RE: deer decoys
I use the Flambeau decoy and love it. I did NOT buy the antler kit for it. I took a small 6 point rack and made my own with bolts and wing nuts, totally removable. I as well use a white rag soaked with scent with a small screw to the back end. It is very amusing to watch the deer react to seeing it. In an earlier post, someone said a buck ran off from the seeing a buck decoy and asked why? Simple, the buck that ran off got whooped from another deer. The biggest deer is not always the winner. Which is why I use a small rack. Less intimidating, next year I may try a set of spikes. Deer that are not dominant will not come into a decoy if they have lost a fight. They may not even come into a doe if their pride has been damaged.
As far as carrying it afield, it sucks! But worth it. Manufacturers strongly suggest not using a decoy during gun season at all!!!!! Can't blame them. Their are idiots out there that shoot deer with collars and bells that will not hesitate to shoot a shadow of a deer even if it just a body shadow. You can paint it bright orange if you like but, that won't stop someone before first light scoping in on you and possibly making a fatal mistake.