will give it a try!

 

Wow that is a nice buck JGD. thanks for the info too

 

I have a Tinks "Mr October" that I got last year but not until mid season. I've only hunted over him twice with no luck. I'll be able to better use him this season. Its a pretty nice decoy for the price IMO.

 

Here is a pic of the first time I used him. I left his antlers off of him to use him as a doe.

 

I usually try to stay stealthy so I wouldn't enjoy setting up a decoy and taking it down every time. I feel like I would make too much noise and get my scent everywhere. I like to be quick but quiet when getting to/up my stand. On the other hand, I do see how they would be really effective and I have though about using them.

 

That's one thing I liked about "MrOctober" he's lightweight and inflatable. It inflates really quick and comes with stakes to stake it down. It actually looks really good for an inflatable decoy aswell. Definitely reasonably priced also. I'm prob not gonna use it to often but IMO its a great tool to have in the arsenal for when I do want to use him.

 

I have not had good luck in big woods with decoys. Open areas yes, big woods no.

 

I agree with you on this. My set up was only 90 yards off a county road. I sprayed it down with scent killer and put a few drops of buck urine on the tail. Fortunately, it worked perfectly.

 

I've seen those Mr. October bucks at wal-mart when the seasons open. Do they take a long time to inflate?

 

Nope not at all. I was worried about that aswell but actually surprised at how quick it inflated. Its definitely IMO a great decoy for the $$$.

 

Also the legs blow up individually from the body so you could actually set it up as a bedded doe or buck if you wanted.

 

I was wondering if anyone has ever used their 3D target as a decoy, just to save a little $.

 

I know many folks have had their 3D target attacked in their yard but transporting one and setting it up would be a real pain in the neck unless you could haul it in a vehicle to the place you want to set it up. There might me more scent on is with all the hands it has put on it to remove arrows too.

 

We have used one a few times down in Ohio and had some luck with it, mostly curious does and young bucks. The biggest thing we did was to keep it outside for a while to make sure any scent was washed away from rain and all. It's heavy to carry in so keep that in mind. I ended up getting a Scarface buck decoy last year off of Craigslist and used it a couple times without success last season. Fooled the neighbor who decided to take a walk on our property one afternoon as he stalked within about 30 yards of it trying to spook it away.

 

Me too. I am going with the Primos Scarface.

 

I shot my first and only spike in December with a carry lite buck decoy. 27yrd double lung from a ground blind
They can work for you but may be a pain to pack in

 

After using decoys for turkey hunting successfully this year... I'm ready to try one during deer season. I've been reading as much as possible about them to increase my [hopefully] success.

 

I have used 'Scarface' over the past few seasons. I shot my largest buck to date hunting over this decoy. One thing I have learned, I never use the decoy without antlers. What I have witnessed over the past couple seasons, if a doe comes out first and sees a doe decoy, she will snort, wheeze, and stomp the ground. With a buck decoy, the doe will usually skirt around it, but not freak out because of it.

SCFox