To Decoy or not to Decoy??? That is the Question.

U

utahheadgear

New member
A less than stellar response to stand ratio so far this year of 1:30 (and a missed shot on the one that did respond /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif) has got me thinking hard about how to bring myself out of this slump and actually kill something. I'm wondering who here uses a decoy and why, and also who doesn't use one and why?

I have mixed feelings. I feel exposed when walking out in front of my setup to place a decoy (more scent, noise, movement, etc.) but also feel that the added reality of a decoy could definately help.

What do you all think??
 
I have the same thoughts about exposure. I do have a decoy and used it one time and learned I need to modify it, stupid plastic stake don't work good in hard ground. Once I modify it I'll take it with me and try it out a few times. My other thought is, I really don't much like carrying alot of stuff. I perfer my rifle, my calls around my neck and thats all. guess I'll have to get a back pack so I can include the decoy and the Preymaster/Nady 151 so at least my hands only hold my rifle, even though I'll still not like carrying alot of stuff, if it helps bring in more coyotes then I'll just have to suffer through it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

t/c223encore.
 
The best decoy you have; is the one that makes the noise. Any others do nothing to bring the coyotes in, they only add the possibility that it might hold his attention, or distract him when he gets to where he can even see the damned thing.
In my experience, by the time the coyote gets to a point where he can even see the decoy, Ive all ready been presented the best shot opportunity. I have seen some interesting things when a decoy is used, but just not enough times to warrant me dragging yet another piece of equipment along on a stand.
Some guys swear by them, others are like me, you'll just have to play with it and see if you think it benefits your style of calling.
 
I've only been using a decoy since last calling season, and my results are mixed. On a couple of ocassions, the coyotes have come to a screeching halt, in a couple cases turned the other direction looking over their shoulder, in most cases turned and headed down wind, but in each case it seemed they were instantly more cautious, or maybe just trying to figure out exactly what they were looking at.

Personally now, I'm only using it for "bobcat priority" stands where the movement will definately help. So far I just don't see it as a significant advantage for calling coyotes though. I may change my opinion after another season with it, we'll see.
 
Im certainly not trying to talk anyone out of using a decoy, some guys love them for the reactions they get? Im only saying that most coyotes can be killed, and maybe should have been, well before they ever see a decoy placed on the stand. In some situations and calling country, decoys might be the cats [beeep], but here in the desert they just don't turn the worm.
 
Quote:
you'll just have to play with it and see if you think it benefits your style of calling.




I use a decoy, sometimes up to (3) This is because of the terrain I'm afforded not my calling style, My hunting tactics and location dictate my use and how many decoys to deploy, I do agree with you ChiliRojo that if you are afforded the terrain to take the long open desert shot 3- 4 - 500M shot great I wouldn't use a decoy either as long as I knew where and what direction their approach would be
but who is certain of this?

Just my opinion

Good Hunting and good post!

April /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
I live in the high desert area you can see forever in some locations never have needed a decoy, made one last year used it one setup found it to be more of a pain than its worth. most shots are 20yrds- 150 average not long as most might think for the open country we have here.
 
I use a decoy quite often. They aren't going to bring anything in, but the animals you do call will usually have their attention riveted on the decoy.
 
Okay boys how about this.

I have witnessed coyotes that will hang up at a distance, sit down and just watch. It's not a problem when you see them because they are usually inside of rifle range. But what about the ones you don't see? The ones that sit there and watch until you get up and leave???

A stationary coyote is not always that easy to spot, but he may well be able to see you or your setup (decoy). Would a decoy perhaps draw that hung up coyote out where you can see him??
 
After watching Todd Woodall and Jeff Thomason use their decoys in the "Reloaded" DVD last night, I am truly sold on the decoy. Do you have to have one to still call in a ton of predators? Absolutely not. Will the use of decoys distract the predator away from you and draw the predator in closer when used right? Absolutely.

Even though I night hunt 90% of the time, I'm definitely looking into getting a decoy of some sort after watching that video. They way I look at it is that I want to be as effective as possible with the limited amount of daytime calling that I do. The decoy works great for those guys since they are trying to get good, quality scenes of animals coming in close and I think they did just that with the use of a decoy. I recommend the video, too! Tons of scenes and a lot of kills and they describe the products they use and how they help them.

Hope this helps. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Take care and God Bless,

Rusty
 
I decoy. As a hand caller, I want something for a coyote that's closing in, to focus on. I've been busted too many times where they focus 100% on my calling location. I've been using a decoy for the past 4 years now and it has made a major difference. I can now slowly pivot on a coyote outside of my shooting lane, without getting busted as easily.

There is the fear of busting a set by placing the decoy out in front of you, but the coyotes that see that movement, most likely, already saw me get into my calling location anyway.

As an additional bonus, I've had 4 different birds of prey attach the decoy while calling. Makes for some fun action.

Just my thoughts...Tony
 
I use both methods. I try to pick sets that naturally force the coyote to show at least part of himself if he wants a peek at the noisemaker. Also always try to have someone at the backdoor. Calling alone and certain terrain make using a decoy very beneficial. Heavily called areas need all the tools and planning you can get. I have a backpack loaded with goodies for my wife to carry along.
 
One thing to consider is that you don't want a decoy to be intimidating. If the decoy is large or moves too wildly, the animals seem to be more cautious. For the past two years I've used either of these two decoys, plus several others. These too are my favorites though because they are light and easy to carry. I've been using a turkey vest and stash the decoys in the back pouch.
IMG_1264.jpg


16s_Decoy.JPG


The first one is just a cluster of marabou feathers tied to a straightened wire clothes hanger that move easily in the slightest breeze. The fox silhouette is small (17", top to bottom). The feather tied on the front moves in the slightest breeze too. The feathers double as a wind indicator. The cluster of feathers has never intimidated a predator to my knowledge. I've had subordinate, young of the year coyotes approach the fox decoy somewhat apprehensively, but usually they stalk it. More dominate dogs aren't at all intimidated by the small fox decoy. In most cases, I'll see the animals sneaking in on the fox decoy or charging in on the feathers. Regardless of the decoy, their attention is riveted on the decoy instead of me.
 
It varies, but more often then not I use a decoy. The main advantage for me is to get the coyote to fix it's attention on the decoy. They usually will pause to check it out and that extra time and attention draw gives me time to adjust and get on target without getting busted. I normally do not use it in wide open spots. More useful to me in tall sage or thick areas, where otherwise the coyote will come in to the caller then keep right on moving through. Gets them to stop just long enough...bang!
 
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