First Thoughts on the Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow isn’t your typical piece of hunting gear; it’s a bold statement, a calculated gamble, and a testament to thinking outside the traditional camouflage box. Manufactured by Montana Decoy, this life-sized, foldable decoy promises to lure in predators by capitalizing on their natural curiosity and attraction to livestock. It’s a far cry from the usual deer or elk decoys I’ve field-tested over the years, and its novelty piqued my interest.
I was initially drawn to the Big Red Moo Cow because of a persistent problem on a client’s property: coyotes preying on newborn calves. Trapping and calling had limited success, and a more visual, confidence-inspiring approach seemed worth exploring. I needed something that could not only draw them in but also make them comfortable enough to approach within shooting range.
My initial impression upon unboxing was a mix of amusement and cautious optimism. The decoy is surprisingly lightweight and folds down compactly, making it relatively easy to transport. The printed image is high-quality, with decent realism in color and texture. However, the flimsiness of the material raised concerns about its durability in harsh weather conditions. Compared to rigid plastic decoys, it felt somewhat vulnerable.
I considered other predator decoys, including canine silhouettes and even a smaller calf decoy. Ultimately, the size and unique nature of the Big Red Moo Cow sold me. It presents a large, seemingly harmless target, something that might draw a cautious coyote’s attention more effectively than a more common predator decoy. My first thought: “This could either be genius or a complete bust.” Let’s see what the field reveals.
Real-World Testing: Putting Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow on the edge of a large pasture, roughly 100 yards from a treeline where I suspected coyotes were bedding. The weather was overcast with a light drizzle, not ideal, but perfect for testing its visibility. The set-up was straightforward: unfold the decoy, insert the support stakes, and position it facing the downwind direction.
The initial response was… nothing. Hours passed with no sign of coyotes. The rain intensified, and the decoy began to sag slightly, which detracted from its realism. However, as the sun started to set, I spotted movement on the far side of the pasture. A lone coyote, initially hesitant, slowly began to approach the decoy. It circled downwind, sniffing the air, before eventually closing the distance to within 75 yards. The wind was in my face, so it couldn’t smell me. The coyote never fully committed, but it was a significant interaction. The setup took less than 10 minutes with no issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Big Red Moo Cow in different locations and weather conditions, I’ve learned its strengths and weaknesses. It definitely works as a curiosity lure, drawing the attention of coyotes and even bobcats. However, its durability remains a concern.
The printed image has started to fade slightly in direct sunlight, and the support stakes have bent after being pushed into rocky ground. The decoy material itself shows some wear and tear from being folded and unfolded repeatedly. Cleaning is relatively simple – just wipe it down with a damp cloth – but prolonged exposure to mud and dirt can stain the material. Compared to more robust decoys I’ve used, the Big Red Moo Cow requires more careful handling and storage.
Breaking Down the Features of Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow
Specifications
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow is a life-sized, foldable decoy designed to attract predators by mimicking livestock. Its most notable feature is its size and realistic appearance.
It weighs approximately 4 pounds, making it easy to carry in the field, and its folded dimensions are roughly 24 x 12 x 3 inches. This compact size is a significant advantage for hunters who need to pack light and cover a lot of ground.
The decoy is constructed from a printed fabric material stretched over a collapsible frame. While lightweight and portable, this material is not as durable as rigid plastic or foam decoys.
It includes two metal support stakes for stability in the field. The stakes, while functional, could be more robust to withstand rocky or frozen ground.
Performance & Functionality
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow performs well as a curiosity lure, drawing the attention of predators that are naturally curious or accustomed to seeing livestock. It’s not a guaranteed coyote magnet, but in certain situations, it can be an effective tool.
Its main strength is its novelty and size, which can pique a predator’s interest more effectively than smaller, more conventional decoys. The weakness is its lack of realistic movement; a stationary decoy can eventually raise suspicion. The setup is quick and easy, and it definitely met expectations in drawing coyotes in for a closer look.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a foldable decoy, but the materials used feel somewhat flimsy. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, but the lack of durability is a trade-off.
The decoy is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time. However, the stakes should be improved to ease setup in tough soil, and it may take some experimentation to find the most effective placement and wind direction for optimal attraction.
Durability & Maintenance
The Big Red Moo Cow’s lifespan is likely shorter than that of a rigid decoy. The printed image will eventually fade, and the fabric material is susceptible to tears and punctures.
Maintenance is straightforward – just wipe it down after use – but proper storage is essential to prevent damage. Avoid folding it when wet or dirty, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow comes with the decoy and two metal support stakes. There are no official customization options offered by Montana Decoy.
However, hunters could potentially add scent attractants or electronic calls to enhance its effectiveness. Attaching lightweight wind-activated motion devices could also increase realism.
Pros and Cons of Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow
Pros
- Unique and eye-catching design that can pique the curiosity of predators.
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in the field.
- Simple and quick setup, requiring minimal time and effort.
- Effective as a curiosity lure in certain situations and locations.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other predator decoys.
Cons
- Durability is a concern, with flimsy materials susceptible to damage.
- Lack of realistic movement can eventually raise suspicion.
- Support stakes could be more robust for use in rocky or frozen ground.
Who Should Buy Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow?
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow is perfect for:
- Hunters looking for a unique and unconventional predator decoy.
- Hunters who frequently hunt in areas with livestock and want to capitalize on predators’ familiarity with cattle.
- Hunters who need a lightweight and portable decoy for easy transport.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who prioritize durability and longevity over portability.
- Hunters who hunt in areas with limited visibility or dense vegetation.
- Hunters who are unwilling to experiment with different decoy placements and calling strategies.
A must-have modification would be upgrading the support stakes for added durability.
Conclusion on Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow
The Montana Decoy Big Red Moo Cow is a niche product that offers a unique approach to predator hunting. While its durability is a concern, its novelty and portability make it a worthwhile addition to a hunter’s arsenal, especially in areas where predators are accustomed to livestock.
At $88.99, the price is reasonable for what it offers. However, hunters should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to handle it with care.
I would recommend the Big Red Moo Cow to hunters who are willing to experiment and think outside the box. It’s not a magic bullet, but it can be an effective tool in the right hands. Give it a try and see if you can turn some heads (and attract some coyotes) with this unconventional decoy!