Elk decoys - helpful when hunting alone?

[tbrady]

About 99% of the time I am hunting alone (at best I may have a buddy in the same unit).  Would an elk decoy help when trying to call in a bull solo?  I typically steer away from most "gizmos" as I feel like they can easily do more harm than good but I'm curious what y'alls experience has been with these things...!

thanks
tim

[romaknows]

They work great!

[elk247]

  for the bulls that hang up during the rut and pre rut. Corey Jacobson summed it pretty great during the podcast on Rich Outdoors. When you get those bulls that stop at the 100-150 yd boundary you either have to sneak in on them or draw them closer. Depending on set up and terrain you might be forced to play your hand only one way. For those bulls you have nothing to loose. A decoy is just the visual conformation you need to finish painting the picture in the bulls mind that you are a hot cow.

I wouldn't call it a gimmick or say decoys are the only way to go ,but another deadly tool in the tool box when used correctly. Get a decoy that you can move quickly from setup to setup. There are tons of different decoys do your homework so you'll be happy with it.

[Netminder01]

I picked up two this year and going to try for the first time. I'm not sure how much I'll use "Ms September" but I know I'll benefit from having her in my pack than not. They just came in this week and I have her stretching her legs in my office! :-)

[seth30]

After calling guy after guy using a cow elk call in a bull only area, I would not use a decoy for fear of being shot.  that's just my two cents, however if you have access to private land I would use them in a heart beat. 

[Netminder01]

After calling guy after guy using a cow elk call in a bull only area, I would not use a decoy for fear of being shot.  that's just my two cents, however if you have access to private land I would use them in a heart beat.

I'm using mine for archery if I can't get close enough to them. Always cautious for sure, but I'm less concerned than if I was using one during muzzie or modern.

[MLBowhunting]

We use them without hesitation.  My buddy killed a huge 6 using a cow elk decoy.  Bull came in and at 30 yards didn't see us behind the decoy.  Awesome

[tbrady]

Well, looks like I need to get one.   I've done a bit of searching and see mainly 3 different ones that are popular.  Does anyone have a totally unbiased opinion on which one is better?   

[MLBowhunting]

  it is all personal preference man. 

[Big6bull]

I'd like to get one but they are pretty darn pricey for what they are

[WapitiTalk1]

I own and use two decoys.  The first will "always" be on my bow, they work and work very well. 

http://www.poisonarrowgear.com/

The second is also a great tool in my elk kit but is deployed a bit more as the hunt dictates (I sometimes use the cow behind decoy slip and sometimes the camo slip).  Plus, it's a great walking stick!   

http://elkmtngear.com/

[pianoman9701]

I own and use two decoys.  The first will "always" be on my bow, they work and work very well. 

http://www.poisonarrowgear.com/

The second is also a great tool in my elk kit but is deployed a bit more as the hunt dictates (I sometimes use the cow behind decoy slip and sometimes the camo slip).  Plus, it's a great walking stick!   

http://elkmtngear.com/

I bought one of the slips without the umbrella. I use 6 miniature bungies to drape it over bushes and it works great. I also use a Montana Elk decoy but am seriously thinking about the poison arrow decoy. How does it affect the release noise? Torque? Does it change the impact point?

[Big6bull]

I think I'd be way to afraid to use the one hanging my bow in cow units 

[Netminder01]

The umbrella seems like one more thing to worry about in the woods but would be interested in others who have tried it.

The clip on cow to my bow is interesting, and I see the potential benefit but the height of the brush would have to be conducive otherwise it will appear like a floating head with two camo legs behind it.  Again, would be interested in any consumer successes for those willing to share.

[pianoman9701]

The umbrella seems like one more thing to worry about in the woods but would be interested in others who have tried it.

The clip on cow to my bow is interesting, and I see the potential benefit but the height of the brush would have to be conducive otherwise it will appear like a floating head with two camo legs behind it.  Again, would be interested in any consumer successes for those willing to share.

That's why I just use the slip and attach it to bushes or between two saplings. The digital imagery is exceptional.