Anyone use a decoy when elk hunting. We've been getting into decoys a little for whitetails and I was curious about a decoy for elk.

Thanks,
Mike

they work...especially when calling by yourself..sometimes it will give you just enough time to take the shot..bulls have an uncanny way of finding your EXACT location when they come in ..still I think it's always better to have a "caller" and a "shooter"...you can reverse rolls if the direction of the approaching elk dictates doing so...try to stay within sight of your buddy..my $.02 worth anyway..be safe

We will be hunting in pairs. Should we spend the $100.00 or would it not be a really good investment? Thanks.

Mike

It will be a great investment. They work very well. One morning a couple of years back me and a friend were in a tight spot. The big herd was above us so we had to get below them to cut them off on top of the ridge. As soon as we went down into the open draw below the herd, there was a cow and spike feeding 100yds below us. Not wanting to spook them, but needing to hurry up to cut the big herd off We went for it and put the decoy up and both of us walked past the two elk and they did give us a funny stare for a minute, but then continued to feed as we went past them. I've got a few stories about my montana decoy, but not near enough room. Worth every penny.

Good luck

Persoanlly I think they can help or hinder.. I have had both experiences..

Zilla, I'd like to hear the reasons for both if you care to share.

Also, which one seems to work best as there are three different Montana decoys each a different pose.  Thanks,  Ben

I have the one where she is kinda broadside looking back and so far the only elk I know saw it stared at it wondering why she wasn't keeping up with him. I keep thinking about adding the butt one so the elk might think its a herd and make him investigate.

I have a foam one that came in a camo cloth bag with a shoulder strap.

I know it can work; because I was laying on the ground behind it cow calling; and had a bull rake his antlers back and forth over my legs.

Other handy thing is that you can use it for a sleeping pad in a pinch...

this would be good for cow calling
http://www.gooseview.com/gooseview/confidence_cow.htm

We used them a couple years ago, they worked sort of. You need to have them set in the right place, and then if your wind is right they might give you that extra few seconds of distraction.

QuoteOriginally posted by leatherneck:
Zilla, I'd like to hear the reasons for both if you care to share.

Since many have expounded on good experience's, my bad experience involved a bull and a decoy.  Long story short, the bull came in from an unexpected direction, and when he saw the decoy he re-routed, and never offered a shot. If the decoy hadn't been there he woulda maybe walked with in 15 yards of me.. Broadside.. But that is conjecture as he moved off in a totally wrong direction. On the flip side the day before I didn't have a decoy up and a bull walked in right on top of me offering no shot.  My story is that if I had had the decoy up maybe it woulda distracted him long enough to get a shot.. Woulda, coulda, shoulda..

Thanks for the input all. I think I'll try to keep my first hunt simple and just call a little. I appreciate all the advice.

Mike

Here's another idea...I made my own.

Get a picture of an elk from your fav hunting rag, and get some brown fabric.  Draw your elk on it in "elk size" cut it out, paint it with black and white for the back end.

I made 2 of them about 5 years ago.  My hunting buddies laughed their A$$es off at me...until they worked.  Now they ask me to bring them. I have one broadside and one butt shot.  I didn't put a head on it...just neck down.

Tie them to a tree in your area and they will help with the 50 yard "hang ups"

I also douse them with a good covering of cow urine.

I have called in a bunch of cows and a few bulls using them..I "built" both of mine for < $25 and a little time.

Or go spend you $100 on the Montana...

Decoying elk works if done well

Scott