Decoy ?

[jt85]

I have been thinking of trying a decoy this year and was wondering if guy guys that use them have had better luck with doe or buck decoys during the rut ?

[Sam McMichael]

I have never intentionally used a decoy while actually hunting, but I once left by buck 3D target set up in the yard during the rut. A big buck totally trashed it, so I know they will check one out. During the rut, you might use both. Set up both and spray them down with either buck or doe scent. Be sure to wipe them down well with scent killer after setting them up to cut down on your smell just before using the deer scent. My target in the yard was "visited" multiple times, so I know deer will come. Good luck.

[jt85]

Thanks Sam

[KAZ]

Buck for pre-rut/early Rut, doe or Buck/tending doe setup for middle/later rut or lockdown... Just know that does can get wiggy if you're using doe decoys as they want to figure them out (and usually do) more than a buck decoy.... And when they do you better take them out or they will affect your current hunt, and maybe the hunts to come. I have not had that problem later in Rut or lockdown because they're busy...... At least that's my experience while giving a short answer...

[Zwickey-Fever]

I use a buck decoy when rattling because I once rattled in a huge buck that got really hinkie at about 40 yards when he did not see another buck. I also noticed if a buck commits to a decoy and you goof up some how, it will be a rare thing to get him to come in again.

[Michael Arnette]

I have tried them, bought one in highschool and got busted every time with it until I finally gave up. I only
Tried it as a buck decoy several times and just didn't see any deer when I did. Whatever you do don't use a doe decoy imo

I will say they are good for one thing...stopping deer in a deer drive and they will do it almost every time. I've had good luck using them this way back in my compound days.

[MnFn]

I put a doe in my hayfield one year.  It was about 125 yards away from.  If I ever did that again I would put it in the feeding position.  When three or four does entered the field, they were very much on alert.  I think because of the upright, non-moving stance.  Very nervous for a couple of minutes then they left.

[Bldtrailer]

used during the rut very     centerfold  life size cutout in a college dorm sure they know it's not real     BUT they still will come in to check it out!!!)  

[Jerry Russell]

I used one for two years on a farm with a massive deer population and had pretty bad results.  This was in Georgia on a farm where encountering 2-4 bucks per day was pretty common and I can say that the big boys HATED that thing. We used doe and buck decoys through the entire season and had very, very marginal success with very young deer and watched the older deer (bucks and does) run away terrified.  We tried 2-3 different models at all stages of the hunting season with several hunters.

I am sure that they work in certain areas of the country but I would never try them here again.

[Bldtrailer]

I found does hated the decoy but put near a scrape line in early Nov worked very well on bucks. I also rigged  it to have a moving head  down/ bobbing side to side (no antlers)(white tp as the tail blowing in the breeze)this little bit of movement seemed to close the deal.

[FoCoBlackWidow]

I have only used a doe decoy once, sometime around Halloween. I had does and small bucks coming to it on a string from across the field to check it out. It provided a great distraction as I didn't have much cover to work with and no trees suitable for a treestand. They did get pretty jumpy when they got in tight on it, but it did its job for sure. I'd definitely do it again, especially in open cover where they can see it from a ways away. I can see how it could be 'iffy' if you're trying to wait out a big deer and need to pass up other deer first, though.

[old_goat2]

I use the pair from Montana Decoys, I set them up so one is visible one way and one the other! The couple of young bucks that came all the way in really locked onto them and I could do whatever I wanted in my stand and they really didn't care! Well I could do everything I wanted except make the chip shot! Well second one, I think I would of smoked, but there was a little branch I couldn't see because the light was getting low! I use an unfletched arrow with a broadhead for the doe decoy and put her in a submissive position. Whatever you do, don't move a muscle till the deer sees your decoy! Then you can move a lot! If you are hunting private property and don't have to hike in a long way, they make better decoys than the Montana ones!