Decoys for Elk

[gregg dudley]

Ok, a few months ago you guys helped me out with some sage advice on calls and calling strategies.  Today's newbie elk question concerns decoys.  I have read a lot about them lately and was wondering what your personal experience has been with them.  What types have you used?  How do you set-up?  Any advice is appreciated.

[njstykbow]

Gregg,

The only elk decoy that's going to do you any good is one that is easy enough to carry that you don't think about it when you pack it.  That said, I've found the Montana cow elk decoy which looks like the rear end only of the cow is the most compact.  Forget the legs and make a loop of twine or fishing line at the top and hang it over a branch.  Set it about 30 yards behind you and to the upwind side if possible.  Sometimes you forget you've put the decoy out and it kind of scares you when you look back and think an elk has snuck in on you!  Also the decoy has to be where the bull can see it from the 75-100 yard range, which I find is where they first hang up to the call and want a visual confirmation before they commit.

[bowfiend]

Gregg, you need to take into account the type of cover where you'll be hunting. I think Jersey's dead on with the distance provided the cover is open. I end up finding a lot of bulls in thick nasty stuff and sometimes they're in my lap before they would be able to see a deac. Just a thought.

[gregg dudley]

Thanks for the input.  I have been looking at the Montana Cow decoys in some catalogs.

[ChuckC]

I wonder if having a buddy wear a tan shirt moving a bit in thick cover would work.  Just show some color and move, breaking branches like a cow feeding in the thick stuff......but not during muzzleloader time...be safe
ChuckC

[**DONOTDELETE**]

We made our own out of 1/4 inch flexible foam. they are light weight and roll up pretty compact. we did heads with attached front legs, butts only, and broad side hind quarters with legs. we used parachute cord and good old cloths pins. they work good on the edge of a clear cuts, or an open areas too. when it gets thick keep those decoys closer to you. i put mine 10 yards behind me with my shooting lane 90 degrees to the wind. i had a 7 x 7 bull so close i could feel his breath on my neck one time using decoys.....TOO CLOSE!!!!!   :eek:    :eek:    :eek:    

[Brian Krebs]

I bought one kind of like Kirk described. It works; I have used to trick elk. I don't remember what the brand name is. It came in a green sack that you can wear like a quiver; or over one arm. Its really light.
Bulls will hang up;and seeing the decoy has helped; and as a plus- the pad can be used to sleep on in a pinch.