If you have successfully used decoys while deer hunting tell me some about them. I'm looking to get a few this year and want to know what kinds have been good. What they cost, portability, what are deer reactions to them, where to place them, etc.. I was thinking of setting them up in on on edges of pastures and fields.

Uncle Matt (in IL)

Have not had to much success with them. Had deer look at them ,but usually the dunb button buck would be the one to respond.Also had a hunter stalk it.If you hunt where there is lots of hunters they will mess it up and even shoot at them

I get the feeling that if you dont place a decoy right it can spook deer. Im thinking about getting a little doe to make everything look safe and see how it works. I want to get a renzo, I think. Their prices are great for a decoy but its a siloet

Bass pro has a good decoy it is a redi doe, I think it is made by flambeau.

There are a few things that I found to be keys to success with decoys. The first is to be sure that the decoy is facing away from you. Buck will aproach a doe from the rear during the rut. If the decoy if facing towards you this means he will be walking right at you and not present a shot also reducing your ability to draw without being seen. On the other hand if he's walking away from you towards the decoy you will have a quartering away shot and be able to draw. Another tip is to take small strips of white fabric and pin them to the tail and ears. This will add a little movement to the decoy and increase the odds of a buck coming in. I always combine the use of a decoy with scents and calling as well. I think when used together they can be very effective. Of course having a good buck to doe ratio is always the key. If there are far more does than bucks it's always tough pulling a nice buck off his does. However, if the bucks are very competetive fighting over the does they will be more succeptable to coming in. Good luck.

I was thinking of using one for a confidence decoy we have a bad buck to doe ratio. How realistic do I need it?

....or even shoot at you! OMG.... The thought of a deer decoy on a public land hunting wildlife area!!!! [&:][]

I have seen the deer decoys by Flambeau and absolutely WILL NOT even think of getting one! I'm not saying anything bad, but there are a few way too overzealous hunters out there, if you know what I mean!

Butch A.

mrwake, as I said with a pretty bad buck to doe ratio you'll be hard pressed to pull a buck off the hot does seeing as how he'll basically have his pick with not much other competition around. However, as a confidence decoy it might not be a bad idea. If you have a buck passing through the area within eyesight and out of bowrange he may just take the time to check it out. As far as being realistic I use the flambeau doe decoy. The head and legs detach and fit in the body and I rigged a strap to carry it. I wouldn't want to lug it through extremely thick cover for a long distance but it's pretty light and can be carried pretty far. It looks as lifelike as any I have seen and the added white pieces of cloth give it a little movement. Combine the decoy with a little scent and you may have that added insurance you need to get that buck to come in for a shot.

I will only be using the decoy(s) on our private land. We have never found anyone else hunting the property, although we do know that in 10 years atleast one person has trespassed (9 years ago)and one person left a four wheeler that mysteriously had 4 flats at once (9 years ago) and pulled a Houdini.

If decoys are used they would only be out during hunts.

Flambeau? How much?

Uncle Matt (in IL)

I have used my 3d target several times and put doe urine on it and actually have had does bed down close to it as if it was real lol funny to watch.