Decoy help

[davies2097]

Well I am planning on using a decoy this weekend. I have never used a decoy before. I don't know what would be best, a doe or buck? I was planning on setting up a doe decoy and then pulling a drag line to it. What do you guys think? Any help would be appreciated! What scents would you use also?

[HeartLunger]

I would try a half racked buck decoy this weekend. I also would pin a white ribbon to its tail to give it some movement. Be sure to spray it down with scent killer...or smoke, whatever you use. Also, I would angle the buck to you so if another buck comes he will approach the decoy from the front and angle himself towards you with a broadside shot. Make sure you have the decoy so that it is visible for a distance so as to not scare the deer...for instance, do not put it on a bend in the trail in the middle of the woods. It would be like you walking around a corner and having a stiff mummy looking at you.

Good luck!

Oh, I would wait till next weekend or so before decoy with a "hot" doe. You could also try her in the bedded position.

[CritterGitter]

Well said HL. I'll expand on that a little bit. Davies this weekend should be PERFECT for decoying. The young bucks are chasin and the big boys are definately moving around a lot more, checkin some doe and asserting themselves as the dominant males in their area.

With that said, I would definately use a buck decoy this weekend. Some like to do the half rack thing, but I don't think it makes a difference in my experience. Definately put it out on a field edge or wheret he deer can see it from a long way off. You don't want to use a decoy in the woods or in heavy cover. The buck decoy should be facing you(if you only have a doe decoy then face it away as a mature buck will almost always approach the rear of a doe). I like to place mine about 30-40 yards out. Then, when the buck comes in to face the buck decoy he is about 15-25 yards right where you want him. I took a white garbage bag and cut out a peice about as big as a deer's tail and tacked it to the rump of my decoy. The slightest breeze moves it gently and this puts a deer at ease. I also have a small piece in his ear for some realism. Be sure and spray it down liberally with the scent away spray. The slightest foreign smell will spook them for sure.

Good luck and have fun. It is so cool to see a buck come in and interact with the decoy, even the little ones.

[TRMichels]

I can't think of a way to expand on waht has already been posted.

Well done guys, you should write some deer huntign articles. I'll post them on the Hunting magaizine on our website - if you do it , and allow me to.

God bless and good hunting,

T.R. Michels
Trinity Mountain Outdoors