Deer Decoys

A snort wheeze call can greatly increase the chances of a real buck approaching a buck decoy. Hunter shown wearing Mathews Lost Camo.

Miller loves using a snort wheeze call when he uses a deer decoy to create more realism. "The snort wheeze call hasn't been overused like grunt tubes and bleat cans. In fact, very few deer hunters use them. When used in conjunction with a buck decoy, a snort wheeze call works great. If I see a buck and he isn't paying attention to the deer decoy or simply doesn't see the deer decoy, a loud snort wheeze will get him to come check me out. If it's a large buck that sees the deer decoy, the hair will stand up on his back and he will come in for a fight," Miller said. If you're not very confident in your calling abilities, using an electronic call is another option. Many companies now offer wireless electronic calls. A speaker can be placed under the whitetail deer decoy and the remote can be in your tree stand. This allows the sound to always come from the deer.

A deer decoy can be used almost anytime during the deer hunting season, but obviously the best time to use one is during the rut. "I think there is a time and place for every style of deer call as well as a time and place for deer decoys to be used. Deer huntersshould use a buck decoy largely during the pre-rut and rut phase when bucks' hormones are raging. If a deer hunter only has a couple places to hunt and he uses a whitetail deer decoy a lot before the pre-rut, he may educate deer. A deer decoy works best during the pre- rut and rut. Of course if a buck is chasing a doe and he sees a deer decoy, he probably won't pay any attention to it. They aren't a cure-all, but they can be a great tool," Miller explained.

Mick Bowman with a few of the large bucks he has taken over a deer decoy.

There are several companies are making deer decoys right now and choosing the right one can be difficult. Before purchasing a buck decoy, do a lot of research, check out deer hunting forums, and see what other deer hunters are saying about the deer decoys they use. There are 3D deer decoys that pack up inside themselves for easy transport and 2D models that are extremely lightweight and fold up easily. Both styles have their advantages.

The 3D deer decoys are more realistic looking from every angle but they are plastic. The 2D models are often a photo of a real deer impregnated onto cloth or plastic. They can also look very lifelike. Despite the brand you choose, make sure it is one that you will feel comfortable transporting. If you purchase one that is big, bulky, and hard to move around, it will spend its' life in a basement because it's too cumbersome to transport and hunters quickly quit using things that are inconvenient to use.

Deer decoys aren't a silver bullet, but when they are used correctly and kept scent free, they can be a great hunting tool. According to Bowman, it is a lot of fun watching deer approach them. "I have seen so many different reactions to whitetail deer decoys over the years. I've seen bucks beat the heck out of them and watched does go crazy as they approached a deer decoy. It makes for a great show and deer decoys have helped me put a lot of trophies on the wall - many of them well over Pope & Young," Bowman noted.

So grab your bow, a bottle of lure, some deer scent eliminator, a few deer calls, and a deer decoy and get ready for some action the next time you head to the woods this fall!

Primos Scarface Deer Decoy

With a head and tail that moves in the slightest breeze, this Primos Scarface Deer Decoy will be the best weapon in your deer decoy hunting arsenal. The Primos Scarface Deer Decoy is an incredibly realistic deer decoy with a soft body for quiet carry and assembly in the field. A sturdy metal stake keeps the deer decoy in place in windy conditions. Each of the components (head, ears, antlers and legs) fit inside the body cavity. This makes it easier to carry and cuts down on unwanted noise in the field.

Learn more about the Primos Scarface Deer Decoy

Carry-Lite Deer Decoy

Is it real or is it a decoy? You'll look twice, and so will the deer, at this professionally sculptured and detailed deer decoy with lifelike taxidermy-quality eyes. Using different scents you can use the Carry Lite Deer Decoy either as a receptive doe or with the antlers as an infringing buck. Both the ears and tail are moveable and can be set in either the alert or relaxed position. Breaks down for easy portability: head, legs, antlers, ears and tail can be disassembled and placed inside the hollow body cavity. The Carry Lite Deer Decoy stands 35" at the shoulder and measures 36" from chest to tail. Includes a mesh carrying bag and metal anchoring stakes.

Learn more about the Carry Lite Deer Decoy

Flambeau Master Series — Flambeau Boss Buck

The Preferred Decoy of Trophy Whitetail Hunters.

• 8 point, 120 class antlers included
• New twist locking leg system yields unsurpassed stability, durability, and ease of assembly
• Limbs, head, and antlers all fit into body cavity for ease of transport
• Comfortable shoulder strap attached between chest and hind quarters enables knocked down deer to be carried into the woods
• Rear leg designed to accept readily available scent pads using Flambeau's scent management system
• Front leg designed to accept electronic Invisi-Series game calls which will drive bucks crazy! Imagine the possibilities

Learn more about the Flambeau Master Series - Flambeau Boss Buck

Montana Decoy Whitetail Buck

Crafted of a lightweight, yet durable polyester fabric with a detailed photo-image printed on both sides for a 3-D effect, The Montana Deer Decoy gives new meaning to portable and realistic. Because they pack down to a 2" x 16" diameter disc that weighs only 2 pounds, they are easy to pack into the most remote locations. A spring-steel band inside the body pops the Montana Decoy open for fast, easy set up, and a simple twisting motion folds it for transport. Fiberglass tent-style poles with step stakes support the deer decoy.

Learn more about the Montana Decoy Whitetail Buck

BuckWing — Bobb'n Head Deer Decoy

The head, neck and tail on this Buckwing Deer Decoy move in the wind, making it come alive with the slightest breeze. For the ultimate in deer hunting versatility, it includes small and large antlers, or you can remove the antlers altogether and turn it into a doe. You can even change the mood by positioning the ears higher or lower, and by raising or lowering the head. The BuckWing Decoy quickly and conveniently breaks down into parts that can be carried in the included mesh backpack.

Learn more about the BuckWing Deer Decoy