Deer hunting is a popular activity for many people across the United States. One of the essential tools for a successful hunt is a deer decoy. A deer decoy is a lifelike replica of a deer that hunters use to attract other deer. The decoy can be made of various materials, such as foam, plastic, or fabric, and come in different shapes and sizes.
When purchasing a deer decoy, it is crucial to consider the type of material used to make it. A decoy made of high-quality materials is more durable and can last for many hunting seasons. The size and weight of the decoy are also important factors to consider. A decoy that is too small or too light may not be visible to other deer, while a decoy that is too large or too heavy can be challenging to transport.
We spent several hours researching and testing ten deer decoys to identify the best ones on the market. Our goal was to find decoys that are realistic, durable, and easy to use. In this article, we will share our findings and help you choose the best deer decoy for your next hunting trip.
Best Deer Decoys
Deer decoys are great tools for hunters to attract deer for a better shot. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, making it challenging to choose the best one for your hunting needs. In this article, we have rounded up the best deer decoys available on Amazon. We have considered factors such as realism, durability, and ease of use to bring you the top picks that will help you bag that trophy buck.
Flambeau Outdoors Masters Series Deer Decoy Boss Buck
If you’re looking for a realistic and durable deer decoy, the Flambeau Outdoors Masters Series Deer Decoy Boss Buck is a great option.
Pros
- Ultra-realistic detail for luring in whitetail deer
- Removable leg design for easy transportation or storage
- Includes an 8-point set of plastic antlers and a blaze orange carry sling
Cons
- Physically too large for some users
- Antlers may fall out easily
- No stakes included to prevent it from blowing over in light wind
This deer decoy is incredibly detailed and anatomically correct, making it a great option for luring in whitetail deer during hunting season. The removable leg design also makes it easy to transport or store when not in use. Plus, the included plastic antlers and carry sling are convenient features. However, some users may find the decoy too large or have issues with the antlers falling out easily. Additionally, the decoy does not come with stakes to prevent it from blowing over in light wind.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality and realistic deer decoy, the Flambeau Outdoors Masters Series Deer Decoy Boss Buck is a solid choice.
Watch Dog Goose Patrol Lone Dog Decoy
If you’re looking for a humane way to keep unwanted animals away from your property, the Watch Dog Goose Patrol Lone Dog Decoy might be the solution you need.
Pros
- May keep unwanted animals away
- Live action
- Safe and humane when used as directed
Cons
- Not effective for all animals
- May need to be moved frequently
- Some customers report durability issues
This decoy is designed to look like a dog, which may deter geese, deer, raccoons, and other pests from entering the area. The decoy is on a steel spring, so even in light breezes, it will move realistically, making it seem alive and possibly scaring off unwanted creatures. This movement is a key feature of the decoy, as it makes it more effective than static decoys.
The Watch Dog Goose Patrol Lone Dog Decoy is safe and humane when used as directed. Dogs are the number one predator of geese and deer, and their presence may naturally deter these animals from entering the area. Coyotes, on the other hand, only chase when they are hungry, so they are less effective at keeping these animals away.
However, this decoy may not be effective for all animals. Some customers report that it did not deter geese from their property, while others found that it worked well. Additionally, the decoy may need to be moved frequently to be effective, as animals may become accustomed to its presence if it remains in the same location for too long. Finally, some customers report durability issues, so it may not last as long as other decoys.
Overall, the Watch Dog Goose Patrol Lone Dog Decoy is a humane and potentially effective way to keep unwanted animals away from your property. If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t involve harmful chemicals or other dangerous methods, this decoy may be worth considering.
MONTANA DECOY Dream Team Buck and Doe
If you’re looking for a deer decoy system to use throughout the entire season, the MONTANA DECOY Dream Team Buck and Doe is a must-have for decoy enthusiasts or hunters wanting to add decoying tactics to their archery and rifle setup this fall.
Pros
- Created and tested by professional hunters in the field.
- New and Improved Buck for 2023.
- Folds down in a figure-8 fashion for ease of movement and portability in the field.
Cons
- The buck decoy had pulled stitching straight out of the packaging.
- The poles are pretty short for my set up hunting in uncut fields.
- The doe is a bit too brown for mid/ late season.
The MONTANA DECOY Dream Team Buck and Doe is a great addition to any hunting setup. The decoys are lightweight, easy to carry, and set up quickly. They look like real deer, and it’s easy to forget that they’re decoys. The Dream Team is a buck and doe that can be used in combination or separately, giving hunters the perfect toolkit to use decoys throughout the entire season.
The Dream Team is compatible with the Quickstand (sold separately), and the Dreamy Doe and the Whitetail buck each work with a Teaser Tail (sold separately) for extra motion and realism. The decoys are foldable, which makes them easy to transport and set up in the field.
One downside is that the buck decoy had pulled stitching straight out of the packaging. The poles are also pretty short for hunting in uncut fields. Additionally, the doe is a bit too brown for mid/late season.
Overall, the MONTANA DECOY Dream Team Buck and Doe is a great investment for any whitetail hunter looking to add decoying tactics to their hunting setup.
The Freshman (Whitetail Buck) by Montana Decoy
If you want to attract mature bucks during hunting season, then you should definitely consider The Freshman by Montana Decoy.
Pros
- Folds flat and is easy to carry
- Uses HD photography for realistic look
- Effective pose to attract territorial bucks
Cons
- Some users reported issues with durability and clips
- Color may not match real deer
- Some assembly required
The Freshman by Montana Decoy is a great addition to any hunting gear. It folds flat and is very easy to carry. The HD photography used for the decoy makes it look very realistic and effective in attracting territorial bucks. The pose is very effective in keeping mature bucks from hanging up when calling and rattling.
However, some users reported issues with durability and clips. Additionally, the color may not match real deer, which could be a drawback for some users. Lastly, some assembly is required which may be a downside for those who prefer decoys that are ready to use out of the box.
Overall, if you are looking for a realistic and effective deer decoy, The Freshman by Montana Decoy is a great option to consider.
MONTANA DECOY Trixie
If you’re looking for a deer decoy that’s both effective and easy to transport, MONTANA DECOY Trixie is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The high-quality printing and unique calming pose make Trixie one of the most effective whitetail decoys on the market.
- The twist-fold design and jointed leg poles make it easy to transport and set up.
- Trixie comes with two Teaser Tails for added realism and motion.
Cons
- It may take a few tries to get the hang of folding Trixie into its frisbee-sized shape.
- Some users have reported that the magnets holding the Teaser Tails in place could be stronger.
- Trixie is a bit more expensive than some other deer decoys on the market.
MONTANA DECOY Trixie is a great choice for hunters who want a realistic and effective deer decoy that’s also easy to transport. The high-quality printing and unique calming pose make Trixie a deadly doe that can attract both bucks and does. Plus, the twist-fold design and jointed leg poles mean you can easily pack Trixie into your day pack and set it up quickly in the field.
One of the standout features of Trixie is the two Teaser Tails that come with it. These tails add extra realism and motion to the decoy, and they’re easy to swap out as the season progresses. However, some users have reported that the magnets holding the tails in place could be stronger.
While Trixie is a bit more expensive than some other deer decoys on the market, its effectiveness and ease of use make it well worth the investment. Just be prepared to practice folding it a few times before you head out into the field.
Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a deer decoy, there are several factors to consider. Below are some important features to look for when choosing the best product for your needs.
Realism
One of the most crucial features of a deer decoy is its realism. A realistic decoy will attract deer and increase your chances of a successful hunt. Look for decoys with lifelike features such as detailed fur, realistic eyes, and natural coloring.
Durability
Another important factor to consider is the durability of the decoy. You want a product that can withstand harsh weather conditions and won’t easily break or become damaged. Look for decoys made from high-quality materials such as hard plastic or heavy-duty rubber.
Portability
If you plan on moving your decoy frequently, portability is a key factor to consider. Look for lightweight decoys that are easy to carry and set up. Some decoys even come with a carrying bag or strap for added convenience.
Decoy Type
There are several types of deer decoys available, including buck, doe, and fawn decoys. The type of decoy you choose will depend on your hunting strategy and the time of year. For example, a buck decoy is ideal during the rutting season, while a doe decoy is better for early season hunting.
Price
Price is also an important consideration when choosing a deer decoy. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for products that offer a good balance between quality and affordability.
In summary, when choosing a deer decoy, consider the product’s realism, durability, portability, type, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best product for your hunting needs.