Doe Decoys
During the rutting period, the use of a doe decoy can add excitement to a deer hunting setup. Use one of these techniques to draw the attention of a breeding buck.
Bedding Area
When the rut begins, bucks will search the doe bedding areas looking to find a receptive doe. These are good areas to place a doe decoy. Put the decoy downwind of the beds in an open area that is visible from a distance. Attach a scent wick, or some other form of canister, to the rear of the decoy. Use doe in heat deer lure in the wicks. Place stands downwind of the setup.
Travel Zone
Placing a doe decoy in a known travel zone can also be helpful. Both does and bucks will use these areas moving from one location to another. Put the decoy in plain sight. Use doe estrus scents to add to the setup. Stands or blinds should be placed downwind of the decoy. Look for travel zones that have fresh deer sign. Rubs, scrapes, or tracks that are fresh indicate current activity.
Secluded Areas
Secluded areas that offer good cover is another location to consider placing a doe decoy. Does will often get away from normal travel areas when they start coming in heat. They will seek out areas away from other deer. These areas may be a small patch of hardwoods, young pines, thickets, or cut over. Using a decoy in such locations can be effective.
Deer Food
A decoy placed near an active food source can also be beneficial to a hunter. The does will continue to feed during the rutting period. Bucks will monitor current food areas searching for the does. Look for food that is secluded away from other deer movement. Small food plots, isolated field crops, or acorns can be good locations.
Deer Hunting Tips
Make sure that the decoy is visible. If the bucks can’t see it, they obviously want respond. Keep the decoy free of any human or unnatural odors. Spray it down with scent illuminating products. Use rubber gloves when placing or otherwise handling the decoy. Put the decoy about twenty yards from the tree stand or blind. When using scents, place them in wicks or other scent holding products and not directly on the decoy or the ground. Always use caution when using a decoy for deer hunting. Dismantling and the use of hunter orange is recommended during transport.
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