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 NRR Leupold Image A27I7001
Deering NRR Leupold Image A27I7001

Why Noise Reduction Rating Isn’t Straightforward

No, an NRR of 27 on your ear plugs does not mean the noise you’re exposed to is reduced by 27 decibels. Not even close, actually.

What Is Frangible Ammo?

What is so unique about frangible ammunition, and what can or should you use it for?

What’s So Special About “Specials”?

Although revolvers can be chambered for magnum cartridges, alternative cartridges—Specials—can be used in the four most common revolver calibers.

Top 10 Cringiest Stock Photos of Women and Guns

An image search for “women with guns” leads to ridiculous results. These are 10 of the worst we’ve seen.

Team B&P USA’s Karen Miles Captures Main Lady Title at 2026 NSCA Northeast Regional Championship

Miles also took the FITASC HOA title while also earning third place in 5-Stand Lady and Runner-Up honors in Super Sporting Lady.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 22, 2026

How 'bout them apples? A trip to the grocery store was anything but average for a random attack victim.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.