Customer Reviews

Flambeau Masters Doe Deer Decoy

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I didn't buy the decoy for hunting, but for an art project. But it certainly fooled my dogs. They saw us assemble it, and still, when we put it on its feet, they came to sniff it and started to bark at it frantically. It looks much better than the ridiculous inflatable ones or the flat photographic one.

-- By the way, you are very unlikely to fool a deer with a photo. Most animals do not visually understand a flattened 3D space. Try showing a photo of a dog to your dog. Only about 10% of them will even notice that they see a dog. None of them can recognize themselves. You'd be better off with a mirror or a tv, then most see the animal. You might make a curious deer come to smell that big unusual thing--

It is practical to be able to put the decoy apart and store the pieces in the belly. Very light. Easy to assemble too. You'll wonder a little the first time (just read the instruction punk, it's 1 page), then you'll be able to do it in about 2 minutes. The longest part is getting the pieces out of the belly. There are loops on the hoves useful to anchor the deer if it's windy or on uneven ground. The two sets of ears are fun for hunters.

I knocked one star out because of the messy joints. It shouldn't be much harder to make the pieces fit with a very minimal gap at the junction, it's just a question of making a good mold. This deer has pretty visible assembly joints, slightly Frankenstein-ish. I don't know how well deer see, but if they have good sight, they'll see something is odd, I wonder if they'd care. It also make the deer less attractive if you wanted it as a garden ornament. I guess you could put a bow around it's neck. :)

This decoy has really exceeded my expectations. I had never used a deer decoy before while bowhunting so I thought I'd give it a try and see what happens. I've listed what I consider some of the pros and cons for the decoy.

Pros
+ Deer focus their attention on the decoy now instead of on me in the blind.
+ I bowhunt North Dakota in December so wanted a decoy that could stand on its own with no stake to try and drive into the frozen ground - this one is very stable on its four legs.
+ Seems to have a calming effect on the deer. Instead of stomping and snorting as the come by now they just walk right on through.
+ The decoy has small pegs on the hind legs for putting scent pads - I put some 'doe-in-heat' on one and had a 3X3 buck fall in love with her and wouldn't leave her side for over 2 hours.
+ Durable - I had a jealous doe go over to her and rear up on her hind legs and kick the tar out of her then stomp her for good measure. She knocked 3 legs off the decoy but they were put back on easy enough - no other damage.

Con
- The leg attachment system is kind of cheesy, I can see where they could get weak and wobbly over time. Since I hunt from a permanent stand I'm going to affix the legs permanently and securely so it won't be an issue for me, I won't be transporting it.

Tips
I sprayed the decoy down with "Deer Dander" (sold by Amazon) Fitzgerald Huntng Ent Inc Deer Dander Scent 4 Oz Spray to make it smell like a deer and get rid of any unwanted scents. Deer walked up and smelled it and were not alarmed.

Point the decoy head away from you when using it, the deer I had come in always looked off in the direction the decoy was looking and not at me.

Happy Hunting

I bought this decoy fall, 2011. It looks awesome, but it all goes down hill after that. The legs pop off at the slightest bit of torque (I really mean slightest too). I am serious. I can't believe these decoys have been around as long as they have and that's the best they can do. VERY DISAPPOINTED and for the amount of money, they are not worth it! I would not recommend this decoy until they come up with a better design for the legs on!!!!

I purchased this doe to go with the buck we have in our nature area of our back yard. She is very life like and easy to assemble!