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 Fear Panic Istock 1214793250
Deering Fear Panic Istock 1214793250

How to Stop Your Fear from Turning into Panic

Fear is a useful survival signal that can help you through a dangerous encounter—but not if it turns into panic and shuts you down. Here’s how to keep that from happening.

Parental Guidance: My Son's First Nilgai Hunt

The author, an experienced huntress and markswoman, had the rare and unique opportunity to help guide her son on his first Texas Nilgai hunt.

The Armed Citizen® October 31, 2025

Mama bears came out in full force in two separate incidents where their children's lives were threatened.

DSG Outerwear, Mossy Oak Partner with Bass Pro on Waterfowl Clothing for Women

The new outerwear is available in five Bass Pro shops, with online availability beginning in late October.

Review: The KelTec PR-57 Pistol

KelTec applies an old twist to a new semi-automatic to provide an easy-packing polymer pistol.

Team Krieghoff Shines at 2025 NSCA National Championship

Team Krieghoff’s strength showed across all divisions, including a Lady Champion finish by Shelby Moon.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.