The Ultimate Whitetail Decoy (Continued)
It’s alive!
Back in early September I posted a blog describing a decoy project I’ve been working on. You can check out that previous post here (www.bowhuntingmag.com/blog/?p=234). My taxidermist, Don Fager, and I set out to create the ultimate whitetail decoy, and by gosh, I think we’ve done it.
Don built me a custom, full-body mount whitetail deer using a Carry-Light decoy as a core, rather than a standard taxidermy form (www.carrylitedecoys.com). The idea being that the tried and true, hard plastic Carry-Lite body would be better suited to withstand an all-out attack by a whitetail buck. Neither of us were exactly sure how it would look once fitted with a doe cape, but it turned out that the realistically shaped Carry-Lite makes a pretty awesome taxidermy form.
As you will see in the photos, the decoy has an actual set of whitetail antlers that are removeable so it can be used as either a buck or a doe. What you can’t see though, is what I believe will turn out to be the decoy’s real ace in the hole. On the back end of this beauty, we installed a tail unit that we borrowed from another decoy called the Easy Doe (www.easydoe.com). The Easy Doe is an inflatable decoy that utilizes a remote controlled motor to flick its tail from side to side, and in my opinion, it is by far the most realistic looking tail movement on the market. On this ultra-realistic decoy, it’s going to be absolutely deadly!
Don Fager adds the finnishing touches.
Every great decoy must have a name, and I’ve decided to name mine after the man who created it. With the antlers installed, I’m going to call him Don. When used as a doe, the name will be lengthened to Donna!
This weekend, I’m heading out to spend a week in Illinois, followed by a week in Iowa. I can’t wait to try and get Don in front of a big ol’ midwestern buck, and I’ll be sure to issue a full report here on Stuck In the Rut. November is upon us. It’s go time!
Don the decoy - ready for action!
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Dang dude, if that thing doesn’t work I don’t know will. Hey, maybe when we are both in Iowa I can bum Don the Decoy off you for a hunt or two. Keep on keepin’ on. Cam
Cam,
If I fill early, I’ll let ol’ Don go help you pull in a buck! LOL!!! You have to come pick him up though…
I don’t know what I’m looking forward to more – the first time a buck comes running in, or the first time I get to yell at some fella that’s trying to put a stock on him!
Dude… that thing is sick! Just emailed you about it. Hope Don (the taxidermist) is ready for some more decoy making biz.
TGK
That thing is awesome… just like you said! But you know me, I get ansy in tree or ground blind. I’d carry an extra quiver full of blunts! I’d be whacking “Don” every half hour or so!!!
Good luck in Iowa Bro!
Marc
Danny, if you “beat me” in the competition, just remember, it’s a mandatory 10-inch deduction for any buck killed with this decoy, because it’s an unfair advantage!
Danny,
I’m glad you got the tail motor and Easy Doe decoy in time to take on your hunt. Obviously I’m excited to see how everything turns out…my guess is that there will be a monster buck taken as a result! Good Luck!
Rob
Def be interested to hear how this works. Good luck with it!