Missed shot using a decoy

[plains]

I am hunting the late antelope season. I went you saturday attempted to stock a herd of about 75, was unsuccessful but didin't fire any shots. Went out again this morning, set up on the top of a hill with a decoy and the same herd came within 75 yards. Between having problems with the decoy and getting my rifle up combined with shooting into the sun I ended up taking a stupid running shot and missed.

Both mornings that I have seen them they have been coming into the same water hole and from talking to the landowner this is where they have been all fall. I planned on the next time out to set up at the water hole in the dark and wait for them to come in. I am worried that I may have spooked them away from this location.

I am looking for some advice. Should I go back tomorrow or give them a few days to get comfortable coming back to the area? Did I blow it with the decoy? Should I attempt to use it again or not?

Thanks alot

 

[Grail]

My advice: Instead of 75 yards just shoot the buck at 750 yards. Problem solved. No need for a decoy. No need for being sneaky. No need for even walking.

 

[coueshunter]

Go on back tomorrow, and set up 200 yards or so from the water hole. Of course, if you can stay hidden while getting set up. Set up before light and of course be down wind of where you believe they will be. dont mess around with the decoy, just shoot him from 2 -300 yards out. I assume grail didnt mean 750, yards maybe 450. You dont need to sneak up so close...........

 

[Grail]

No, I meant 750, but I was sorta foolin' around. At least that's what I thought the little guy with the bag on his head would represent.

 

[coueshunter]

Grail, if we were talking coues, then I could have almost taken you seriously........LOL..........I missed down in 36c at 509 this year, but should have dropped him. Plains, hope you kill this buck today........Allen............

 

[BigBob3006]

plains,
A trick that has worked for me is to set up the decoy in a low spot, and the set up my shooting point about fifty yards away. Since they are looking at the decoy I have a better chance of not spooking them. Good luck.

 

[hunting4food]

Hey guys,
I've hunted for years in Colorado and Wyoming and the only folks I ever see using a decoy are bow hunting. Is it common practice in your neck of the woods to rifle hunt with a deke? I don't know if I'd be caught dead doing it around here (or I might be....dead I mean). Just too many yahoos out there that will take a 500 yard shot at anything, ya know.