Let’s Dive into Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy
Elk hunting is a game of strategy, patience, and understanding your quarry. For years, I’ve relied on my knowledge of elk behavior and vocalizations, but I’ve always been intrigued by the potential of using decoys. The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy, designed by Fred Eichler, promised a portable and realistic solution, and as an experienced hunter, I had to see if it lived up to the hype.
Years of chasing elk in the rugged backcountry taught me that mobility is key. Lugging around heavy, bulky gear is a recipe for exhaustion and frustration. I was searching for a lightweight, packable decoy that wouldn’t weigh me down on those long treks into remote elk country.
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy arrived neatly packaged, and my initial impression was positive. The folded size was indeed compact, and the weight felt manageable. The lifelike image of the cow elk printed on the decoy material instantly caught my eye, promising a realistic presentation to entice those wary bulls.
Compared to some of the rigid, full-bodied decoys I’d seen (and scoffed at the idea of carrying), the Eichler Elk Decoy was a revelation. I also considered inflatable decoys, but I worried about their durability in brush and the potential for punctures. This seemed like the perfect balance of portability and realism.
My initial excitement was high; the decoy appeared to be well-made and incredibly portable. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could truly improve my elk hunting success. The promise of the included Fred Eichler DVD was also enticing, as I always appreciate learning new tactics from experienced hunters.
Real-World Testing: Putting Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy took place during the early archery season in the high country of western Montana. I set up the decoy in a small meadow adjacent to a heavily used elk trail, hoping to intercept a bull on his way to water.
Setting up the decoy was surprisingly quick and easy, thanks to the included string-and-clip hanging system and stakes. The ground was a bit rocky, but I managed to secure the decoy using a combination of the stakes and nearby vegetation. The wind was calm, and the cow elk image looked incredibly realistic in the soft morning light.
The day was dry and cool, with a slight breeze carrying my scent away from the anticipated approach route of any elk. After about an hour, I heard a bugle in the distance, and my heart rate immediately spiked. The bull continued to bugle as he approached, eventually stepping into the meadow and spotting the decoy. He locked onto it, postured slightly, and then cautiously approached, giving me a perfect broadside shot at 40 yards.
I was impressed by how easily the decoy had drawn the bull in and kept his attention focused away from my position. There were no issues with the decoy collapsing or looking unnatural. The setup was simple and effective, and the results spoke for themselves.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my elk hunting arsenal. I’ve used it in a variety of terrains, from open meadows to dense timber, and it has consistently performed well.
The decoy has held up remarkably well to the rigors of backcountry hunting. There are a few minor scuffs and scratches on the printed image, but the overall structure remains intact. The poles and clips are still in perfect working order.
Cleaning the decoy is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each hunt to remove any dirt or mud. The material is relatively stain-resistant, and the printed image has not faded noticeably. The decoy is a clear improvement over my previous experiences of trying to call elk in without a visual aid.
Breaking Down the Features of Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy
Specifications
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy is designed by Fred Eichler to be a highly portable elk decoy.
It is compatible with the Quickstand (sold separately) for even faster setup.
When folded, the decoy measures 19″ x 12″, making it easy to pack.
When unfolded, it stands at 47″ x 30″, providing a realistic elk silhouette.
The entire package, including poles, strings, and clips, weighs just 40 oz.
This lightweight design ensures minimal impact on your overall pack weight.
The decoy utilizes a string-and-clip hanging system for versatile setup in various terrains.
This system allows you to hang the decoy from trees or use the included stakes for ground placement.
It features a photo-realistic cow elk image, designed to attract bulls.
The head-on pose creates a sense of competition or curiosity, enticing bulls to investigate.
The package includes a free DVD by Fred Eichler, offering tips and strategies for decoying elk.
This bonus provides valuable insight from an experienced elk hunter.
These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the decoy’s portability, ease of use, and effectiveness. The compact size and lightweight design allow you to carry it deep into the backcountry without sacrificing mobility. The realistic image and versatile setup options maximize its ability to attract and hold the attention of bulls, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.
Performance & Functionality
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It effectively attracts bulls, holding their attention long enough for a hunter to get into a shooting position.
The decoy’s primary strength lies in its realism and portability. It’s easy to carry, quick to set up, and looks convincingly like a real cow elk. The main area for improvement would be to offer a more durable material, even if it slightly increased the weight.
The Eichler Elk Decoy certainly exceeds my expectations for a packable elk decoy. It’s not a magic bullet, but it significantly increases my chances of success, particularly in areas with high hunting pressure.
Design & Ergonomics
The decoy is well-designed, with a focus on portability and ease of use. The materials are lightweight yet durable enough for most hunting conditions.
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time and effort. There is virtually no learning curve; even a novice hunter can quickly master its use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the decoy should last for several seasons of hunting. While the printed image may eventually show signs of wear, the overall structure is built to withstand normal use.
Maintaining the decoy is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection. Replacing the poles or clips, if necessary, should be relatively easy and inexpensive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy comes with the necessary poles, strings, and clips for setup. Montana Decoy also sells the Quickstand separately, which allows for even faster setup and greater stability.
While there are no specific customization options for the decoy itself, it can be used in conjunction with other elk hunting accessories, such as scent attractants and calls. It is designed to be a standalone visual aid but works well with other elk hunting tactics.
Pros and Cons of Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy
Pros
- Exceptional Portability: The decoy’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry in a backpack, allowing for deep backcountry hunts without added bulk.
- Realistic Appearance: The photo-realistic cow elk image effectively attracts bulls and holds their attention, increasing the chances of a successful shot.
- Easy Setup: The string-and-clip hanging system and included stakes allow for quick and versatile setup in various terrains.
- Value for Money: The decoy is reasonably priced, especially considering its effectiveness and the inclusion of the Fred Eichler DVD.
- Proven Effectiveness: The decoy has consistently proven its ability to draw in bulls, making it a valuable tool for elk hunters of all experience levels.
Cons
- The material could be more durable to withstand heavy brush and rough handling.
- The stakes could be longer and more robust for better anchoring in rocky or uneven terrain.
Who Should Buy Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy?
The Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy is perfect for elk hunters who prioritize portability and realism in their gear. It is especially well-suited for backpack hunters, archery hunters, and anyone hunting in areas with high hunting pressure.
Hunters who primarily hunt from treestands or those who prefer rigid, full-bodied decoys might want to skip this product. The Quickstand may be a must-have accessory for hunters who want the fastest possible setup.
Conclusion on Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy
Overall, the Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It is a highly portable, realistic, and effective elk decoy that can significantly improve your chances of success in the field.
The price of $124.49 is justified by the decoy’s performance and the value it provides to elk hunters. I would highly recommend the Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy to anyone looking for a lightweight and effective way to attract bulls.
If you’re serious about elk hunting and want to increase your odds of success, invest in the Montana Decoy Co. Eichler Elk Decoy. Get yours today and experience the difference it can make in your next hunt!