By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Recently, a fellow archery-deer hunter explained how he was watching a mature buck from a distance of 70 yards but it wouldn’t come any closer. When I asked if he had ever used a deer decoy, he replied that he was thinking about it. If ever you’ve thought of using a decoy, the time is now.
Bucks big and small are roaming the landscape in search of female deer right now. The rut is on and if you’ve contemplated using a decoy, I can tell you to go beyond thinking about it. There are models that are relatively inexpensive to examples that exceed $200 for life-size, full-body decoys. Here are a few issues to consider to create some excitement in your time afield.
* High-tech decoys that come with mechanical or electronic features are prohibited by Michigan law.
* To save money, a full-body, archery deer target can be used, if you don’t mind the extra effort to tote it afield. If you decide to use this type of decoy, it’s best to remove it immediately after a hunting session. If you don’t want to carry it home, at least lay it down and cover it up, or it could be damaged by irate bucks while you are away.
* I like to use a cover scent applied to my rubber boots during setup. I prefer not to put any scents directly onto the decoy. If a buck becomes interested and approaches the decoy to the point it sniffs the decoy, what more can a hunter want?
* Placement of the decoy will be upwind of your position; however, the decoy should be set quartering toward you at a distance that will allow the deer to circle downwind, into your optimal gimmie range. Also, partially hiding the decoy at the edge of a field can spur inquisitive challengers to approach.
* Antlered decoys could confuse the trap, because lesser bucks may shy away from a big bruiser. On the other hand, a mature buck may get incensed at the intruder and the game will be on!
* Doe decoys will not typically scare other deer and are a good choice for most encounters. However, if you are targeting a specific older buck, antlered decoys could antagonize a buck to defend its territory.
* Silhouette decoys made of cloth are portable, but wind can totally make them appear unnatural in the wild. Leave them home during high winds.
* Antler rattling or use of other non-electronic calls such as grunts may turn a cruising buck to look your way for the visual.
Don’t concern yourself about simple two-sided, silhouetted decoys and their ability to fool deer. Even though a close-up inspection may not compute in their minds, they cannot rationalize that you are hiding nearby. If a deer approaches it and finds it lifeless, they may abruptly leave the scene. But, if and when they realize the decoy is fake, they’ll merely walk off.
Although there are no absolutes when employing decoys; sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. But, there’s only one way to find out.
