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

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

Horman Dark Mountain Arms Lede
Horman Dark Mountain Arms Lede

Review: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Survival Rifle

The exceptionally lightweight single-shot takedown carbine is caliber convertible.

What’s the Difference: High Brass vs Low Brass Shells?

No, high brass shotgun shells don’t always have more power than low brass shells. So what’s the difference?

3 Reasons to Try Turkey Camp

Beyond just being a fabulous adventure, the three “F’s” for turkey hunting are fun, food and family.

The Armed Citizen® June 13, 2025

One woman answers the question of whether a .22-cal. firearm can be used effectively for self-defense.

Dania Vizzi of Team Winchester and Team White Flyer Earns Silver Medal at National Skeet Championship

Vizzi was also named to the USA Shooting 2025 National Skeet team and the 2025 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Championship team.

Staying Safe in National Parks

America's national parks are treasures to be enjoyed by all. However, be sure to follow all the rules to ensure a safe—and legal—outing!

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.