Buck or Doe decoy right now????

[Meat-Run]

Hey folks question for you and maybe Harvey or others can give me your gut feeling? I'm in an area that is small in location to houses with allot of does and have seen two very nice bucks in early September. I have not seen them since but I know where they bed but can't get to them without spooking them. My question is what should i put out for decoys, buck or doe? I have the montana decoys that look really good and my location is almost a staging area or thick area before they mingle into the oak trees to roam. There has been no sign of rubs or scrapes as of yesterday so I'm not sure if they have literally left the area or there not making scrapes yet.

Last year there was a ton of sign of buck activity but never did see any bucks here when I started late in the season (December). My hunting area is about 80 acres max. but alot of deer. How do I get a buck to make his move or make an appearance. Note: this will not be effected by any rifle hunting, archery only.

thanks for any input.

mr

[HuntFishDude]

I've never used them but was thinking on getting one... From what I have heard or read is that the buck decoys seem to get a better response from both bucks and does. The doe decoys can cause a doe to come in and look then blow, while with a buck decoy, does may stay away allowing a buck to come in... Anybody else heard this? The one concern with a buck decoy is that its just too dangerous during any gun seasons...

[so haaad]

We are in the calm-before-the-storm phase, so it isn't surprising that you haven't seen the big bucks lately. They are most likely conserving evergy right now and moving only at night. The temps are supposed to cool down the rest of the week. So if you can, try hunting a few cold mornings if your work schedule permits it. And don't be afraid to sit in the stand until 10am or later. Deer will sometimes move mid-morning during a full moon phase.

[Meat-Run]

So haaad,

I was thinking the same thing but was hoping to get some one else to mention it. I was thinking about taking this Friday off but still not sure if the pump has been primed...analogy. Or I might take a day off in the middle of the week but i'm still skeptical if they just might have left the area. Time will tell and because of the location I'm afraid to leave any game camera in the woods fear it might grow legs.

My first thought really was to put a doe decoy out to see if they are even checking does yet in my area or if I go right to the aggresive approach and put the big buck decoy out which is a very large and intimidating.

mr

[slimngrizzly]

Ive had a decoy for about 7 years! If you are a very vocal hunter, use the buck. Lots of calling and rattleing will result in a buck storming in LOOKING for another buck. If you are quiet, useing scents perhaps... the doe is a better suggestion. The doe scares fewer deer i would say! But the buck decoy is way more fun and effective IF you get a buck in the right mood! You may have to shoot quick before your decoy gets its a$$ kicked!