Montana cow elk decoy

[Barney]

Anyone use one? Which one and why?

Thanks

[4dogs]

I use the rear end and side profile ones. I like the rear end one most...it's easier to fold up and gives the illusion the cow is walking away with her head pointing in the direction I am sitting calling...one tip, once the bull is heading your way do as little calling as possible they have an incredible talent for pinpointing sound location. I most of the time use both decoys ( have 2) to maybe be more convincing. They are great tools but there is a learning curve on what set ups work for you.

[cacciatore]

I am lazy to carry them on my backpack,but they are really effective and they focalise away from you the bull attention.

[4dogs]

For safety sake I highly recomend that you fold them up before you carry them, I even set myself up when calling so as not to be in line with any errant shots from another hunter. These decoys are incredibly realistic from a distance and the last thing you want is somebody slinging an arrow or a maxi ball in your direction.

[R.W.]

If the elk decoys work half as well as the deer decoys, you should have great results.

Had a little buck actually PUSH against my Montana WT deer decoy. I was sure that he would spook from the smell of human on it.

[Barney]

Thanks for the replies. Been wanting one for awhile and got a gift card for Cabelas.

Heard the metal ring around the perimeter is sometimes weak. Any truth?

Thanks

[4dogs]

I have had my oldest one five years now and have had no problems...other than trying to get the nack for folding it Ha Ha

[elknutz]

I have one but I only use it when I'm going to sit a water hole.  I tend to run and gun a bit and if the elk is moving away, I'm moving too. I don't want to take the time to mess with the decoy.  I may be missing out by not using it more.

[Goke]

I've used one my hunting buddy owns. We have used it multiple times to successfully call smaller bulls away from the herd. Three years ago I called in a nice 5x5 away from a huge herd and my buddy shot him at about 5 yards. I'm convinced the bull would not have closed the last 50 - 60 yards if he hadn't observed the decoy. We use the profile one as its the only one they had when he bought it. They are worth the money.

[JMartin]

I found one while I was on a Mule deer hunt last year. It was all folded up. however the ears won't stand up anymore. I guess it had been there a while, the bungee cord around it fell apart when I pulled on it. I'll fix the ear problem, and try it on my next elk hunt.

[Whip]

Were you hunting northern NM by chance?  It might be mine! I left one on a mountainside one morning when I stopped to put on rain gear.    

I've since replaced it - I like the rear end model.  A little smaller and easier to carry, and I like the idea of a bull thinking that the cow is facing away from him.  

Biggest problem was that I don't like to have it in my pack because I tend not to use it as often if I have to stop to take off the pack and dig it out.  Last fall I made a 3 sided open top carrying pouch for it with belt loops so now it is right at my side and I can have it out and set up in seconds.  I skip the stakes and just use spring clips to attach it to a bush or tree limb.  Fast, easy, and light!

[4dogs]

They also make a carry sling for it you just sling over your shoulder...fast and easy. I also use Whips idea with clips or even tacs at times, cuts down on set up time when needed.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I have 2, side and rear, and installed weights to the legs and some lengths of camo string to hang from branches, motion in the wind!

[cacciatore]

I probably shall buy one,but guys how many gadgets have we to carry while hunting.Elk hunting is hard and fatiguing we cover miles of ground at high elevation with lots of useless heavy staffs in our backpack,have you ever seen Fred Bear backpack? Art Young's?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Funny you should point that out....
I spend more time playing with my toys at home, or in camp than actually useing/carrying them.
But when the hunting gets tough, its always nice to have a few tricks to pull out of your pack !

[Matt_Potter]

They work great.  Lots of luck calling elk with them - not so much killing elk.  Sort of how my elk hunting goes.  Lose the stakes and thread a small piece of soft wire through the top of the decoy.  You can wire it to a limb or a bush much faster than you can stake it out.

matt