I've often thought about trying a black Angus decoy for antelope, but have never actually done it. Sure seems like it could be fun, and considering how often you see 'lopes and moo cows together I think it just might work!
Has anyone actually had any real life experience with a cow decoy? How did it work out? Did you use a cardboard cutout, or a commercial decoy? I see that Montana has one that looks pretty darn good.
I'm headed to WY in a couple more weeks to chase doe antelope. I'm sure some of the time will be spent more conventionally with spot & stalk and waterhole blinds. But I've often thought that walking around pretending to be a cow could be a fun diversion too!
I was a guide for an outfitter in MT that had a few full size black shields in the classic cow shape. Guide and hunter could walk to with-in bow range and take care of business.
I say give it a go,Joe
and send us some pics please.
CTT
Joe just be careful of the bulls unless your decoy is a bull then you may also get in a fight with another bull.Have fun I think it will work at least to get somewhat closer.Kip
I already have a plan for the potential bull problem. I figure this would be a two man operation. My partner will be the back end of the cow. :D
Remember Joe, You don't have to beable to out run the Bull, Only able to out run your partner.
So kick him in the knee as fast as you can and then run.
Good luck man,
CTT
Sure be worth trying 2 Weeks till ya go hu im jellious I ha e to wait till the end of September to chase em here in ks
I made one from 1/4 in plywood. We tried it several times but didnt seem to fool the antelope we were after.Went with the cow decoy because the plywood antelope decoys we made wernt working. End up sitting at water holes in a blind to get them 99% of the time.
I used to outfit for antelope and we had a cow cut-out and a full two person cow suit with a taxidermy head. Sometimes they worked, sometimes sent our target to the next county. Almost always a bunch of fun.
Pronghorn decoys work good right in the thick of the rut. Of course waterholes filled most of the tags.
Whip. . . I am certain it would work for hogs in Texas. Why not for antelope. John and I were laughing and talking of getting a cow suit for two and waltzing up to some hogs or javies (on video of course).
The big down side, as above, is if the big boy bull either hates you. . or ummm likes you.
yikes !
ChuckC
Note to self, if partnering with Whip on antelope hunt don't bring chili.
This is only a good idea if the specific herd your hunting is accustomed to cattle. If so its a great idea!
Hey Joe, we have the same idea, good idea havin partner on back end. :laughing:
Check with a sign shop, they have stuff like cardboard, cept made of plastic.Can be painted too. Can't remember what its called.
Very durable and lighter than plywood. We are gonna make a cow, maybe a foldup unit.
I have a friend who went to Walmart while on his hunt, got supplies and made a cow decoy and killed a buck the next day. I don't know what it looked like but he said it really worked.
I have used the Montana Decoy cow decoy with good success on goat and coyotes. Bulls have all been pulled out of the cows by then on my ranch. Just keep angling in on them and they don't seem to pay to much attention. Works well around the water holes also. Just another cow getting a drink. Good luck.
It all depends on the antelope I guess. Some it will work on, others it won't. I would be worried about the Wyo wind blowing it around. There is a company making decoys that fold up like an umbrella, slip systems or something like that. They have a moo cow, elk, antelope, deer.
Good luck and have a great hunt!
I want to try a black umbrella sometime. I here it might work and is packable.
Boy I'm sure glad I had back surgery and had to miss this hunt...or was that your intention to have me hobbled with a cane as that Bull approached :eek: Good Luck!!
Yeah Jeff, you spoiled those plans as my backup man. But Smiley's coming and I think I can outrun him.
Joe,
Get a part time job at Chick Filet and see if they will let ya take home that Cow costume...Believe me I actually thought what the black Agnus would do if I walked upright to my hunting area in one them costumes and how would they react to it...The Agnus always cicle me when I venture across the pasture to take a short cut to the bottom I hunt... :biglaugh: