I just finished this one,"Maybeline".I scaled up a picture using a grid pattern and made it to fit within a 4'x4' piece of 1/4" plywood.I cheated and used an airbrush for some of it but a brush would work fine.I used water based paints.The color of the plywood would have been fine for the tan color but I painted over it.
I used 1/4 rod wired to a front and back leg with tie wire and they extend down 6" below and are pointed,to spike in the ground.
For added stability,as it gets very windy here,I added a swing arm as a third brace that comes out at a 45 degree angle.
The carry hole will also act as a peep hole if I need it.I also plan to make a small set of horns that have a sring closepin to attach if I need a small buck.
I plan too,to make an immature buck head that attaches above her back to simulate one standing behind her.
There is very little cover where I am hunting and the goats haven't started getting rutty yet,but it won't be long.The stituation is,there are about 30 some bucks and only 11-12 does.I expect when the rut kicks in,somebody will be looking for a doe.
I am hunting out of a blind and I am going to first put her near the blind to see if that will bring one near.
Later,it may work to draw one of the bucks that can't get a doe.As a small buck,it may just tick of a buck with does if I can get it close enough to be a threat.I forgot to add,it is painted on both sides so it can also be used as cover to sneak behind without the doe walking backwards.
As a doe with a buck standing behind it,who knows who that will tick off?Will it work? I don't know but if it helps me mess with their heads like they do mine,I will be happy.
Timing is everything with decoys and I'm sure that a homemade one will work as well as a store bought one.
This one weighs about 5 lbs and cost about $35.