Not very helpful to this discussion, but we actually had Tank decoys back in the 1980's. Something the Army was testing. A company actually came and took pictures of our tanks and printed them out on a canvas/vinyl material and provided a scissor frame and generator that powered the heat panels. From a distant, it looked like an actual tank through both day and night sights.
When I see them being used on hunting shows, always reminds me of those tank decoys.
So your setting up right behind the decoy then? Had it in my head I’d need it a little ways awayNot terrible. Trick is to let the bull see them then move them or knock them over. Real cows don’t stand still and never move. Maybe I’m crazy but I think bulls will pick up on that as they are coming in.
when I tried them they always got left behind because I'm almost always on the move and never stay in the same spot for long.
I've killed a pile of elk for myself and buddies with those elk decoys. As with anything, its a learning curve...but when you use them right- they are deadly.
I think the main reason some guys fail with them [at least some of the guys I've hunted with] is because they can't stay still....and then the elk pick them off. You have to assume the elk are scanning and looking for you.
Solo hunt with Montana deke ...first day in a Co OTC unit here
View attachment 75226
I also have that Heads Up deke, it didn't bring in the herd bull but this satellite between us and the herd bull saw it and gave me a 25 yd broadside shot...and then point blank frontal for my buddy.
View attachment 75227
You have to be prepared to shoot very close frontal shots....and
Decoys are not a stand alone strategy....they are best used in conjunction with the appropriate calling sequences....
in some situations, the decoy can screw you up......each encounter is different......hope that helps
I've killed a pile of elk for myself and buddies with those elk decoys. As with anything, its a learning curve...but when you use them right- they are deadly.
I think the main reason some guys fail with them [at least some of the guys I've hunted with] is because they can't stay still....and then the elk pick them off. You have to assume the elk are scanning and looking for you.
Solo hunt with Montana deke ...first day in a Co OTC unit here
View attachment 75226
I also have that Heads Up deke, it didn't bring in the herd bull but this satellite between us and the herd bull saw it and gave me a 25 yd broadside shot...and then point blank frontal for my buddy.
View attachment 75227
You have to be prepared to shoot very close frontal shots....and
Decoys are not a stand alone strategy....they are best used in conjunction with the appropriate calling sequences....
in some situations, the decoy can screw you up......each encounter is different......hope that helps
I use one too. Here's a bit of a trick I've learned with these decoys. Don't use the sticks. Punch a hole in the head (I have the Miss September) and use a bungy - hanging it from a tree limb. Make sure it is free to swing around. Set it off to the side by about 20 to 30 yards. The thermals usually make it move enough to mimic movement enough to bring that bull in close enough for a shot. It's worked for us.
The bungy is then used to hold it folded up carrying it over the shoulder. Quick to setup and quick to take down for the run-and-gun style of movement too.
Can you elaborate a bit on your strategy when solo hunting with a deke? I'm going solo to MT this year and have the broadside cow decoy that I was planning on taking with me.