Big Game Decoys

Decoys aren’t just for duck hunting—they can also make a difference in big game hunting. Big game hunters will commonly use female decoys to bring in males, or smaller male decoys to provoke an aggressive reaction. Decoys of deer, elk, moose, and bear can all be effective at drawing targets to your location.

2D or 3D big game decoys

There are two main types of big game decoys: two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D). Two-dimensional big game decoys are essentially life-size photos of the animal, often made out of fabric. These decoys are very lightweight and easy to transport, even through long treks into the backcountry. The only issue with these decoys is that they’re only convincing when viewed head-on—they’ll look more like some fabric swaying in the wind if your target species sees them from the side.

Three-dimensional decoys are full life-size versions of the animal. With big game, this means one thing: bulk. These decoys aren’t a viable option for hunters who will be traveling very far on foot, but they are quite effective for those who can drive to their location and set up. The three-dimensional decoys are more effective across angles than their two-dimensional counterparts.