Tips for Hunting Elk with Decoys

Melissa Bachman shows how helpful decoys can be at bringing elk right into your lap.

posted on September 22, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

As many of us are making our last-minute adjustments to our guns and gear for the quickly approaching hunting season, it’s also a good time to think about new methods or gear you may want to try this fall. I’m getting my .300 Win. Mag dialed in with the Winchester Ballistic Silvertips in a 180-gr. bullet. This will be my go-to gun for several hunts this fall.

Now that I have my gun and ammo all setup, another thing that I’ve picked up over the past few years is a passion for hunting with decoys. Whether it’s chasing whitetails, stalking antelope, or bringing in a bugling bull, I’ve found that decoys make any hunt both more exciting and are super effective.

One of the first things many people think when the idea of a decoy is presented is thatthey’re too big and bulky for their style of hunting. That can be true, but I’ve been using the fold up Montana Decoys out west for both elk and antelope and have had incredible luck. They fold up extremely small and can be a huge help when bringing an animal in close and getting them to close the distance. Not only are they good for bringing in an animal, they can also be extremely helpful when trying to make your way across open terrain without getting busted.

I’m sure there are people out there who think a one-dimensional decoy can’t really be that much of an advantage in the field, and for those people … well, seeing is believing! Checkout this great video I’ve put together showing just on one hunt, how helpful a cow elk decoy can be at bringing elk right into your lap.

 

Latest

Deering Wasting Money NSC Lefty Ray Chapa Skeet 24 4271
Deering Wasting Money NSC Lefty Ray Chapa Skeet 24 4271

Top 4 Ways You Can Waste Money in the Shooting Sports

The shooting sports don’t have to be expensive, but we still want to make the most of our money. Avoid these four money-wasters that will drain your wallet if you’re not careful.

Quick Tip: The Two-Shot Zero

Here’s how to sight in your rifle with just two shots.

 

Identical Twin Cartridges: The Exception to the Rule

Exceptions include cartridges that have identical size dimensions, bullet weights, and powder charges but have different industry recognized names.

Personal Safety and Responsibility Through the Eyes of an LEO Family

The author—spouse to a law enforcement officer—shares valuable tips from his on-the-job observations.

The Armed Citizen® Reload December 5, 2025

It was a violent few months in the Carolinas—both North and South—as mothers successfully defended themselves and their families.

NICS Checks Top 530K for 2025 “Black Friday” Week

The number of checks is down from 2024’s total of 613,380 for the same period, which translates to a 13.6 percent decrease.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.