When it comes to hunting, there are a lot of different strategies that you can use to increase your chances of success. One of the most effective methods is using buck decoys. These lifelike replicas of male deer can be extremely effective in attracting bucks and helping you to bag a trophy. If you’re looking for a way to up your hunting game, consider using buck decoys. They just might be the key to success.
Best buck decoys
History of Buck Decoys
Since the beginning of time, man has used decoys to attract prey. The first recorded use of a buck decoy was in medieval Europe, where hunters would use a wooden sculpture of a deer to lure in their prey. This technique was later adopted by Native Americans, who used buffalo and deer decoys to hunt for food.
Buck decoys have been used for centuries to attract deer, and they remain a popular tool for hunters today. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and even inflatable vinyl. Some hunters prefer to make their own buck decoys, while others purchase them from a sporting goods store.
The most common type of buck decoy is the silhouette decoy. This is a two-dimensional cutout of a buck’s head and shoulders, which is mounted on a pole or stake. The silhouette decoy is effective because it mimics the appearance of a real buck, and it can be used to attract deer from a distance.
Another type of buck decoy is the full-body decoy. This is a three-dimensional sculpture of a deer, which is mounted on a stand or platform. Full-body decoys are more realistic than silhouette decoys, and they can be used to attract deer up close. However, they are also more expensive and difficult to transport.
Whether you choose to use a silhouette decoy or a full-body decoy, it is important to place it in a location where deer are likely to be. Place your buck decoy in an open area, facing towards the direction of the wind. This will help to catch the attention of passing deer, and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Buck decoys are a valuable tool for deer hunters, and they have been used for centuries to attract prey. From the medieval European forests to the modern American hunting grounds, buck decoys have remained a popular and effective way to bring in a trophy buck.
Types of Buck Decoys
Though there are many types of buck decoys available on the market, they all fall into one of the following categories:
1. Doe Decoys – These are used to attract bucks and can be very effective for this purpose.
2. Buck Decoys – These are used to attract does and can be very effective for this purpose.
3. Moose Decoys – These are used to attract moose and can be very effective for this purpose.
4. Turkey Decoys – These are used to attract turkeys and can be very effective for this purpose.
5. Predator Decoys – These are used to attract predators and can be very effective for this purpose.
6. Varmint Decoys – These are used to attract varmints and can be very effective for this purpose.
7. Waterfowl Decoys – These are used to attract waterfowl and can be very effective for this purpose.
8. Upland Bird Decoys – These are used to attract upland birds and can be very effective for this purpose.
Each of these types of decoys has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and each is most effective under different circumstances. For example, doe decoys are most effective during the rut, while buck decoys are most effective during the pre-rut and post-rut periods. Moose decoys are most effective during the fall, while turkey decoys are most effective during the spring. Predator decoys are most effective during the winter, while varmint decoys are most effective during the summer. Waterfowl decoys are most effective during the fall, winter, and spring, while upland bird decoys are most effective during the fall and winter.
It is important to understand the different types of decoys and their effectiveness in different situations in order to make the most of your hunting trips.
How to Use Buck Decoys
The how-to for using buck decoys
So you’ve made the decision to use a decoy. Great! Decoys are a proven, effective tool for helping you fill your tag. The next step is learning how to use a decoy properly…
Hang it up high!
Your first step is to select the right tree. Big, mature bucks are smart and will typically avoid danger. The higher you can get your decoy, the better. If possible, find a large tree (preferably an oak or pine) between 10-20 yards from your stand. Try to set up with the tree at a 3/4 angle from your stand so you can shoot both sides of the tree. If there is a good amount of cover between you and your decoy, all the better! The goal is to get the buck to focus on the decoy, not you.
Place your decoy at face level
Once you’ve found your tree, the next step is to place your decoy. Ideally, you’ll want your decoy between 10-20 yards from your stand at face level. This will give the buck a good, clear look at the decoy without having to focus his attention on anything unnatural. If possible, try to place the decoy in an open area with little to no cover. This will make it easier for the buck to see the decoy and increase your chances of getting a shot.
Use a grunt call to stop a buck
When you see a buck, wait until he is broadside before you call. This will ensure that you get a good, clean shot. Once the buck is broadside, give a series of grunts to stop the buck. When he stops, take your shot.
Tips for Using Buck Decoys
To maximize your chances of tagging out on a mature whitetail deer, it’s important to use the best buck decoys on the market. But how do you know which one is right for you? There are so many different types and styles to choose from! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the top tips for using buck decoys to help you make the most of your next hunt.
1. Choose the right decoy
There are many different types of decoys on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re looking to attract a mature buck, consider using a decoy that mimics a dominant buck. This can be a great way to bring in a big buck that is looking for a challenge.
2. Use the decoy properly
Once you have the right decoy, it’s important to use it properly. Place it in a location where you think a buck might be likely to pass by, and make sure that it is facing the right direction. You also want to make sure that the decoy is visible from a distance.
3. Use a motion decoy
One of the best ways to use a decoy is to pair it with a motion decoy. This can be a great way to attract a buck’s attention and make sure that they come close enough to see the decoy. There are many different types of motion decoys on the market, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
4. Use scent
Scent is another important factor when it comes to using a decoy. Consider using a scent lure or scent wick to attract a buck’s attention. This can be a great way to bring in a buck that is looking for a mate.
5. Practice patience
Finally, it’s important to practice patience when using a buck decoy. Don’t be afraid to wait for the right buck to come along. It’s better to wait for the right opportunity than to rush and try to use the decoy on a small buck.
Where to Use Buck Decoys
Buck decoys are a great way to attract bucks during the rut. They can be used in several different places, and each location will have its own unique benefits. Here are a few of the best places to use buck decoys:
1. Food Plots: Food plots are a great place to use buck decoys because bucks will often come to these areas to feed. If you place a decoy in a food plot, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
2. Near Rutting Areas: Bucks will often travel through rutting areas in search of does. If you place a buck decoy near a rutting area, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
3. In Open Areas: Bucks will often travel through open areas in search of does. If you place a buck decoy in an open area, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
4. In Thick Cover: Bucks will often travel through thick cover in search of does. If you place a buck decoy in thick cover, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
5. In Travel Corridors: Bucks will often travel through travel corridors in search of does. If you place a buck decoy in a travel corridor, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
6. In Scrapes: Scrapes are a great place to use buck decoys because bucks will often visit them to scent-check and rub their forehead on the overhanging branches. If you place a buck decoy in a scrape, it will help to attract bucks and will also help to keep them in the area.
Overall, buck decoys are a great way to attract bucks during the rut. They can be used in several different places, and each location will have its own unique benefits. By placing a decoy in one of these areas, you will increase your chances of attracting a buck and will also help to keep him in the area.