Using decoys for whitetails is one of the most exciting ways of getting a mature buck close. Sometime those big mature deer can just about ignore everything you throw at them, but with a decoy it sparks something in them that simply fires them up.

The first thing with using a decoy is making sure your not leaving any human odors on the decoy. Its probably the number one mistake hunters make when using a decoy. Before even bringing your decoy into the field wash the decoy down with scent free soap. Next step is getting your decoy to the field, any time when your are touching the decoy make sure you are wearing gloves. I would suggest putting your decoy together before you get to your stand it cuts down on noise when you get to your stand.

The next thing is decoy placement. Most of the time a deer will approach from the back and then circle around to look the decoy in the face. I like to place the decoy broadside to me but slightly quartering towards me.

The next thing is decoy placement. Most of the time a deer will approach from the back and then circle around to look the decoy in the face. I like to place the decoy broadside to me but slightly quartering towards me.

After you have the decoy set up, next you want to place a scent close to the decoy. Place the scent in between the back legs, but not on the decoy. Using a dominant buck urine can be very effective.

Using a decoy can be one of the best tools you can use when its that time of year that bucks are being very territorial.