Bringing elk to point-blank range is terribly exciting and equally challenging. By the time the elk rut heats up and bulls are actively seeking estrous cows, they’ve probably been called to by dozens, perhaps hundreds, of hunters. No wonder they hang up and fail to approach even the best callers. Bulls become especially nervous and reluctant if they can’t see the cow that’s mewing to them. For more than a decade, Montana Decoy had offered extremely realistic decoys that often push a bull over the edge, yet the decoys require sturdy stakes that often are left in camp to eliminate their weight.

byers003No more! Montana Decoy has partnered with noted elk hunter and outfitter Fred Eichler, who has teamed up with Montana Decoy to produce “his” perfect elk decoy. “This is the first time Montana Decoy has ever partnered with someone on a signature decoy,” said CJ Davis, Montana Decoy president. “Fred Eichler has years of experience guiding and hunting elk and knows what works best for success. He is the perfect hunter for us to partner with on a new elk decoy.”

Colorado Elk 2010 330Eichler picked his favorite elk pose and tweaked it to fit his needs. “I’ve always been a big fan of the facing pose for elk, so that’s what I wanted,” Eichler said. “The Montana Decoys are quick to use, but you don’t always have time to set up the leg poles or you’re not hunting on ground that is soft enough to push them in. I’ve been playing around with strings attached to the decoy as a different way to set them up for years. It works great and it’s fast and easy.” In addition to including his string hanging system, Eichler has put together a DVD of his best tips, tactics, and hunts to help users understand better how he hunts elk and what he’s learned from years of experience. The DVD is included with each Eichler Elk.