DECOYING ELK

Over the years I have lost many hours of sleep thinking about what could or should have been. I close my eyes at night and see that bull in broad daylight but

just out of range. Bulls that are above timberline or in open country with cows can be tricky, if not flat out stubborn to get within bow range. I would softly whisper “sweet nothings” through my mouth or diaphragm calls to no avail. When that wouldn’t work, I would do my best to imitate a five point that thought he was king of the hill. Still that shooter bull would stand there at 120 yds and not budge. The problem was he wasn’t seeing what he was hearing. A decoy is not the cure all, but ever since I added a light weight, pack able decoy into my elk hunting arsenal my chances of success increased.

The decoy as visual confirmation

A decoy acts as visual confirmation to a bull that is responding to calls. Often, a bull will hang up out of range because it cannot see the source of the sounds its hearing and grows suspicious. Introducing a decoy—especially a cow decoy—can provide the visual stimulus needed to convince a bull that the calls are legitimate and encourage it to close the distance. This is particularly effective during the rut, when a bulls breeding instincts can override its natural caution. Less is usually more in most situations. I have learned a bull doesn't need to see the whole cow just glimpses of the decoy is often enough.

Distraction for a better shot

A well-placed decoy can act as a distraction, drawing the bulls focus away from you. By positioning the decoy slightly off to the side of your calling position, you can shift the bulls attention and allow yourself to move into a better shooting position undetected. This is especially useful for solo hunters, as the decoy gives the elk something to focus on besides your movements.

Strength in two

I am a huge believer in archery elk hunting in pairs, a shooter and a caller. Once my buddy or client is set up in the best shooting position possible (with the wind in your favor), is when the real fun begins. Slip back 30- 40 yds into the timber behind him or her but keep your movement and calling simple. Remember you want that bull to think a potential mate is there, limbs and twigs snapping is not a bad thing. Him seeing a cows head or butt slowly popping in and out behind a brush pile, or him catching subtle movements of the decoy behind a spruce tree could be all it takes for him to throw caution to the wind.

There is a fine line between being flexible, aggressive and reckless. If you can see a bull making his move but he is coming in at an angle that is not conducive for a good shot, don't be afraid to adjust your position. You are trying to bring that bull past the shooter for the clean broadside shot.

Covering open ground

Elk have keen eyesight, and moving through open country can be difficult without being spotted. A decoy allows you to navigate more exposed terrain by hiding behind the decoy and moving slowly, mimicking a feeding or traveling elk. This stalking technique can be instrumental in closing the final gap on elk that are bedded down or traveling across clearings. Last year I had a herd of 40 plus, 600 yds off on the open valley floor. This situation was anything but ideal. There was zero cover in sight except for a few yuca plants, prairie grass and a few soft draws. Nothing I could really use for good cover. The worst part was they were on the wrong side of the fence. But, I wanted to put my ninja skills and cow decoy to the test. I walked behind my decoy for 200 yards in the wide open, giving a

few cow calls as I went, making the best of a rough situation. Snuggling up to two yuca plants, close to a traveling pattern I had seen them use in the past, was where I was going to make my last stand.

All 40 sets of eyes knew I was there. There was one satellite bull along the edge that seemed pretty anxious to try his luck with the cows. He was gonna be my best shot. I started giving some lost cow calls that eventually evolved into estrous calls. The satellite at 400 yds looked in my direction and bugled with everything he had, and immediately started working in my direction. I watched him cover ground and eventually lost him behind the crest of a hill. But I would have bet I knew exactly where he was going. Well I thought wrong. He was no dummy.

Between what little cover I had, and the decoy ten yards to my left, my chances were slim but at least I had a chance. After about five minutes of not seeing the bull, my anxiety was through the roof. But I knew I needed to be patient and keep it together. With my head on a swivel but moving the speed of molasses, I looked to my left. Out of the very corner of my eye I caught movement cresting a knoll directly behind me, my heart sunk and there was nothing I could do. With my back towards him he came within 70 yds and his instincts took over. With no way to turn around, no way to draw, I could do nothing but regret not being two steps ahead of this bull. Eventually he knew something wasn't right and scampered off the direction he came from. Even though I had to put this stalk in the ‘L” column, it was pretty amazing. To successfully call in a bull from 400 yds away, in the open prairie with nothing but my Hoyt and Montana decoy… I’ll count that as a win.

Setup Tips -(I’m gonna get some haters for saying this.) But hear me out. When elk hunting there is no such thing as scent control. Over the twenty five years of outfitting and guiding I have learned there is no cover spray or urine that is going to save you. Within ten minutes of walking from your truck/camp to your destination you will be sweating. Cover spray is not going to fix that. The wind in elk country can drive you crazy. There are times it swirls, dips, dives and

rises all at the same time. It is vital that when you have a bull coming in, you have to always, always, always do your best to keep the wind in your favor.

Thermals fall as the sun begins to rise, and the thermals rise as the sun begins to set. Set up in front of the cover, don't set up behind it. Trust your camo, instincts and subtle movements.

Simply enjoy the moment. Even if you go home with an unfilled tag, embrace and

appreciate God’s gift of elk hunting the Rocky Mountains.