How to Hunt with a Deer Decoy

There aren’t many hard & fast rules when it comes to decoying deer; however, you can put the odds in your favor by using these tips on how to hunt with a deer decoy.

1.The More Realistic The Better

Cheap decoys may work, but the more realistic looking the better.

2.Decoy Posture

Decoy posture must backup the scenario you’re trying to pull off.  Some decoys look as if they’re so on edge they’re about to bolt. A feeding decoy, bedded decoy or any posture that doesn’t appear to be alert or aggressive will typically work most of the time.

3.Realistic Settings

Set up realistic settings. As an example, to depict a chase scenario you may want a more aggressive looking decoy. I like to place a small buck decoy standing over a bedded doe decoy – making it look as if they stopped to take a break. Think about how the whitetails might use an area.

4.Movement

“Lack” of movement is a key! This can easily be cured with commercial tail kits, a white hanky, or a real deer tail and fishing line. I learned from the Wensel brothers to use chicken feathers. Tie a short string to either the feather or hanky and then tape the string to the decoy; this leaves it free to swing in the wind.

5.Use Scent

The use of scent and calling helps dearly with decoys. Bucks almost always drop downwind to scent-check the set-up. If they drop downwind and smell some Special Golden Estrus around your doe decoy, or some Golden Buck with your buck decoy, it helps seal the deal.

6.Set Up for The Approach

Place the decoy facing you and keep it as scent-free as possible. Most of the time two deer will approach one another with necks stretched out, nose to nose. If he approaches in this way, it should leave you with a nice quarter-ing-away shot.

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