Quick Answer
Effective midday pronghorn decoy strategies involve using a single decoy, preferably a female, placed 100-150 yards from the hunter, and using natural cover to conceal the hunter's presence. Decoys should be set up near water holes, trails, or bedding areas to increase the chances of attracting pronghorns. Movement should be minimized to avoid spooking the animals.
Choosing the Right Decoy
When selecting a decoy for midday pronghorn hunts, consider using a single female decoy. This is because female pronghorns are generally more tolerant of decoys and less wary than males. Choose a decoy that is realistic in appearance and size, and set it up in a location where it blends in with the surrounding environment.
Decoy Placement and Hunter Position
Place the decoy 100-150 yards from the hunter, using natural cover such as rocks, bushes, or hills to conceal the hunter’s presence. Avoid placing the decoy in a location where it can be easily seen by the pronghorns, as this will increase the likelihood of them becoming wary. Instead, position the decoy to create a funnel effect, guiding the pronghorns towards the hunter. When crawling to the decoy site, move slowly and deliberately, using a low crouch or belly crawl to minimize noise and visibility.
Water Hole Tactics
When using decoys near water holes, consider setting up the decoy on the opposite side of the water from the hunter. This will allow the pronghorns to approach the decoy without being aware of the hunter’s presence. Use binoculars to glass the area and track the pronghorns’ movements, waiting for them to become accustomed to the decoy before making a shot.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.