What are most common mistakes in pronghorn decoy setups?

Inadequate Concealment

One of the main mistakes hunters make in pronghorn decoy setups is inadequate concealment. This can be due to a lack of cover or concealment for the decoys themselves, as well as for the hunter. When setting up a pronghorn decoy, it’s essential to ensure that the decoys are not visible from a distance. A good rule of thumb is to place the decoys within a hundred yards of a natural feature such as a hill, ridge, or group of trees. This will help to conceal the decoys from the pronghorns’ keen eyesight and also provide cover for the hunter.

Poor Decoy Placement

Another mistake hunters make is poor decoy placement. Pronghorns are attracted to water sources, so placing a decoy near a water source such as a creek or a pond can be effective. However, the decoy should not be placed directly in the middle of the water source, as this can make the setup look too obvious. Instead, place the decoy near the edge of the water source, where it can blend in with the surroundings. It’s also essential to place the decoy in an area where the pronghorns are likely to travel, such as a game trail or a migration route.

Insufficient Cover or Concealment for the Hunter

Lastly, hunters often make the mistake of not providing sufficient cover or concealment for themselves. When setting up a pronghorn decoy, it’s essential to ensure that the hunter has adequate cover or concealment to avoid being seen by the pronghorns. This can be achieved by using natural features such as hills, ridges, or groups of trees to conceal the hunter. It’s also essential to blend in with the surroundings, wearing camo clothing and staying low to the ground to avoid being seen.