Tips for Deer Hunting with a Decoy

Here are some tips for deer hunting with a decoy that hunters can use to make their hunts more productive. While commercially made deer decoys are a relatively new product, hunters have been using decoys of one sort or another far back into history. The following tips can be used with a wide range of decoys to make their use even more productive.

Keep Human Scent Away

Deer are very curious about other deer, but human or other foreign scent on the deer decoy will stop their curiosity and cause them to head the other way. Decoys should be stored away from human and other odors (gasoline, etc.). Scent neutralizers should be used on deer decoys to reduce odor. Doe or doe urine can be used as an attractant as well.

Put the Face Into Brush

Deer seem to hesitate to approach a deer that is staring them down. By placing the head of the deer into a brushy area, trying to simulate a deer that is feeding or rubbing its horns, deer will often approach more quickly and less cautiously.

Add Motion

A little motion can go a long way to making a deer decoy look more realistic. Tails that sway in the wind are available on many models. Another option is to run fishing line to the decoys tail top make the tail move. Remember that the tail should move side to side and not go up which can be an alarm signal to other deer. In fact, nothing more than a deer tail tied to a small limb can be used as a decoy.

Be Ready to Shoot

Deer are unpredictable, especially bucks, and deer that approach a decoy may react in a number of ways. Hunters should not let their guard down but be ready at all times to quickly make the shot when a deer approaches.

Be Prepared to Signal to Hunters

Hunters should also be ready to signal to other hunters that they are present. A blaze orange hat or rag that can be waved or a whistle or other device can be used to alert hunters to your position.