Picture this: You're prepped and primed for your next hunting expedition. Your top-notch compound bow or the latest season's crossbow is ready. You've handpicked your camouflaged attire, and your hunting ebike stands by. But have you considered amplifying your chances with the best deer decoys of 2023?
While some hunters swear by the age-old techniques, an increasing number vouch for the effectiveness of deer decoys, especially when paired with deer calls and scents. Sure, one can argue that decoys aren't strictly necessary, but can you overlook their potential to heighten your success rate? Bringing a deer within close range for a humane, well-placed shot is paramount. And a strategically positioned deer decoy can significantly influence deer behavior to your advantage.
In this guide, we unravel our top six deer decoy picks, meticulously chosen based on craftsmanship, realism, portability, and efficacy. Drawing from our rich experience and comprehensive reviews, we'll spotlight best-sellers and address the pressing questions you might have about selecting the perfect deer decoy.
What is the best deer decoy to use?
Best Overall Deer Decoy - Primos Scarface Deer Decoy
Best Standing Buck Decoy - Flambeau Scrapper with Carry Case
Most Realistic Folding Deer Decoy - Montana decoy Trixie Whitetail Doe Decoy
Best Doe Deer Decoy - Montana Decoy Estrus Betty
The Most Realistic Deer Decoy - Flambeau Master Series Boss Babe Decoy
The Best Combo Deer Decoy - Montana Decoy Dreamteam Buck/Doe Combo
Best Overall Deer Decoy
Primos Scarface Deer Decoy
The Primos has been around for many years and it is well known not only for its Primos game calls but for the decoys as well. Primos Scarface Deer decoy with head and tail that can move with the slightest wind. You can pack it away easily and the legs connect by sliding in sideways and they won't fall off as the other decoys do.
The best thing about this decoy model is that all legs, heads, ears, and antlers fit inside the body for simple transport. Make sure you follow the instructions, do it in order and it fits perfectly and won't rattle. This one we love, you can even use it for Christmas time in your backyard, it looks great.
What we like:Moving head and tail, Ground Stake included, You can fit limbs, head, ears, and antlers inside the body cavity.
What we don't:The price can seem a little too high
Best Standing Buck Decoy
Flambeau Scrapper with Carry Case
The Flambeau is an outdoor company that's been offering hunting and fishing products for over 50 years. We used their products on our fishing and hunting trips. Great gun cases, game calls, and great decoys just to name a few. This decoy is built to mimic a 2.5-year-old buck and the main reason it looks so realistic is that is based on a craving by award-winning sculptor Chris Schiller. We love that ears and faux tail moves in the wind and you can easily pack and unpack it. The simple but realistic design and durability are what we are looking for. Flambeau scrapper is the best standing decoy for us. A quick tip: You can apply attractant directly to the fax tail or you can place a pad between the rear legs.
What we like:Buck decoy has ears and faux tails, Realistic look, packs easy, comes with a case.
What we don't:we love it
Most Realistic Folding Deer Decoy
Montana decoy Trixie Whitetail Doe Decoy
Montana has been around for nearly 20 years, so they definitely know a thing or two about manufacturing and designing the best decoys. The brand makes the big game, turkey, whitetail, and predator decoys. That is why their decoys most realistic on the market. This 2-D Whitetail Deer decoy can be folded by simple twisting in a figure-8 pattern until the decoy folds into a size of a medium dinner plate. It is pretty simple but it might take a few times to get the folding process right. After, you can just put it into your hunting backpack and hit the trail.
What made this Montana unique is its printing method that makes decoys look amazing and natural as it decoys gets. It's lightweight and it will increase your chances of success by a milestone. Jerry McPherson the founder had great success with it. “I personally have had some of my best ever whitetail hunts ever here in Montana using Trixie decoy!”
What we like:Very realistic doe decoy print, Includes teaser tail, lightweight and very easy to fold.
What we don't: 2-D design
Best Doe Deer Decoy
Montana Estrus Betty Decoy
How to attract bucks during all phases of the rut?Remember, the best chance of success while using decoys is to choose them accordingly. Estrus doe decoy will serve you best a few weeks before the rut and during. It looks the same on both sides and has realistic look that stands out from other decoys that might look too plastic. When bucks chasing does, this decoy will be one to go to. Betty folds very easily, it is light and leg posts build very solid.
What we like:Very realistic doe decoy on both sides, Raised tail, lightweight and foldable.
What we don't: 2 D
The Most Realistic Deer Decoy
Flambeau Master Series Boss Babe Decoy
We picked the second decoy for the Flambeau simply because we love how the brand thought about small details when manufacturing it. This 3-D model is a great choice, especially during the rut. It is remarkably realistic, build to lure in whitetail deer. The coloring looks great and is lightweight. Like no other deer decoy model it includes two sets of ears - submissive and alert.
Peg on the rear leg allows for the attachment of scent pads. If you are the type of hunter who uses a scent pad, you can attach it to the peg on the rear leg. It is built like the true-to-life size of a 1.5-year-old doe. All models are made with easy-to-break-down limbs, head, and ears that can be stored inside the body decoys cavity for simple transportation. Overall it is of great quality for the money.
What we like:Includes two sets of ears, realistic look, break-down design, lightweight.
What we don't:Can be used only during rut.
The Best Combo Deer Decoy
Montana Decoy Buck/Doe Set
If you are looking for a decoy that you could use for the entire season, this combo will work like a charm. It allows you to have infinite setup options. You can use them together or separately. Buck decoy in feeding position, you can use it during all period of the rut and until the last day. This deer decoy duo is a must-have for decoy fans or hunters wanting to add decoying strategy to their hunting game.
Very easy to fold and have it in you hunting backpack.Montana brand manufactures all decoys that are lightweight and simple. This is a winner for us, grab one and elevate your hunt this fall.
What we like:20"x18" and 13"x16" (folded), endless setup combinations, lightweight and easy to fold.
What we don't like:Durability
Which is better a buck or doe decoy?
The number one thing is to consider the conditions you will be hunting and choose the decoys accordingly. There are many brands that offer realistic decoys, and 3D decoys and they are available in different sizes and shapes. It is very important to choose the right one to increase your chances of a successful hunt.
If your goal is to lure in mature and bigger males you want to use decoys that won't scare them away. Big bucks are dominant in their territory, so if the decoy is too big, or too scary, they might think to look for another area where they feel more dominant.
During the rut, you have a better chance to lure in a buck with estrus doe decoys. The young buck decoys are really effective as well during that time, but if the rut is over these decoys can be very much less effective.
You also have to look for their behavior and choose decoys accordingly. If you see bucks wandering around the decoy in bedded position can be a great option and if they looking for a companion to feed, feeding doe decoys will suit just perfectly.
When should you use a deer decoy?
Peak breeding throughout some midwest states is usually around November 14. Keep in mind it does vary from state to state. It is very important that you do some research and know when the height of the breeding occurs in your area and have your decoys out 2-3 weeks before the season. This is the time when the deer decoys become very useful hunting accessories. Bucks running around with their elevated testosterone levels and can be more hostile and presiding.
Should I leave deer decoys out overnight?
No, it is better not to leave your buck or deer decoys overnight. If it's cold overnight, the decoy can get frost and scare the deer away. They can get blown down, and break. Make sure you cover them once you bring them to your stand.
Does scent products work with deer decoys
Although some deer decoys look very realistic if you ask me, what is the decoy good for if its smells like a human? The best thing to do is to clean them before hunting season and use gloves and an odor neutralizer. To use doe estrus early in the season is not a good idea, deer know when the mating season is and their instincts are strong and you can drive them away.
It is really an individual choice when comes to scent products. They are popular with some hunters and some think is totally unnecessary. What we believe and what our experience tells us is, that it can add a small hint of practicality and realism when it is not overused. Whether you are using doe estrus, a scent bomb or territorial buck scents make sure you use them in moderation and with appropriate decoys.
Which way do you face a deer decoy?
When bucks come close to decoy most of the time will circle in the direction in which the wind is blowing and after would stand face to face. So it doesn't really matter that much it is left or right, the most important it has to face your stand. This position will give you a better chance for the shot.
Are deer decoys worth it?
We at Hunting Giant say, absolutely! The huge debate is whether it is worth it and will decoy increase your chances of a fruitful hunt. It is about giving the buck something visual and with the decoys you can impact their movement and behavior when you place your them in right place. This will give you way better chance of successful hunt.
What is the best time for deer hunting?
The best time is considered to be the beginning of the rut. The anticipation of it gets the deer activity close to its maximum. The best deer hunting season is right around the corner. Be sure you make the most of it by grabbing the doe or deer decoy.
What we think
All year long, we the hunters ardently prepare, our anticipation building as the hunting season draws closer. Regardless of where you stand on the debate over deer decoys, consider venturing out of your comfort zone and giving them a shot. After all, isn't a successful hunt our shared goal? As you head out into the wilderness, remember to cherish every moment: live, laugh, and most importantly, hunt. If you interested what out top picks for the best hunting gear this year check post we have for you. Best of luck and happy hunting!
