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

Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website
Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website

Firearm Terminology: Understanding Rifle Glass Bedding

Glass bedding and free-floating barrels can no doubt improve the accuracy of your firearm, but you still need to do your part and become proficient with your firearm.

New Guns 2026: EAA Balikli Blue Label Over-Under Shotgun

Included in the introduction is a youth model, offered in .410 bore with 18.5″ barrel and an adjustable length of pull.

Henry Repeating Arms' New Rifle Series Gives Back to our National Forests

The National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series honors America’s National Forests and Grasslands while contributing to conservation projects across nearly 200 million acres of public lands nationwide.

Women for Gun Rights Launches First National Membership Program

The new program reflects increasing demand from supporters who want to become more actively involved in advancing WGR's mission of education, safety, and constitutional advocacy.

NRA Women’s Wilderness Escapes: Vacation from the Ordinary

Women of all skill levels and walks of life experience adventure in a safe, judgement-free Southwestern paradise.

The Armed Citizen® Reload March 20, 2026

The defensive gunshots fired by these women were non-fatal—but they left a lasting impression with the perpetrators.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.