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Decoying is becoming more and more popular and for good reason. People are killing some monster whitetails over them. In my opinion, a decoy can be the best thing for you if it is used right. Here are some dos and don’ts and some whens and wheres about Decoying big mature whitetails.

1. When to use decoys - I don?t think there is a specific date when to start using a decoy each year. I think it is more about feel. What I suggest is to know where your bucks are as far as the rut. If they are still running together, I feel it is not a good time to decoy. There are some that will disagree, but here is my theory and one I have witnessed in the woods. Let’s say you have your decoy set up in a cut bean field in mid- October. Its getting close to prime-time when you see bucks start coming out of the woodwork. Like always, the little guys step out first. The first thing they do is look up at the decoy and began to come at it curiously. As he gets about half way there, a big mature bucks steps out in the same place the little buck came from. The big buck immediately sees the little bucks’ interest on the decoy and begins to watch. The little buck proceeds with caution and curiosity until he is now right at the decoy. He then figures out something isn’t exactly right and blows and spooks only to jump about 15 yards before he proceeds to do the same thing time and time again before finally running off. Of course, he takes the shooter buck with him. This has been my experience. Now back to when to use a decoy. When I use a decoy I am looking for mature bucks by themselves. I believe a big mature buck by himself that sees my decoy will come to investigate over 90% of the time. Usually this time is around Halloween all the way up to the end of November.

2. Where to use Decoys - This is probably the most critical in my mind. You need to make sure your decoy can be seen from at least 80 yards. Big mature deer do not like to be surprised. From my experiences, if mature deer walk up too close on your decoy before they see it, they will spook. They will eventually settle down but their interest just isn’t the same and nine out of ten times you will not get it done that day. I use a Carry-Lite decoy and I usually set it about 20 yards upwind from my stand. I like to set it where most deer can see it from 130 yards away or so. I use a buck decoy and point its head directly at me. Most big bucks will approach the decoy from the side coming around to the head allowing me a broadside shot.

The biggest problem I can see with decoys is getting them in and out and keeping the decoy as clean as possible. In September, I usually take out Joe Black (My Carry-Lite decoys’ name) and spray him down with some type of scent away products. I then set him out in my yard for about a week. I place him where nothing can get to him. I feel Mother Natures’ wind and rain are perfect for keeping any human odors away. 

After the week has elapsed, I then put on a pair of Elimitrax gloves and wrap the decoy in a huge trash sack. I place him in my camper and I am ready to take him to the woods. The day of the hunt, I again have my Elimitrax gloves on as well as my Elimitrax over the boot system and pull the decoy out of the truck. I assemble him right there on the spot. I then spray him down with scent away and carry him in already assembled. I do not like assembling a decoy at the spot I intend on killing a mature whitetail. I feel it makes too much noise. I then set the decoy up with my Elimitrax on and begin my hunt.

If you have any questions about decoying, drop us an e-mail and we will be glad to help. Thanks so much for reading. I am Jeff Danker and remember as we always say: "Shoot by Sight, Walk by Faith!"