Decoys

[Wildturkey 2]

Anyone use decoys what kind do you own. and do you use doe or buck during what part of the rut is better? Is doe or buck best to use . During certain times of the rut ?

 

[Bucksnbears]

I tried a decoy for the first time this evening.
Just an old 3_ d target with one antler.

Had a spike spot it from 80 yards away and came in on a string. Lol.

 

[Wildturkey 2]

lol ok it did work anyways

 

[2-bucks]

I've used multiple versions over the years. Only success I've had is with buck versions this time of year. Mid October to mid November. But by success I mean bucks coming in and entertaining me but not one id shoot. I've also had many times where they scared off the does or small bucks so I've stopped using them. Had one time a legit shooter, like a 165 incher, completely froze and turned around when he saw the decoy. So haven't used one for 3 or 4 years now.

 

[Wildturkey 2]

lol ok it did work anywaysi

I've used multiple versions over the years. Only success I've had is with buck versions this time of year. Mid October to mid November. But by success I mean bucks coming in and entertaining me but not one id shoot. I've also had many times where they scared off the does or small bucks so I've stopped using them. Had one time a legit shooter, like a 165 incher, completely froze and turned around when he saw the decoy. So haven't used one for 3 or 4 years now.

ok thanks all good information

 

[HWC]

Used one last year for the first time in years. Buck decoy. Had a mature buck come in ready to fight. Stiff legged and bristled. It was really cool.

 

[Brett Morris]

Shot my first buck this year over my DSD Buck Decoy. It was a ton of fun! That said, it's a coin flip on if you're pumped to have it or you're cussing it.

The downfall is packing it in with all your stuff can be a TON of work. I did a hang & hunt when I killed my buck and it was a lot of work but totally worth it in the end.

The lowlight of decoy hunting this year was on November 3rd. I did an all day sit. Packed in the decoy and left it at the base of the tree. It was a really small food plot that's on a travel route back into our farm that a decent number of deer will hit on their way to bed. I didn't want the decoy out the entire morning as does generally aren't real fond of decoys. About 10:30 I climbed down assuming most of the deer were back into the farm & the rest of the day would be cruising bucks. I threw the decoy on my shoulder and walked 20 yards from my stand only to have my target back (killed him November 7th in the same plot) run right to me. Stopped at 30 yards chasing a doe trying to figure out why there was a buck floating 5' off the ground. As imagined I didn't see him again that day. I sat from dark to dark, was out of the treestand for less than 3 minutes the entire day & that's when he ran by. Can't make up the nonsense sometimes!!

 

[Sligh1]

My decoy is my grunt tube & horns. Using both & closely watching how the deer reacts. I usually only use when I see a deer. I know lot of dudes have luck with decoys though, I was a flop when trying them in my early days.

 

[Hardwood11]

I shot my first nice buck with a doe decoy in Minnesota. I could have jumped up and down that buck was so focused on that decoy !

Since then I have not used a decoy as much, especially a doe decoy. The other does seem to spook from it ?

Maybe I need one of those really nice Dave Smith decoys or something ? I’m not ruling it out in future

 

[203ntyp]

My decoy is my grunt tube & horns. Using both & closely watching how the deer reacts. I usually only use when I see a deer

Same here Skip!