USE A DEER DECOY WHEN HUNTING FROM THE GROUND

Hunting deer from the ground with a decoy may be unconventional to most treestands hunters, but during the rut, it can be one of the most fun ways to hunt. And it’s an effective tactic too, as elk hunters have been proving for years.

Montana Decoy founder, Jerry McPherson, looks forward to the pre-rut every year because that is when he can hit the ground with a decoy for some intense whitetail action until the post-rut activity fades.

“I use some of the same tactics on deer as on elk,” said McPherson. “I place my decoy 20-30 yards behind me to pull the buck passed my location without being seen.”

Like an elk hunter bugles, McPherson uses rattling antlers and calls to get the attention of roaming bucks.

“Once I get set up, I’ll do several rattling sequences for 15-30 minutes or until I get a have a buck coming in,” said McPherson. “Once I have the buck in sight and I am sure he got a good eyeful of the decoy. If needed, I’ll throw out a light bleat or call just to get him focused on the decoy. If I get no response from my calls, I’ll move to another area.”

McPherson likes to set up in areas with good visibility. This includes fields, acorn flats, clear-cuts and riverbanks.

“I’ll find areas where I can see 75 yards or more in front of me,” said McPherson. “If possible, I try to set up if where it’s tough for a buck to come in from behind. If you have an area you know is holding deer, set up downwind where you’ll have a good visual of a buck coming in. The further out you can see them coming, the better.”

Normally, once a buck hears the rattling/calling and then sees the decoy, they come in on string, walk right past you and offer a broadside shot.