mtfreezer

I need some advice on using a decoy for antelope. We have had enough rain over the last month to provide plenty of water holes for antelope to drink at, so sitting in a ground blind hasn't worked. It's just hit or miss when deciding which water hole to set the blinds up at. Even when they do show up, they see the blind and walk off to another water hole.

We've tried spot and stalk in the Bad Lands in South Dakota last week, but that is the hardest place and animal to use that method. I got within 35 yards twice in three days of hunting and never got a shot.

I will be trying with a decoy when ever it arrives in the mail. I have found a couple herds within a few miles of home so far. One is around 30 head with one mature buck. The other is a group of 4 small bucks. Which group should I work on. I have heard that a buck in a group may come to a decoy but he may also push hisherd away from another buck. I think the group of 4 small bucks may be easier to lure in with a decoy. Any advice on decoying antelope would be useful. Should I have someone help me with the decoy? Should I move towards the antelope or should I wait for them to come to me once I find them? Answers to questions like that would help.

I am nota hornor antler hunter yet. This is my first year bow hunting. I just want to take any antelope or just improve my chances and techniques before deer season opens in a couple weeks.

TEmbry

saw a show on it yesterday. so it isnt my personal advice, ive never done it. but the way they did it was to stalk as close as possible, then when it isnt looking just pop it up all of the sudden. kinda surprises the buck, and makes him angry. worked for them multiple times but took a while to get one to turn broadside in range. looks to be an exciting way to hunt, so best of luck and post pics when you bag one.

Roskoe

Decoying gets a lot more productive as we get closer to the rut. Kind of a mixed bag this early - may be more harmful than helpful.

Howler

The decoy just won't be very effective if the rut isn't in full swing. We've tried it here in CO. on numerous occasions, and the bow season is just too early for it to work.
Actually seems like here in eastern CO. that the rut is in full swing during rifle season.
If you're getting to with-in 35 yards doing spot and stalk, then it's jsut a matter of time before you score. I'll bet that after toteing that decoy around for a week, you'll be back to spot and stalk.

mtfreezer

Howler, when does the rut start in your area. If the rut starts around Sept. 22nd here in South dakota, I am SOL. We aren't allowed to archery hunt for antelope during rifle antelope season.

Howler

About the end of Sept., beginning of Oct., about when archery season closes![&:]