Deer Decoys - When?

[Milhouse]

For you guys who have experience using a deer decoy, when do you start to employ them?  Any luck with them early season?  I've got the "Boss Buck" decoy, and used it a little last year (early season, i.e. September 15th). I Didn't have anything respond to it.  Any input on the subject by experienced decoyers would be appreciated.

[BOHO]

I am also gonna purchase one for the fall. I will only use it pre rut and rut though. When I do some rattling. How do you like your decoy?

[Milhouse]

The decoy itself is very realistic.  IT is also noisy and pretty heavy.  I only have a couple of spots I'd use it in, and they are spots I can drive it up to, have it put together, and hide it somewhere, then pop it up when I come back to hunt.  I wouldn't try to put it together in my hunting spot, it's just too noisy as far as that goes.  It repesents about a 250 pound deer, so it may intimidate smaller bucks.

[BOHO]

thx for the info Mil. I appreciate it. I am looking at a carry lite right now. Still not 100% sure on what I'll end up getting.

[Littlejake]

I start using them the last week of October,and into November.But like any calling or decoying
I think it depends on the animal.I've had them come in on the run,or they pay no attention to it at all.But I'd say try it,it's definitely not going to work if you leave it in the truck.

[Osagetree]

I've never had luck, but my buddy has!

[ricketts]

I use an old Delta decoy and have had several exciting hunts. If I were to buy another decoy today, I'd buy a new Delta decoy. The material that it is made from is much quieter than most other decoys and makes into a little smaller package to carry into the woods. It's no fun carrying a decoy into the woods so I would recommend the lightest and quietest one you can find. I prefer a decoy with small horns or one horn. Does will not like any decoy that you put out and will stomp, blow and carry on, but most all bucks will respond in some fashion. Bucks may not want any confrontation and walk away or they may lay their ears back, puff up and walk sideways and challenge your decoy.
I usually set mine up near the end of October after the bucks split up and are traveling alone although it might work earlier. Let us know how it works for you.