IMHO KT,
They work well throughout the season but I have found them particularly effective during the pre-rut and rut phase when deer are searching. Deer are curious by nature and will usually investigate if everything else in their environment is undisturbed.
I use both the standing Renzo plastic decoys (which are nice because they fold-up and are lightweight) as well as a solid 3-pc foam decoy. One trick that I use (sparingly) and when I feel that the time is right, is to tack an old white washcloth to the backside of the decoys and get a little tarsal gland scent or estrous during the rut. I find that the washcloths get the wind better for scent disbursement as well as just a little more visible as opposed to just a scent wick.
Another thing that I have personally found to be effective is to move the decoys around when you are hunting as opposed to just leaving them out. Deer will program the decoys if left out for periods of time and will lose their effectiveness. I also do not use them everytime that I hunt (same as grunting and bleating) I find that when I am selective, they are more effective.
I would set up a couple either outside a feeding area or where they are visible from a distance off a bottleneck, funnel. or secondary pathway leading into your feeding area.
You will probably find that you will have your best opportunities in the area that sees little human contact and hunting pressure. Deer can be conditioned over time so make your first opportunities count.
Good luck and keep us posted!
