Deer Decoys

Hunter65 · #1 10-31-2014, 07:30 PM

My girls bought me Miss November a few years ago, but i have not tried her out yet. Was thinking about it this weekend. Anybody have any luck with deer decoys? Tips/suggestions always welcomed.

James Henry · #2 10-31-2014, 07:41 PM

Yikes! I would only use the in a bow only area. After being present for the gong show in 304/305 on opening day last week, too many idiots and not enough fish cops...

scooter123 · #3 10-31-2014, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Henry

Yikes! I would only use the in a bow only area. After being present for the gong show in 304/305 on opening day last week, too many idiots and not enough fish cops...

x2......never used one but had a friend that used one and had a guy shoot at it .......if your are going to use it go off into the deep bush and don't be in the line of fire...... or be up real high in a tree stand!!

Hunter65 · #4 10-31-2014, 07:59 PM

I certainly thought of that. Its a good point and an unfortunate reality. Miss November does not really look like a deer, but a big dog. I do plan on hiding out on the bush, under camo (??). I do have a place in mind, we'll see.

Sneeze · #5 10-31-2014, 08:35 PM

You would be completely insane to use a deer decoy in general rifle season in any zone in Alberta.

The statement "My girls bought" means you got people to come home too.

Don't risk it.

taipan · #6 10-31-2014, 11:19 PM

I have a harem that I employ in November and it is deadly. As far as do they work ? Deadly. As far as their use on crown land in many places in AB.. Also deadly.. I would be scared unless way back in the sticks, I presently use them on private land and they have killed there share of bucks. Its almost cheating if use them properly. Again don't use around other hunters and stay far away from the set up.

waterninja · #7 11-01-2014, 07:24 AM

Very interesting. Never thought about a deer decoy. Think I would stick to private land for this approach.

blgoodbrand1 · #8 11-01-2014, 07:35 AM

A bit of orange survey tape around the neck shouldn't lessen the effectiveness and should make it a bit safer.

petew · #9 11-01-2014, 11:08 AM

I have used them for a long time with good success Bowhunting. No way would I use one when guns are around. private property is no guarantee someone will not be shooting at it, and if you are behind it..... bad news.

calgarychef · #10 11-01-2014, 11:17 AM

Like the rest on here, they work well for bowhunting but the deer get used to them pretty fast. You'll fool them once or twice then they will get out of dodge fast when they see the decoys. I sure wouldn't use them in a rifle area, unless I was in heavy heavy bush, they don't work as well in heavy areas but sure do well on a field edge...the very place that could get you shot.

VanIsleGuy · #11 11-01-2014, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calgarychef

Like the rest on here, they work well for bowhunting but the deer get used to them pretty fast. You'll fool them once or twice then they will get out of dodge fast when they see the decoys. I sure wouldn't use them in a rifle area, unless I was in heavy heavy bush, they don't work as well in heavy areas but sure do well on a field edge...the very place that could get you shot.

You ever seen the video of the buck mounting the decoy?

dmcbride · #12 11-01-2014, 07:27 PM

If you are going to use one in rifle season position it so you are not down range of any one shooting. Position the decoy in front of some thick cover. Point the decoy's butt or head towards the thick cover. Pine tree or thick enough that it can't be seen though. The shooter should be looking at the decoy's butt or head at a good safe distance. Point is make it that any one coming down range of the shooter cant see it. Hope that makes sense.

I will only use one on private land and set the decoy up so that I won't be shot at. Like has been said there are trespassers.

kritz · #13 11-01-2014, 07:40 PM

I used mine a few years back and had a small 4x4 try to mount it, as he put his front legs up the miss Nov would flatten to the ground, when he jumped off ms nov popped up , and the buck did this 3 times ,it was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time , wish I had a camera at the time , it was priceless. I had a little doe in heat spread around it and a little soaker hung on it. Pending how far you walk with it, blow it up first at home, and it is kindof awkward to walk with blown up. but it is funny to drive with it in the passenger seat blown up.