I have been using decoys for almost ten years now...That should tell ya something! They are the best thing since the bugle call! They will bring in educated bulls that won't come if they don't see an elk. I liken it to being in your own house and hearing someone call out your name from the other side of the room... when you look that way and see nothing your hair stands on end and your ready to scream and run! If you see who called to you, you answer and act naturally. I like the elk shaped ones, if it's a printed pic on a round peice of material it looks like a big round blob in the shadows! Well worth the money! It takes a little trial and error to be able to set up where the bull will see it, and not come in seeing nothing but a thin line! The results when they do are nothing short of incredible! My experience is they often come to 15 yrds or less and stand broadside to show off their racks to the cow they think loves them! I hunt in remote areas with almost no pressure so I don't worry about useing the decoy to hide myself behind. The bull will expect motion from the "cow" and raising up at full draw to shoot them doesn't seem to spook "em much! I've also had them circle all the way around at less than 20 yrds and not pay much attention to scent, they are that convinced you are an elk. Use a hyperhot call and don't bugle! Good luck!