Via Gord Nuttall
Via Gord Nuttall

Bull Moose Hanging Up? Try Using a Life-sized Cow Decoy

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Decoy Logic

Gord Nuttall
Gord Nuttall

Given I put so much emphasis on the set-up, I prefer life-sized static decoys, and don’t worry about using motion to fool a bull. After all, they work. Every time a bull has seen one of my decoys, he’s been very curious—or even downright obsessed with getting closer. During the rut, in fact, I’ve never seen a bull not commit to a cow decoy once he’s spotted it.

There’s no doubt cow moose decoys—when carefully placed and combined with a good ambush point—have helped me lure in big bulls for clean, ethical shots. It’s important to remember, however, that they shouldn’t be a substitute for practice and scouting. Decoying is simply a proven tactic to tip the scales in convincing a bull that a receptive mate is nearby. And during the fall mating season, that’s sometimes just what you need to seal the deal.

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