Abstract:
A motion-type predator decoy for attracting coyotes, wild dogs and other pest or nuisance predators for use in ranching, farming, recreation land management, public safety and sporting fields. The decoy has a support base for placement during use on an environmental surface. The base includes a downwardly disposed surface contact end of a predetermined lateral dimension and an upwardly disposed support end of a predetermined lateral dimension. The decoy also has a driven decoy mechanism connected to the support end of the base. The decoy mechanism includes an actuator and a flexible decoy member. The actuator generates vibrations and the decoy mechanism undergoes random longitudinal, radial and lateral movement components with respect to the base. A method of using the decoy is also disclosed.

Description:
37 C.F.R. §1.71(e) AUTHORIZATION 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates, generally, to decoy systems, apparatus, articles and methods used to attract wild animals. Particularly, the invention relates to a fixed, ground based, motion-type decoy used to attract predator or pest species such as coyotes, wild dogs, and the like. The decoy of the present invention is useful in farming, ranching, aqua-culture, conservation, and parks and recreation, and in the hunting sports as well. 
         [0007]    2. Background Information 
         [0008]    Wildlife sometimes become a pest, nuisance or even danger to man and other animals and must be controlled via trapping and resettlement, or euthanasia. 
         [0009]    Coyotes are an example of wildlife that is posing a problem. Coyotes are an efficient predator which use their keen senses of smell, sight, and hearing to find and kill a wide variety of prey. Food defines coyote habitat, so wherever their food is, coyotes will exist. Originally found only in the Northwest corner of the United States, they have adapted to changes caused by human development, and have now been spotted as far North as Alaska and New England, and as far South as Florida. Their broad range of adaptation also allows them to survive close to man in ranching, agricultural, recreational, residential, and even urban areas. Although coyotes historically have been known to be afraid of human contact, current cases suggest that coyotes are becoming more tolerant of, or even aggressive towards, human contact and humans. Coyotes are one of the few populations of wild animals that seem to be mostly increasing rather than decreasing. Accordingly, a need exists for new and improved means of attracting coyotes and other predators for removal or eradication. 
         [0010]    The state of the art, generally, includes various decoys used in attracting waterfowl, mostly for sporting purposes. Motion-type decoys exist. 
         [0011]    All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The invention provides a decoy system, apparatus and methods which are practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and which are believed to fulfill the need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology. 
         [0013]    In a basic aspect, the invention provides an apparatus having a base for placement during use on an environmental surface, the base including a surface contact end of a predetermined dimension and a support end; and a driven decoy mechanism connected to the support end of the base. 
         [0014]    In a more particular aspect, the invention provides a decoy apparatus including a support base for placement during use on an environmental surface, the base including a downwardly disposed surface contact end of a predetermined lateral dimension and an upwardly disposed support end of a predetermined lateral dimension which is less than that of the contact end; and a driven decoy mechanism pivotally connected to the support end of the base, the decoy mechanism including an actuator and a decoy member. 
         [0015]    In a still more particular aspect, the apparatus is a motion-type predator decoy for attracting coyotes, wild dogs and other pest or nuisance predators for use in ranching, farming, recreation land management, public safety and sporting fields. 
         [0016]    The invention also provides methods of making the apparatus of the invention, methods of using the apparatus, and methods of attracting animals, most particularly coyotes, wild dogs and other pest or nuisance predators for use in ranching, farming, recreation land management, public safety and sporting fields. 
         [0017]    The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the decoy of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the decoy embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of an actuator used with the decoy. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of quiver arm used with the decoy. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the quiver arm. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the quiver arm. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a portion, “7” of  FIG. 6 , of the quiver arm. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a detailed view of a portion, “8” of  FIG. 5 , of the quiver arm. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electrical power and control system of the decoy. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the stake used with the decoy. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the stake. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an end view of the stake. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an opposite end view of the stake. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flywheel arm used in the actuator of the decoy. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the flywheel arm. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a crossectional view, taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 , of the flywheel arm. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view, partially in phantom to show internal and opposite side structure, of an embodiment of the quiver weight used in the actuator of the decoy. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the quiver weight. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the quiver weight. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the body bottom used in the stake of the decoy. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the body bottom. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the body bottom. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of the body bottom. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a crossectional view, taken along line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 21 , of the body bottom. 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing bottom of the decoy. 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is a bottom view of the housing bottom. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a top view of the housing bottom. 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a crossectional view, taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 , of the housing bottom. 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing top of the decoy. 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is a bottom view of the housing top. 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is a top view of the housing top. 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a crossectional view, taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31 , of the housing top. 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the body cover of the decoy. 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the body cover. 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  is a top view of the body cover. 
           [0053]      FIG. 36  is a crossectional view, taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35 , of the housing cover. 
           [0054]      FIG. 37  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a platform of the invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 38  is a side, elevation view of the platform. 
           [0056]      FIG. 39  is a top, plan view of the platform. 
           [0057]      FIG. 40  is a crossectional view of the platform, taken along line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 41  is a perspective of an embodiment of a bottom member of the platform embodiment shown in  FIGS. 37-40 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 42  is a side, elevation view of the bottom member. 
           [0060]      FIG. 43  is a top, plan view of the bottom member. 
           [0061]      FIG. 44  is a crossectional view of the bottom member, taken along line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 42 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a top member of the platform embodiment shown in  FIGS. 37-40 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 46  is a side, elevation view of the top member. 
           [0064]      FIG. 47  is a top, plan view of the top member. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0065]    The apparatus, articles and methods of the present invention are primary for the purpose of attracting, calling, drawing, summoning, luring or otherwise acquiring animals, particularly dangerous, pest, nuisance predator animals (for example coyotes, wild dogs and the like) for removal or eradication.  FIG. 1  is a side or elevation view of an embodiment of the decoy apparatus  10  of the invention. In this embodiment, the decoy  10  comprises, principally, a base  11 , an actuator  12 , and a decoy member or element  13 . In one embodiment of the method of use, the decoy  10  is deployed by a user by attaching the base  11  to the ground or other surface in a predetermined location such as a field, woods, or the like. During attachment, the actuator  12  and the decoy member  13  may be attached to the base  11 . Alternatively, the actuator  12  with or without the decoy member  13  may be separated from the base  11 . After attachment of the base  11  to the ground, the actuator  12  is connected to the base  11  if it is not already connected. Similarly, the decoy member  13  is connected to the actuator  12  if it is not already so connected. With the actuator  12  and decoy member  13  in place and connected to the base  11 , the user then turns on the driving mechanism of the actuator  12 . As is described in detail below, the interconnection between the actuator  12  and base  11 , in combination with the driving mechanism of the actuator  12 , generates a predetermined movement that in turn causes the connected decoy member  13  to undergo a motion that in a preferred embodiment simultaneously has a quivering and shaking motion. The decoy element or member  13  in this embodiment is a flexible cover that is constructed to appear like a small animal, preferably a prey species of the target predator, for example a rabbit, rodent, bird or the like. The outer surface of the decoy element  13  preferably may have a predetermined color, markings and surface area embellishments tied to the prey. Alternatively, the surface may have a generalized small animal color and/or texture. The flexible cove  13  is communicatively connected to the actuator  12 . Movement of the decoy  13  by the actuator  12  simulates, generally, the prey in a wounded or otherwise distressed condition. The overall structure, function and motion lures predators to the vicinity of the decoy  10 . This permits the user to trap or otherwise capture the animal. Alternatively, the animal may be eradicated by other means permitted by the law of the jurisdiction of use such as killing via bullet, shot, slug, arrow or the like. The decoy  10  may be used alone or in a decoy system in conjunction with other decoys of the same or differing types (static or moving), or in connection with live or inanimate baits or bait material, such as live, dead or artificial animals or animal parts or materials, plants or plant materials, natural or artificial scents, or the like. 
         [0066]    Referring also to  FIG. 2 , a first embodiment of the base  11  is a two (2) part, elongated assembly including, generally, a housing or body  19  and an elongated stake member  20 . The housing  19  is releasably connected to the stake  20 . The housing comprises a bottom member  21  which connectable to the stake  20 , and a top or cover member  22  which is removably coupled to the bottom member  21 . These two separable members  21  and  22  enclose and define an internal cavity or space with in the housing  19 . The stake member  20  is connectable to the housing  19  and to the environment. This embodiment of the base  11  is now specifically described as follows, beginning from the bottom or group up. 
         [0067]    Referring also to  FIGS. 10-13 , the stake  20  has an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration with a predetermined length, in the example shown, of about 272 cm. and diameter of about 30 cm. Of course, this actual dimension, along with other actual dimensions described herein for the embodiment may be varied consistent with the basic teachings of the invention. The stake  20  is preferably constructed of a light, rigid, moldable plastic material such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It is preferably ribbed. The stake member  20  top end  32  is constructed and configured to releasably mate to a complementary connector on the bottom of the housing  19 . Top end  32  has a flat surface that may be impacted by the user&#39;s hand or a tool such as a hammer or mallet to facilitate insertion into the ground. The bottom end  33  of the stake  20  shaft has a pointed configuration for insertion into non-hardened ground, for example dirt, sand, gravel or the like. The stake  20  is staked into the ground a certain depth depending upon the ground conditions and desired motion. As mentioned above, a first function of the stake  20  is to hold the decoy  10  in place during use. However, another significant function of the stake  20  is to elevate the other members of the decoy  10  a predetermined distance above the ground for maximum visibility to animals to be attracted, and also to optimize its particular motion as described further below. Of course, the stake structure  20  permits removal of the base  11  from the ground for position adjustment, transportation, or storage purposes. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 20-24  and  33 - 36  show a preferred embodiment of the base housing body  19  including the bottom and top members  21  and  22 . Turning first to  FIGS. 20-24 , the body bottom member  21  is releasably connectable to the top end portion of the stake  20 . The preferred embodiment of the bottom member  21  has a top portion  26  and a unitary bottom portion  27 , and is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as ABS. The bottom portion  27  releasably mates with the top end of the stake  20 . The top portion  26  has a cylindrical configuration of a predetermined interior diameter and height. A circular lip  28  is centrally disposed in the interior. Turning next to  FIGS. 33-36 , the preferred embodiment of the body cover  22  is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as ABS. The body cover  22  is connected to the top of the bottom member  21  and defines the top of the interior space of the housing  19 . The body cover  22  has central aperture  30  of a predetermined diameter which is disposed in a coaxial, circular offset member  29 . The offset member  29  has a predetermined diameter which is greater than that of the aperture  30 , and is inset a predetermined distance with respect to the top of the cover  22 . A lip  31  is disposed at the periphery of the cover  22  to mate with the top of the bottom member  27 . An interface member  25  is preferably attached to the flat portion of the top of the cover  22 . The member  25  preferably has a ring shaped configuration with a predetermined outer diameter equivalent to that of the bottom member  43 , and a central aperture  38  of a predetermined diameter and thickness. The interface ring  25  is preferably constructed of a flexible material such as EVA. 
         [0069]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the housing  19  interior space has a generally cylindrical configuration which is bounded by the bottom member  21  and the cover member  22 . The interior cavity houses an actuator support surface which preferably consists of a bottom cover  23  and a cover top  24 . The bottom cover  23  is operably disposed in the housing body  19  and seated in the lip  28  of bottom member  21 . It has a disc or plate shaped configuration with a predetermined diameter and substantially flat top surface. The small cover  23  is preferably constructed of a plastic, for example ABS. The cover top  24  is disposed above the bottom cover  23  and also a disc shaped configuration with a predetermined diameter. It also has a substantially flat top surface. The cover top  24  is preferably constructed of ABS. 
         [0070]    The preferred embodiment of the actuator  12  is shown  FIGS. 1-3 . It comprises a motor  47  and power supply  51  operably disposed in a two-part housing  39 , and a quiver arm or arm member  54  connected to the top of the housing  49 . The actuator  12  is located on top of the housing  19  of the base  11 , so that in operation it is disposed a predetermined distance above the ground. As is best shown in  FIG. 2 , an interface ring  25  is preferably disposed between the base housing  19  and the actuator housing  39 . The arm member  54  extends a predetermined distance upwardly from the housing  39  to operably support the decoy member  13 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 25-28  and  29 - 32  show an embodiment of the actuator  12  housing or body  39  which is generally cylindrically shaped and is oriented with respect to actuator longitudinal center axis  34 . The housing  39  preferably is a 2 part format with bottom and top members  43  and  44 . The bottom member  43  is operably disposed over the top of-the base  11 . Referring to  FIGS. 26-28 , the housing bottom member  43  is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material such as ABS. The bottom member  43  has a cylindrical configuration of a predetermined interior diameter and height. Interiorly, the bottom surface of the bottom member  43  is preferably configured and arranged, as shown for example, to securely hold the drive assembly components of the actuator  12 . Exteriorly, the bottom member has a substantially flat bottom surface  37 . A quiver mating structure extends downwardly from the center of the bottom surface  37 . This structure preferably consists of a flange  36  is disposed in the center of the bottom surface  37 , an actuator support post  40 , and a sleeve  41 . The support post  40  consists of a screw  40   a  of a predetermined length and diameter which is screwed into the flange  36  and extends downwardly therefrom to a washer set  40   b . The extension distance is adjustable via screw actuation The sleeve  41  is flexible and disposed around the shaft of the screw  40   a . The washer set  40   b  comprises at least one washer of a predetermined diameter which is less than that of the base cover top  24 . The support  40  extends through the base cover aperture  30  and interface aperture  38 , to contact and movably rides on the cover top  24  which is disposed within the base  11  housing  19 . 
         [0072]    Exteriorly, the top peripheral edge of the bottom member  43  has a connection lip  37  for mating with the top member  44 . Turning next to  FIGS. 29-32 , the top member  44  is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as ABS. When operatively connected to the bottom member  43 , the top member or cover  44  defines the top of the interior space of the housing  39 . It has bottom circumferential area with a complementary mating configuration for connection to the top lip  37  of the bottom member  43  in an overlapping manner. A sealing gasket  46  assist in sealing the housing  39  from dirt, moisture and other contaminants. The cover  44  has central exterior flange  35  which functions as a support base for the upwardly extending quiver arm  54  of the actuator  13 . Referring also to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , the proximal, bottom end of the quiver arm  54  has a base loop  66  which is disposed on the top surface of the flange  35 . A washer set  44  is disposed on top of the base loop  66  and a connector  55  is fixedly inserted into the flange  35  to connect the arm  54  to the housing  39 . 
         [0073]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the actuator housing  39  interior space has a generally cylindrical configuration, with respect to longitudinal center axis  34 , which is bounded by the bottom member  43  and the cover member  44 . The space houses the drive assembly of the actuator  12 . In this embodiment, the drive assembly components comprise, in a basic configuration, a power supply  51 , a motor  47 , preferably electric, firmly and fixedly connected to the housing  39  and adapted for electrical connection to the power supply  51 , and a control switch  47  for selectively connecting the power supply  51  with the motor  47  in a simple on/off relationship for example. In the preferred embodiment, the motor  47  drive shaft extends vertically into the housing  39  interior. A fly wheel  52  is connected to the motor  47  in a manner such that, during operation, the spinning fly wheel  52  causes the housing  39  to undergo a predetermined quivering motion. The power supply  51  is preferably battery based, for example 2 AA type batteries for supplying approximately on the order of 3 volts power. The batteries are securely held in place by holders integrated into the housing  39  to resist movement during quiver. The switch  49  is firmly held in place near a weather seal aperture by a switch holder  50 . The motor  51  is firmly and fixedly held in a predetermined area of the housing  39  by a motor mount  48 . Preferably, the motor  51  is disposed off-center with respect to the cylindrical body  39 . The motor mount  48  is connected directly to the housing body  39  bottom. Referring also to  FIGS. 17-19 , the fly wheel  52  has a predetermined mass and configuration including a cylindrical bottom post portion  70  and a disc shaped top portion  71 . The fly wheel is connected to the motor  51  via an arm  53 . Referring also to  FIGS. 14-16 , the fly wheel arm  53  has a body  75  with a fly wheel connection aperture  76  disposed at one end and a drive shaft connection post  78  at an opposite end. A pair of clips  77   a  and  b  are arranged near the aperture  76  to engage the top disc  71  as the bottom post  70  is disposed through the aperture  76 . The dimensions of the arm  53  permit spinning movement of the fly wheel  52  in the housing  39  interior to generate a vibrating motion in the actuator  12 . This in turn causes the actuator  13  to undergo a quivering motion with respect to the substantially stationary base  11 . Such motion is generated by the central support  40  moving in combination and randomly side to side, up and down, and pivotally over and on the riding surface  24  of the base  11 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment of the electrical power and control system of the decoy  10 . The circuitry comprises the motor  47  connected in series with switch  49  and the battery power supply  51   FIGS. 4-6  show a preferred embodiment of quiver arm  54  used with the decoy  10 . The quiver arm  54  is preferably constructed of a wire or flexible rod formed of a metallic material such as ABS. The wire  54  has a predetermined diameter and length. The wire  54  has pair of curves  65  a and b which form a predetermined configuration, preferably “S” shaped. Referring also to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bottom, proximal end has the connection loop  66 . The wire  54  as a predetermined distance “x” from the proximal end to the top, distal end  67 . This arm  54  construction and arrangement, when attached to the housing  19 , and actuated, will flex and move in a predetermined quiver motion. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an example embodiment of the decoy member or element  13 . It has an elongated flexible body of a predetermined length and width, and having an open, substantially circular bottom of a predetermined diameter. The body length and width and the opening diameter are functions of the dimensions of the quiver arm  54  length (distance “x”) and curvature, and housing  39  diameter. The decoy element  13  body is constructed to appear similar to, at least from a distance, a small animal, preferably a prey species of the target predator. Examples of element designs include rabbits, including but not limited to jack rabbits and cotton-tails, birds such as woodpeckers, squirrels such as red squirrels, rodents, and the like. The outer surface of the decoy element  13  preferably has a predetermined color or set of colors, markings and surface area embellishments such as fur, which are representative of the prey species being imitated. Alternatively, the surface may have a generalized small animal color and/or texture. The flexible cover  13  is placed over the wire  54  whereby the bottom end is fitted over the housing  39 . In a preferred mode, the cover  13  completely covers the housing  39 . During use, movement of the decoy  13  by the actuator  12  simulates, generally, the prey in a wounded or otherwise distressed condition. 
         [0076]    A second and alternative embodiment of the base  111  is shown in  FIGS. 37-40 . The base  111  is also preferably a two (2) part assembly. However, it is not elongated. The base  111  includes, as its first assembly part, the housing  19  of the first base embodiment  111  shown and described above, and preferably comprising all or substantially all of the structural and functional features of the prior base. In place of the elongated stake member  20 , the second assembly part is a low profile foot  120 . The housing  19  and foot  120  are connectable and separable as described in detail below. Alternatively, the housing and foot may be permanently connected to each other and may even be constructed as a unitary structure. 
         [0077]    During use, and as shown, the foot  120  is placed on the ground or other surface and the housing  19  is connected to the top of the foot  120 . The foot  120  has a low profile, generally frusto-conical configuration with a predetermined height, base or bottom diameter, and a top diameter. The actual dimensions may be varied consistent with the basic teachings of the invention. The foot  120  is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material such as ABS. The foot  120  top end  132  is constructed and configured to releasably mate to the bottom member  27  of the housing  19 . The bottom end  133  of the foot  120  shaft has wide flat configuration for quick and simple placement on any generally flat surfaces. It is also useful for deployment on surfaces which are difficult to penetrate by a stake, such has hard ground, frozen ground, ice, rock, gravel or aggregate, or the like. It may also be useful for very soft surfaces where it would be difficult to stabilize a stake such as sand. The first function of the foot of this alternative base embodiment is to maintain the decoy  10  in a stable, upright position during use. The second function of the foot  120  is to elevate the other members of the decoy  10  a predetermined smaller distance above the ground for optimum ease of deployment, stability, and to optimize its particular motion as described further below. The foot  120  permits faster movement for position adjustment, transportation or storage purposes. And, it provides a low profile for optimized quiver motion. 
         [0078]    An embodiment of the foot  120  includes the bottom and top members  121  and  122  which form a hollow interior  130 . The foot  120  may be filled with ballast rocks, sand, gravel, a liquid such as water, or the like to increase the weight of the foot  120  to provided added stability during actuation. Alternatively, the foot  120  may be constructed of a solid material of sufficient weight for stability. As a further alternative, the foot may be a unitary structure with other means for adding and removing ballast, such as an aperture or port disposed on the top, bottom or side of the foot. 
         [0079]    Referring also to  FIGS. 41-43 , the bottom member  121  is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS. The bottom member  121  has a frustoconical configuration including a wide, circular bottom area  122  which tapers to a flat, circular top area  123  of predetermined diameter which is smaller than that of the bottom area  122 . The center, longitudinal axis  140  of the member  121  (and foot  120 ) is shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 . The bottom area  122  is shown to have an upwardly domed or concave surface. A connecting lip  128  is disposed at the top periphery. 
         [0080]    Turning next to  FIGS. 45-47 , the foot top member  132  is preferably constructed of the same material as that of the bottom member  121 . In use, the top member  132  is connected to the top of the bottom member  121  and defines the top of the interior space  130 . The top member  132  has disc shaped top portion  133  and a cylindrical bottom member  134  with a top central aperture  135 . The aperture  135  has a predetermined diameter which is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the connector  27  of base  19  and a predetermined depth, whereby the connector  27  may be friction fitted into the aperture  130  to easily, reliably, quickly and securely connect the housing  19  to the foot  120  for use, yet at the same time permit easy and fast disconnection after use. The bottom of the disc portion  133  preferably has a mating lip disposed at its periphery which has a complementary structure to that of the mating lip  128  to securely connect the top member  132  to the bottom member  121  after appropriate weighting. Examples of lip configurations include screw connections, snap connections and the like. Although the this base embodiment is described and shown for placement on the ground or other surface, it is within the purview of the invention that the ballasted base may be placed on an elevated surface such as a table, post, rock, plant part, or the like so that it is higher off the ground. 
         [0081]    Returning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the decoy  10  apparatus of the invention is suitable for use, depending of course upon applicable laws and regulations, by farmers, ranchers, aqua-culturists, private or public conservationists, and park rangers to capture or kill pest predators such as coyotes, wild dogs, and the like. The decoy  10  may also be used by sportsmen in hunting. A preferred embodiment of the method of using the apparatus  10  involves the user attaching the base  11  to the ground or other surface in a predetermined location such as a field, woods, or the like. Attachment may be made by insertion into the ground or placement on top of the ground. During set up, the actuator  12  and the decoy member  13  may be attached to the base  11 . Alternatively, the actuator  12  with or without the decoy member  13  may be separated from the base  11 . After attachment of the base  11  to the ground, the actuator  12  is connected to the base  11  if it is not already connected. Similarly, the decoy member  13  is connected to the actuator  12  if it is not already so connected. With the actuator  12  and decoy member  13  in place and connected to the base  11 , the user then turns on and actuator  12 . The actuator  12  generates a movement that in turn causes the connected decoy member  13  to undergo a motion that in a preferred embodiment simultaneously has a quivering and shaking motion. This motion lures predators to the vicinity of the decoy  10 . This permits the user to trap or otherwise capture the animal. Alternatively, the animal may be eradicated by other means permitted by the law of the jurisdiction of use such as killing via bullet, shot, slug, arrow or the like. The decoy  10  may be used alone or in conjunction with other decoys of the same or differing types (static or moving), with live or inanimate baits or bait material, such as live, dead or artificial animals or animal parts or materials, plants or plant materials, natural or artificial scents, audible call or signal devices, or the like. 
         [0082]    Although the decoy apparatus  10 , methods and system has been described in connection with predator control and sports, other uses and applications are also within the purview of the invention. 
         [0083]    The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts to disclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonably foreseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.