Fred Eichler’s Best Tips for Decoying Elk

When it comes to calling and decoying elk, few have more hands-on experience than Fred Eichler. As a seasoned bowhunter and outfitter, Eichler has spent countless hours in the elk woods, fine-tuning his decoy strategies to turn close encounters into filled tags. One of the most powerful tools in his elk-hunting arsenal? The Montana Decoy.

Here are Fred’s top tips for using an elk decoy effectively:

1. Make Sure the Elk Can See It

According to Eichler, the biggest mistake hunters make is setting up where the elk can’t see the decoy soon enough. “The first thing I look for is a spot where the elk can see the decoy from as far as possible based on the terrain,” he says. Bulls coming to a call expect to see an elk—if they don’t, that’s often when they start to circle downwind or hang up out of range. Giving them that visual confirmation early helps seal the deal.

2. Think About the Background

Another key consideration is visibility. Eichler looks for backdrops that help the decoy pop—think light-colored grass, open sky, or a silhouette against a ridgeline. "I like to pick a location where the decoy is prominently visible against a light background or easily silhouetted when possible," he states. A bull's confidence to commit increases when he can clearly see the shape of another elk.

3. Double (or Triple) the Visual Impact

If you're hunting on the edge of a large field or an open park where the bull could come from multiple directions, don’t be afraid to up the realism. “I will sometimes use two or even three decoys to really sell the setup,” Eichler advises. Multiple elk increase realism and can create the illusion of a small herd, which can draw in curious bulls looking to check out the action.

4. Scent Matters

To boost realism, Eichler recommends adding scent—strategically. “Try using a little elk scent on the decoy,” he says, “and try to keep it as human scent-free as possible.” Bulls use their noses as much as their eyes, so giving them one more layer of realism (while avoiding human odor contamination) can help bring them those last few yards into bow range.

5. Stay Safe

Finally, Fred reminds all hunters to keep safety top of mind. Decoys—especially realistic ones—can attract other hunters as well as bulls. Always be aware of your surroundings, wear blaze orange when appropriate, and never set up in high-traffic areas.

With the right setup, scent discipline, and a little strategy, a Montana Decoy can be the difference between a story about the one that almost came in and a cooler full of elk steaks. Good luck this fall!