The moose decoy thread got me wondering how many use ELK DECOYS?
TIM B
I have used a Montana decoy before. Had a big bull come running till it got within 50 yards, then he stopped and began circling downwind. I drew my bow when his head went a small tree at 18 yards, but he caught movement and stopped with his chest cavity behind the limbs ... I finally had to let down.
I needed to have the decoy partially hidden and just suggest a cow elk was standing in the timber, but I had the decoy in the open and the bull got a little nervous about the situation.
I use a couple montana decoys, always on my pack. They can give you that extra edge you need in some situations. Word of advice though, be very cautious when using them, dont set up too close. I,ve seen a decoy with a 54cal hole in it.
I have used decoys in the past but I always end up moving and rarely setting up long enough to break it out so I don't even carry one anymore.
I have a Montana decoy but I've only brought it out a few times.
Once I spotted a small bull at the same moment he spotted me. He didn't run away but he nervously turned to leave. As soon as I could I whipped out the decoy and made a few cow calls as I walked away with the decoy facing him. The bull could only see me through the trees. My hunting partner crouched down where we were. That bull did a 180 and made a b-line right towards me. The bull got to within 15 yards of my partner but another elk came running in and chased him away. The decoy did exactly what I hoped. I plan to use it more.
I had a Montana Cow pull a bull about 300 yards across a park. As he circled it disappeared (2D) and he freaked. As he bolted he stopped to look again as he could see it but, he didn't seem to like the vanishing cow setup. I think it helps if setup correctly. Kind of a pain to setup and take down as you move.
If you use two decoys at 90 to each other and try to place them in a little cover it helps with the disappearing elk trick. I have found its best to set up in front of the decs at least 40 to 50 yards and if you have a buddy calling for you place him in back of the decoys, if you are by yourself get the decoys set call a few times and beat feet twoards the elk fifty or sixty yards and dont call any more.
Have one that goes right above the riser on my bow, and stays out of the way when shooting, will try to get some pictures posted here soon.
Thanks,
4dogs got it right, that kind of setup with two different Montana decoys has worked more than once for me. I would add one piece of advice: spray paint a large blaze orange X on each decoys side---the elk dont seem to mind and it might save you from what happened to a fellow I met in CO---he had a fella stalk and shoot his cow decoy. Luckily the arrow missed him but that was enough to make me mark mine
I dont really want to critisize, just concerned. Guys that set up right behind, walk with or spend too much time in real close proxcimety of those realistic looking decoys in my opinion are taking a risk. You all will have to make that decision your self. Like I said before, saw a decoy a muzzy hunter put a 54 ball through from 150 yards...had a guy shoot right over my head ( I was laying low in meadow grass) at some decoysand have heard some other horror stories. Just be careful and smart out there guys.