Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I received my Flambeau Boss Buck today. First thing you will notice...the box is HUGE and must weigh about 35 pounds. I took it in the back yard to set it up. IMHO, problems as follows:

1. 150 dollars (plus 20 shipping) is a lot to spend on a decoy, but okay I stepped up to the plate and figured I'd go first class for my IL bow hunt.
2. The hard plastic construction material is very noisy...pulling the pieces out of the body cavitiy would alert all game in the area.
3. Pulling out the pieces was not easy...very tight fit.
4.Legs are "twist and lock"...the decoy's left front leg would not stay in.I struggled with it for awhile and then gave up. [:@]

At this point I say, this is too heavy, too loud and too much work to be practical in a hunting situation, where it will be both dark and cold first thing in the morning. I'd be sweaty and wore out from lugging in my bow, climber and this decoy to my set-up. So, I packed it up the best I could...putting all the parts in is even more challenging to make everything fit...again, very noisy.

All in all, I am sure this is the most realistic decoy every made. The concept is wonderful. In its present form, however, it is not a practical piece of hunting equipment for me. I'll be making a trip to UPS (believe me, you need a big vehicle to haul this box) tomorrow and it will be on its way back to Cabela's. Fortunately, I've never had a problem with a return to Cabela's...their customer service is first rate.

Understand, I am not trying to talk anyone out of making a purchase...just wanted you all to be able to make a more informed decision. ;)

Red

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I have a Flambeau Redi doe andI know what you mean about the noise. You can do it quietly but it has to be done in micro slow time carefully. Take a look at the Buckwing Bobblehead buck decoy that is out this year. The head and tail actually bob and I believe movement is a key factor in making a decoy effective. It is in Bass Pros 2007 archery catalog on page 128 for $219. It comes with two sets of antlers(one small and one large) or it can be used with no antlers. I use a military dufflebag to carry my redidoe. I am going with this Buckwing wind movement decoy. Their turkey bobblehead decoy is top rate and I saw the buck decoy at the IA deer classic in March this year.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Thanks for the tip, Hardcore...anyone have a chance to see the Buckwing in person and know anything about weight, ease of carrying and set-up, etc.?

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I love the buckwing turkey decoys...that deer decoy looks really good!

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

My thoughts. Looks very realistic from the pics I have seen.

I did think of getting one just to use for a lawn ornament (sp)

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

That BuckWing Buck Decoy looks awesome , I just gotta get myself one of those.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

What deer decoy have you seen that wasn't noisey plastic??? [&:]

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I've got a Carry-Lite... I took it out for an afternoon hunt, and then hid it in some tall reeds close to my stand after dark. Every time after that, setup was a cinch. :)

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I remember a doe decoy that was more of a rigid foam. I haven't had lots of experience using decoys, thus my interest and questions. Seems like they could build one with materials that had a slightly "rubber" texture that would be quieter in the woods. Heck, they put rubberized "armour" coating over many hunting accessories. I am sure that they would have to deal with a weight issue, but seems like it could be done. Even if they put a rubber seal around the hole in the body cavity where you pull out and push in the other body parts would be a great help in quieting things down. Just some thoughts....

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Actually, Red Boar, those are some great thoughts.... I'd like to see that, too.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Somebody's making a Pronghorn deke that some guys are using out west to decoy bucks in with (Pronghorn bucks). It looks to be inflatable. Why can't someone do that with a deer deke?

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I have the older one, probably the one Greg has. Couple years old, legs, ears,antlers etc store in the body cavity. All plastic. It looks good set up but it is loud if youset up inthe field.

quiksilver let me in on his workout routine and ever since then I have been assembling the decoy at the truckand carrying out to field under an arm. No barbie dolls here boys.

Seriously, the last couple times I used it I put together at the truck and carried it to stand under an arm. About a quarter mile or so. It is not that bad on weight. Now if it was a rubber material it would be much heavier. Or you could hide it in reeds.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

someone does make an inflatable deer decoy, I cant think of the name right now but I saw them at a local sporting goods store. They did not look to bad, They have the photo implanted like a montana decoy, but are 3D

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I did a search on the inflatable deer and found several companies making them. I also saw the buckwing at the proshop while getting my string changed yesterday. Sweeeeeeeeeeet. They kept telling me I really needed one and if I could hunt field edges that weren't on public land, I'd think about it. I mean, it looks so realistic with that swaying head from afar, I'm afraid at least one poacher would take a shot at it!

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Delta Decoy makes a cheap foam decoy. It isn't that loud.
It's almost like a foam target deke, so that should give you some idea.

The one in the store looked decent (definitely not too big to scare anything away), but the one I got was not formed properly (pieces didn't match up) and I returned it.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I didnt take time to read all the posts becouse im in a hurry, so sorry if this was already said, but why would you ever buy a decoy? A 3-D target will work just as well, and if you need a doe then just take the antlers off! Just my opinion.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Im pretty sure that a deer would be able to see about a thousand hole in one of it's own species. They may not spook from this bu may not et to close, can't lay proof on this theory tho. Plus they would stink up the whole hillside. Just my opinion.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

That is true about the holes and the scent. But if you stored yours outside, and had a replaceble bullseye that you could put in it, it would save you alot of money. I dont see why i would buy a 3-D deer target and then go buy a 3-D decoy that i cannot shoot at. It just doesnt make sense to me....but maybe im just weird

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Im going to look into those blow up ones as I have not seen any yet. I want to look at pricing and if there not too much I will probably buy one. But $150-$220 is unreasonable I agree.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

You make some good points, but have you ever actually carried a 3-D target a good distance to your hunting location? If you have your bow and climber (at a minimum) how far could you get with one? Decoys are supposed to be lighter, easier to set upand more portable. Now, if you had your own property and were hunting very close to your cabin/house than I guess it wouldn't make as much difference. I also agree that the scent from a target would be a problem.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I agree with everything here. Exactly.

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

This looks like an old beat up McKenzie target:D

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

Can't have a decoy thread without one of them pics.

Good point about doubling up on target and decoy. Again, the Delta decoy reminds me of a target deer and its not like any of the decoys are that realistic up close anyway. There's a big ole hole in the neck of that Bobblehead!

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

i dont use deer decoys

RE: Thoughts on Flambeau "Boss Buck" decoy
 

I used a painted up McKenzie target for a decoy before.

Drilled about a 1" dia. hole in the tail and inserted a plastice 35mm film canister with a cotton ball and doe-in-heat scent. Snap on the lid when done hunting until next time.


I did get a buck using it and so did my father.

Had to hunt from the ground because I couldn't carry the deke, bow and a tree stand.

The target was very heavy and awkward. Had to stick wirein it to keep the head from falling off:D

I'm sure the regular decoys are lighter and easier to carry.

But a target will work.


Took this buck with the McKenzie target. Not a monster, but I haven't been know for takingbig bucks anyhow:)