Decoying Elk

[southpawshooter]

I want to hear from folks that have used visual calling methods for elk.  That is, using something for the elk to see and lock in on when bugling, etc.  

Montana decoys have 3 models, what is your favorite and why?

Does anyone use anything else for visual calling on elk?  I was thinking maybe a tan bath towel may work as well to simulate an elk rump.  The towel could be dropped easily to the ground to make the bull search for the cow rather than honing in when he gets close.

[Whip]

I have the Montana rump model.  I like the fact that it is smaller and easier to pack, plus the idea that it is facing away from any elk that might respond would seem to make them think it is just a preoccupied feeding elk.  Set back in the brush a bit and get 20 yards away and the decoy can make your heart skip a beat if you forget it is there!
Rather than carry the stakes that come with it I just use small spring clips and clip it to a bush or limb.  I also made a belt pouch to carry the decoy so that it is handy and accessible without the need to drop my pack and dig it out.  Things sometimes happen fast in the elk woods and if it is easy to get to you will be more likely to use it.

[southpawshooter]

Good info Joe - that is the decoy I was considering.    I figured the decoy looking like it is walking away would pique the bull's interest and make him come on in.

[tim roberts]

Here is the one that I have.  I have had it for awhile, but this is the first year that I have had it and an elk tag at the same time...    

 

 

This one can hook right to your limb above the riser, or as I have done it can hook right around your quiver hood.  
It takes a little bit of practice to over come the added weight, which is equilvent to about 2 Selway quivers full of heavy aluminum arrows, not bad but something to get used to.
It rolls up real nice and sit on top of my pack for real easy fast access.  
I plan on using it this fall hope to have some pictures of it in action later in the season!!!!

[Whip]

Here's my elk girlfriends butt...
 

[southpawshooter]

That looks really good Joe!

[Brian Krebs]

bulls tend to hang up if your calling them in; and they do that to actually see the elk they are coming in to.  So a decoy can work.
 I have a foam one; that you tie between trees. It does work; and it has the added benefit of working as a sleeping pad in an emergency.
 I set it up once while calling elk for a friend; I laid on the ground behind it; and had a bull come in silent and stand over my legs.
 So - they do work. NO: I didn't get a shot at the bull- my friend never saw it; although the tracks made us both laugh pretty good !

[Smallwood]

 
It's almost that time of year again!

[Cowboy Al]

Just talked elk with a couple of guys that have shot 25+ bulls between them. They work in pairs and say that all they use for a decoy is a burlap sack with a slight amount of elk colored paint on it, they place it so the incoming bull can only see a portion of it in the thick stuff. Their thoughts are that the sack holds the bulls interest long enough to get them their shot as when he's coming in he knows exactly where the call is eminating from and the bull(s) expect to see the source of it (another elk) if they don't see it the hunter wise bulls will often blow out without offering a shot.

[Brian Krebs]

Right AL ! Thats what I be talkin about.    :D    :rolleyes:    

[southpawshooter]

ttt

[southpawshooter]

One more time........

[Tom Leemans]

I just watched them using one (Montana cow) on TV where the guide sat back about 40 yards or so behind the hiding hunter. The decoy was made of some kind of fabric. The guide was holding the decoy and cow calling whenever the bull bugled. He came right in, but he did get skiddish when he got close. He knew something wasn't right, but it was too late.

I have a Renzo feeding whitetail doe decoy, and the whitetails will stop and blow like crazy, and walk way around it when they see it. I quit using it. I've since considered putting it out in the pasture to keep them near the edges.

[southpawshooter]

I would think that putting the shooter between the bull and the decoy would work best, as you saw in the video.  The decoy on the bow Tom shows is interesting, but I personally would not want the bull's attention focused on me as the shooter. If he gets in close I'm afraid the same sort of thing you describe would happen and the jig would be up.

Did the whitetails get spooked when they got too close to the decoy?

[zwickeyman]

I have one of the rump ones and would rather have one with a head on it. In really dark timber when you only see a silouette, it looks alot like a stump. They do work though, I use it when I'm hunting by myself and set it up 30 or 40 yards behind me and slightly up wind.

[Blackhawk]

I would think the decoy on the bow could have a couple problems.  As Southpawshooter said, the bull's focus is on the hunter.  

I realize the hunter will be camo'ed up, BUT this could now lead to problem # 2.  An unknown/unseen hunter could mistake the decoy for a live animal and take a shot.  This could really become a tragedy if hunting in an area with firearms hunters.

I have also encountered the Whitetail decoy problem as previously mentioned.  It seems that bucks are not greatly alerted, but the females quickly alert.

[zwickeyman]

Another thing about the decoy on the bow is,( I have seen alot of bulls come in hard and horn a cow down the trail or try to turn them back to his herd. Hard to get a good shot on a bull trotting straight at you.)