Abstract:
An improved motorized decoy is provided for attracting and holding the attention of a live game animal by simulating the appearance, movements, sounds, and smells of a live game animal or an animal that is native to the habitat of a selected game animal. The decoy includes a decoy body that may be bifurcated into a forward portion and a rear portion, one or more motors, and an optional support member. Together, the motors may produce, either individually or in combination, the following movements: (1) movement of the entire decoy body relative to a fixed ground position, (2) movement of the head and neck portion of the decoy body relative to the rear portion of the decoy body, (3) movement of the ears relative to the head and neck portion, (4) movement of the tail relative to the rear portion, and (5) movement of one or more legs relative to the rear portion. All of the above movements may be produced randomly and/or intermittently by virtue of a programmable modulator or a multi-cycle remote control. All of the above movements may also be produced in sequential order by virtue of a multi-cycle remote control. Additional features include detachable antlers, detachable genitalia, and a scent disperser for distributing a chemical attractant. The invention also includes a method for attracting a game animal to a target area.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates, generally, to motorized game decoys, and in particular to a motorized game decoy designed attract wild game by simulating the appearance, movements, sounds, and smells of live game animals. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Wild game decoys are used by hunters to attract wild game, thereby increasing the hunter&#39;s chances of viewing, trapping, and/or shooting a wild game animal. Traditional hunting techniques employ the use of wild game decoys that merely simulate the physical appearance of a wild game animal. Such decoys have achieved limited success when used to attract winged game animals, such as ducks and doves, but are generally not as successful when used to attract more discerning and attentive game, such as deer, moose, elk, caribou, wild turkey, and pronghorn antelope. In order to attract game animals of the latter type, the selected decoy should simulate the appearance, movement, sounds, and smells of a live game animal. Alternatively, the selected decoy should simulate the appearance, movement, sounds, and smells of an animal that commonly appears in the natural habitat of the selected game animal. 
   Live game animals, and in particular deer and similar ungulate game animals, are unlike humans in that they are generally given to quiet, contemplative, and intermittent movements interspersed with periods of non-movement. Such animals also keenly sense the movements of other animals and have an exceptionally keen sense of smell. Therefore, decoys that do not move or do not emulate animal movement in a realistic manner, will drive game animals away rather than attract them to a target area. 
   A number of inventions have been developed to attract discerning wild game. For example, known prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,733,178, 5,546,692, 5,791,081, 5,826,364, 5,884,427, 6,021,594, 6,070,356, and 6,092,322. Of the above decoys, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,773,178 and 5,826,364 are static decoys and thus do not involve the use of motion to attract a game animal. The rest of the aforementioned prior art decoys use motion to attract a particular game animal, but largely fail to achieve realistic game animal movement. 
   What is needed is a wild game decoy that overcomes the shortfalls of the devices that are currently known in the prior art. In particular, what is needed is an improved wild game decoy that simulates the appearance, movement, sounds, and smells of a live game animal. Although the desired decoy may simulate the type of game animal desired to be attracted, the game decoy should optionally simulate an animal that would commonly be found in the habitat of a selected game animal, including without limitation an armadillo, fox, coyote, or opossum. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved motorized game decoy that simulates the appearance, movement, sounds, and smells of a live game animal. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved motorized decoy that may produce a plurality of movements for the purpose of attracting and holding the attention of a selected game animal. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An improved motorized game decoy is provided for attracting and holding the attention of a live game animal by simulating the appearance, movements, sounds, and smells of a live game animal or an animal that is native to the habitat of a selected game animal. The decoy includes a decoy body, which simulates the body of a selected game animal or an animal that is commonly found in the habitat of the selected game animal. The decoy body may be hollow and may be bifurcated into a forward portion (neck/head portion) and a rear portion, with the forward and rear portions being hingedly connected to allow horizontal or vertical head movement of the decoy body. The forward portion may additionally include rotatable ears, and the rear portion may include an animated tail and at least one moveable leg appendage. 
   One of the functions of the disclosed decoy is to provide realistic animal appearance and movement. Decoy animation is accomplished using a plurality of internally and/or externally mounted motors, which may be remotely operated. The motors may be gear motors, which operate using gears and maintain the motor shaft in a static position once the motor has been deactivated, or direct drive motors, which allow the drive shaft(s) to rotate freely upon motor deactivation, depending upon the type of motion desired by the hunter. Together, the motors may produce, either individually or in combination, the following types of movement: (1) movement of the entire decoy body relative to a fixed position on the ground, (2) movement of the entire head and neck portion of the decoy body relative to the remaining rear portion of the decoy body, (3) movement of the ears, (4) movement of the tail, and (5) movement of at least one leg relative to the rear portion. All of the above movements may be produced randomly and/or intermittently by virtue of a programmable modulator or a multi-cycle remote control, thereby simultaneously preventing the wild game from noticing the hunter and drawing the game to within shooting distance. 
   In one embodiment, the forward portion of the decoy body is hingedly connected to the rear portion at the interface of the forward and rear portions using brackets and a transverse rod. The brackets and transverse rod may be aligned in the vertical direction to allow horizontal movement of the forward portion. Alternatively, the transverse rod and brackets may be aligned in the horizontal direction to allow movement of the forward portion in the vertical direction. A flexible neck cover may be attached to the decoy to conceal the interface between the forward and rear portions. 
   The rear portion of the decoy body may be anchored directly to the ground or rotatably mounted on a support member rigidly fixed in the vertical direction. The support member pierces the underbelly of the rear portion of the decoy body and is attached to a soil auger or other penetrating member at its lower end. 
   Movements of the head and neck and of the rear portion of the decoy may be accomplished using two individual motors or a single motor. Regardless of whether one or two motors are used, the selected motor drives a rotary arm connected to one or more extension rods, which alternately push and pull the head and neck portion about the hinged connection as well as the rear portion about the support member. 
   Movement of the ears and tail may be accomplished using individual direct drive motors. Ear movement may be achieved using a direct drive motor with a motor shaft protruding from each end of the motor (each end of the motor shaft may actually be part of the same shaft extending all the way through the direct drive motor), with a simulated ear attached to each motor shaft. Movement of the tail may be achieved using a direct drive motor with a motor shaft extending from only one end of the motor, with a simulated tail attached to the single motor shaft. Alternatively, movement of the tail may be accomplished using a cable wound about an axial pin to flip the tail into an upright position or to flip the tail horizontally from one side of the decoy to the other. 
   In a further embodiment, at least one of the legs of the decoy may be hinged in one or more places along its length and fitted with a mechanism for actuating the leg to produce a pawing effect. Movement of the leg or legs may be induced by an additional motor located near the lower inside surface of the rear portion of the decoy body. 
   An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-cycle remote control to stimulate individual movement of the head and neck, the body relative to the ground surface, the tail, the ears, or at least one leg appendage. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-cycle remote control to stimulate simultaneous movement of the head and neck, the body relative to the ground surface, the tail, the ears, at least one leg appendage, or any combination of the above. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes a modulator to stimulate individual movement of the head and neck, the body relative to the ground surface, the tail, the ears, or at least one leg appendage. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes a modulator to stimulate simultaneous movement of the head and neck, the body relative to the ground surface, the tail, the ears, at least one leg appendage, or any combination of the above. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a remote control, a modulator, or both to produce sequential movement of the head and neck, the body relative to the ground surface, the tail, the ears, at least one leg appendage, or any combination thereof. 
   An alternative embodiment of the invention includes the addition of a scent wick or similar apparatus for dispersing chemical animal attractant in the vicinity of the decoy. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention allows the user to alter the genitalia and/or sex of the decoy to suit hunting needs. 
   These and other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will be apparent from the following description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of the forward and rear portions of the decoy. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of the decoy depicting the details of the forward portion interface, the rear portion interface, the decoy legs, and the motors responsible for imparting movement to the respective portions. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hinged connection between the forward portion and the rear portion. 
       FIG. 4  is an additional perspective view of the rear portion of the decoy depicting details of the tail assembly. 
       FIG. 4A  is an additional perspective view of the rear portion of the decoy depicting a further embodiment of the tail assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the support member. 
       FIG. 5A  is a side view depicting another embodiment of the support member. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hinged connection between the forward portion and the rear portion. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the motor, extension rods, powering means, and remote control receiver responsible for imparting motion to the forward portion and rear portions of the decoy. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of one embodiment of the motor and extension rods responsible for imparting motion to the forward portion and rear portion. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of the decoy depicting the hinged leg and tail connections that allow the decoy to simulate both tail and pawing movement. 
       FIG. 10  is another side view of an embodiment of the decoy depicting the details of the forward portion interface, the rear portion interface, the decoy legs, and the motors responsible for imparting movement to the respective body parts. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the decoy depicting an alternate arrangement of the motor attached to the inside wall of the decoy body for imparting motion to the forward and rear portions of the decoy. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1–11 , an embodiment of the improved motorized game decoy will now be described. As shown in  FIG. 1 , decoy  1  comprises a decoy body  2 , which may simulate a selected game animal, including without limitation a deer, moose, elk, caribou, or pronghorn antelope. Alternatively, decoy body  2  may simulate an animal commonly found in the habitat of a selected game animal, including without limitation an armadillo, opossum, fox, or coyote. For ease of reference, the drawings and the specification describe decoy body  2  as simulating a deer or similar ungulate animal. However, the present invention should be understood not to be limited only to animals of the family Cervidae, but should be construed to extend to any decoy having the elements disclosed in the instant application. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–11 , decoy body  2  is shown as bifurcated into forward portion  3  and rear portion  4 . Forward portion  3  may comprise the head and neck of a game animal (shown in  FIGS. 1–9  as a deer) and may include facial features such as eyes  5 , nose  6 , ears  7 , and optionally antlers  8 , which may be removable to suit particular hunting needs. Rear portion  4  may comprise the torso region of a deer, including legs  9  and tail  10 . Forward portion  3  and rear portion  4  further comprise forward interface  15  and rear interface  16 , which define the respective adjoining surfaces along the aforementioned bifurcation. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , forward interface  15  may include a projection that extends from forward portion  3  towards rear portion  4 , which projection is of a slightly smaller diameter than the neck portion of forward portion  3 . This projection is designed to facilitate smooth movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4 . 
   Decoy body  2  may be constructed from a textured plastic, fiberglass, or other materials known to those skilled in the art sufficient to create a lifelike and sturdy animal decoy. As shown in the attached drawings, decoy body  2  may be hollow or otherwise capable of housing the various equipment needed to impart movement to decoy  1 . However, decoy body  2  may also be flat or substantially flat, with the necessary equipment needed to impart movement being located on the outside of decoy body  2 . 
   An embodiment of decoy  1  involving movement of forward portion  3  about rear portion  4  will now be described. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , forward portion  3  is connected to rear portion  4  via hinged connection  11  in a manner to allow lateral, or side to side movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4 . Specifically, hinged connection  11  comprises brackets  12  and transverse rod  13 . In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , brackets  12  are mounted in a vertical direction across rear interface  16  and receive transverse rod  13 , which is secured to forward interface  15  in the vertical direction. 
   Alternative embodiments of hinged connection  11  are also possible. For example, brackets  12  may be secured to forward interface  15  in a vertical direction and transverse rod  13  mounted to rear interface  16  in the vertical direction. As shown in  FIG. 6 , hinged connection  11  may also comprise flap hinge  14  mounted to the lower ends of forward interface  15  and rear interface  16  to allow movement of forward portion  3  in the vertical direction. Flap hinge  14  could alternatively be mounted to one of the respective horizontal sides of forward interface  15  and rear interface  16 , so as to allow movement of forward portion  3  about one side of rear portion  4 . Hinged connection  11  may also be formed from male and female projections extending from the forward portion  3  and rear portion  4 , which projections are molded from the same material as decoy body  2  so as to form an integrally molded hinge. Hinged connection  11  may also comprise a sturdy, yet flexible material joining forward portion  3  to rear portion  4 . In fact, decoy body  2  may be fashioned entirely from such flexible material, making bifurcation of forward portion  3  from rear portion  4  unnecessary, so long as forward portion  3  may be moved in relation to rear portion  4 . 
   Regardless of the chosen construction, hinged connection  11  may be covered with neck cover  25  as shown in  FIG. 1  in order to conceal the mechanics of hinged connection  11  and to muffle any sounds associated with the movement of forward portion  3  about rear portion  4 . Neck cover  25  may be fashioned from canvas material or any other flexible material known to those of skill in the art. Additionally, neck cover  25  may be secured to both forward portion  3  and rear portion  4  using a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, rivets, stitching, or other means known to those in the art. 
   If neck cover  25  is not desired, rear interface  16  of rear portion  4  may be sufficiently flared and extended in the direction of forward portion  3  so as to completely engulf forward interface  15  and hinged connection  11 , while still permitting forward portion  3  to move with respect to rear portion  4 . In this manner, rear interface  16  would conceal hinged connection  11  and further enhance the attractive power of decoy  1 . Alternatively, forward interface  15  of forward portion  4  could be sufficiently flared and extended towards rear portion  4 , so as to overlap rear interface  15  and hinged connection  11 . One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that hinged connection  11  could be located at a position on forward interface  15  or rear interface  16  so as to allow diagonal movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4 . 
   In one embodiment, movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  is accomplished using central motor  17 , which may be a gear motor that is rigidly secured to the inside wall of rear portion  4  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The attachment of central motor  17  to the inside wall of rear portion  4  may be accomplished using brackets, bolts, screws, or other means known to those skilled in the art. Central motor  17  may comprise central motor shaft  18  and central rotary arm  19 , which is capable of being rotated about central motor shaft  18  three hundred and sixty (360) degrees. Connected to central rotary arm  19  is fore extension rod  20 , which is pivotally attached using pivot pin  38  to central rotary arm  19  at its proximal end. The distal end of fore extension rod  20  is pivotally attached to anchor bracket  21 , which in turn is rigidly attached to one side of forward interface  15  as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , fore extension rod  20  is pivotally coupled to anchor bracket  21  using removable pin  60 . Alternatively, the distal end of fore extension rod  20  may be fitted with eyelet  22 , which is connected to transverse rod  13  mounted horizontally to forward portion  3  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   From the description of the above embodiment, the movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  can be readily understood. Central motor  17  drives central motor shaft  18  and in turn central rotary arm  19  in a circular motion, causing fore extension rod  20  to move alternately forward and backward in response to the pushing and pulling motions of central rotary arm  19 . The oscillations of fore extension rod  20  are reciprocated by forward portion  3  due to the attachment of anchor bracket  21  to both fore extension rod  20  and to forward portion  3 , which relationship causes forward portion  3  to pivot about transverse rod  13  in the horizontal direction. In the embodiment in which fore extension rod  20  is attached to transverse rod  13  mounted to forward portion  3  and flap hinge  14  is used, the oscillation of fore extension rod  20  causes forward portion  3  to rotate about flap hinge  14 , thus causing movement of forward portion  3  in the vertical or horizontal directions, depending upon the location of flap hinge  14  on forward interface  15  and rear interface  16 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , decoy body  2  may be rigidly anchored directly to ground surface  23  using stakes  61  driven through one or more bosses  62  attached to one or more or legs  9 . Stakes  61  may contain a ninety (90) degree bend to facilitate driving of stakes  61  into ground surface  23 . 
   If desired, movement of decoy body  2  with respect to ground surface  23  may be accomplished using another embodiment of decoy  1 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  5 , support member  24  is rigidly secured to ground surface  23  and rotatably secured to decoy body  2 . In the embodiment shown, support member  24  comprises penetrating member  26  and static member  27 . 
   Penetrating member  26  may be separated from support member  24  and is adapted to be driven into ground surface  23 . In the embodiment shown, penetrating member  26  is a soil auger, which is designed to penetrate ground surface  23  using a screwing motion. To facilitate the screwing motion, penetrating member  26  may be equipped with driving means  28 , which is shown in  FIG. 5  as a horizontal bar welded to the central axis of penetrating member  26 . Alternatively, penetrating member  26  may be a single stake, a plurality of stakes, or any other means for penetrating and rigidly adhering to ground surface  23 . 
   Static member  27  is shown in  FIG. 5  as a vertical rod with a circular cross section. However, static member  27  may have other cross sections, including but not limited to cross sections that are square, rectangular, triangular, or angled (e.g., such as a piece of angle iron). Preferably, static member  27  may be divided into two or more sections for ease of transport to and from the desired hunting location. In one embodiment, the various sections of static member  27  may be assembled by virtue of male inserts  30 , each of which fit inside the female portion of static member  27  and are held in place by tightening knob screws  31 . Knob screws  31  may also be substituted for thumb screws, set screws, or the like. The bottom portion of static member  27  may also attach to penetrating member  26  via knob screws  31  or similar means. Alternatively, the two sections of static member  27  may be telescoping and thus extendable or retractable to adjust the height of decoy  1  above ground surface  23  as necessary. 
   Support member  24  is rotatably attached to decoy body  2  near the upper end of static member  27 , which penetrates the underbelly of rear portion  4  through sleeve  32 . Although decoy body  2  could be rotatably mounted using the connection of static member  27  to sleeve  32 , static member  27  may extend upward through rear portion  4  to the upper inside surface of rear portion  4 , where the uppermost end of static member  27  is received by bushing  33 . Bushing  33  is rigidly fixed to the top inside wall of rear portion  4 , but allows rear portion  4  to rotate on top of static member  27  with a three hundred and sixty (360) degree range of motion. 
   Movement of rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23  may be accomplished by attaching central motor  17 , which may be gear motor, to static member  27  using coupling member  34 . The proximal end of aft extension rod  35  attaches to central rotary arm  19 , which is rotated about central motor shaft  18 . The distal end of aft extension rod  35  is pivotably secured to wall bracket  36 , which is rigidly secured to the inside wall of rear portion  4 . In this manner, the circular movement of central rotary arm  19  causes aft extension rod  35  to alternately push and pull wall bracket  36  and consequently rear portion  4 , which rotates back and forth about static member  27  in a manner that reciprocates the motions of aft extension rod  35 . Alternatively, by employing the same components, but in a reverse relationship, central motor  17  could be mounted to the inside wall of rear portion  4  and adapted to drive central rotary arm  19  attached to aft extension rod  35 , which is in turn attached to coupling sleeve  34 . In this manner, oscillatory movement of aft extension rod  35  operates to rotate rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23 . 
   Using the descriptions set forth above, it is possible to produce at least two separate decoys  1 , with one capable of moving forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  and the other capable of moving rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23 . However, it is also possible to provide simultaneous movement of both the forward portion  3  and rear portion  4  in a single decoy  1 . Both movements could be provided using only central motor  17  attached to static member  27  using coupling member  34  with the proximal ends of fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35  attached to central rotary arm  19 . In order to allow for three hundred and sixty (360) degrees of movement of central rotary arm  19  about central motor shaft  18 , the proximal ends of fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35  are connected to the same pivot pin  38 , one on top of another and at the same location on central rotary arm  19 . 
   The range of movement imparted to both forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  and rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23  may be adjusted to suit the needs of the hunter. Referring to  FIG. 8 , central rotary arm  19  may have at least one additional pivot aperture  37  to which fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35  may be attached to either increase or decrease the moment arm of central rotary arm  19  and thereby increase of decrease the range of movement of both fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35 . Additionally, a second rotary arm (not shown) could be attached to central motor shaft  18  and either fore extension rod  20  or aft extension rod  35  could be attached thereto, thereby modifying the respective movements of decoy  1 . 
   The movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  and the movement of rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23  can also be modified by increasing or decreasing the respective lengths of fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35 . Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35  may be threaded along their lengths, thus allowing the lengths of each to be extended from or retracted into eyelets  22 . By changing the lengths of fore extension rod  20  and aft extension rod  35 , the amount and character of the movements of decoy  1  can be adjusted as required to suit the needs of a particular hunt or hunter. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 9 , movement of tail  10  with respect to rear portion  4  is accomplished using tail motor  39 , which may be a direct drive motor with a shaft end protruding from one end of the motor housing (commonly referred to as a “single shaft direct drive motor”). Alternatively, tail motor  39  may be a gear motor. Tail motor  39  drives tail motor shaft  40 , which is attached to the proximal end of tail  10  at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to tail motor shaft  40 . If so desired, tail motor shaft  40  may be divided into two sections, with one section connecting to tail motor  39  and the other connected to tail  10 . Where the two sections meet, a release mechanism  63 , such as a set screw, thumb screw, or the like may be added to allow the tail section to be removed during transport. 
   When activated, tail motor  39  may rotate tail  10  about an angle of three hundred and sixty (360) degrees. In one embodiment, however, motor  39  is activated for brief periods of time, such that tail  10  flicks abruptly to one side or the other and not more than 90 degrees in either direction. Once tail motor  39  is deactivated, the upward movement of tail  10  ceases and the weight of tail  10  causes tail  10  to swing back and forth from one side of rear portion  4  to the other, until tail  10  gradually returns to its original hanging vertical position. Additionally, tail  10  may be weighted at the distal end to ensure its return to the downward hanging position shown in  FIG. 4  and to amplify the amount of swinging from side to side. 
   The angle of rotation of tail  10  may be modified by varying the angle at which tail  10  engages tail motor shaft  40 . In one embodiment, tail  10  may be fitted with axial pin  45 , which pierces the proximal end of tail  10  at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tail  10 . Axial pin  45  is rigidly connected near its mid-section to tail motor shaft  40  by virtue of notch  46  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this manner, tail  10  can be rotated about axial pin  45 , thus varying the angle of tail  10  with respect to tail motor shaft  40  as needed to suit hunting conditions. The more this angle is decreased, the less force that is needed to rotate tail  10  about motor shaft  40 . 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , tail  10  may be flipped directly from the downward position to the upright position by orienting tail motor  39  and tail motor shaft  40  perpendicular to tail  10 , providing second rotary arm  43  attached to cable  44 , attaching the proximal end of tail  10  to axial pin  45 , attaching the terminal ends of axial pin  45  to journals  68 , and flipping tail  10  along the longitudinal plane of decoy body  2 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , the proximal end of tail  10  is secured to rear portion  4  by axial pin  45 , about which tail  10  may be rotated from the downward position to the upright position. 
   In this alternative embodiment, tail motor  39  may be a gear motor of the same type as central motor  17  or may be a direct drive motor. Tail motor  39  contains second rotary arm  43  attached to tail motor shaft  40 . At the distal end of second rotary arm  43  is attached one end of cable  44 , which may be flexible. The opposite end of cable  44  is attached to and wound about axial pin  45 , which is rotatably mounted to rear portion  4  using journals  68 . Rotation of second rotary arm  43  away from tail  10  places tension on cable  44 , thus causing cable  44  to unwind and pull tail  10  into the upright position. In order to facilitate the movement of tail  10  about axial pin  45  and the winding of cable  44  about axial pin  45 , tail  10  may contain notch  46 . Once upward motion of tail  10  has ceased, tail  10  will fall back into the downward position under the influence of gravity, thus causing cable  44  to rewind about axial pin  45 . 
   If desired, the aforementioned structure can be reconfigured to cause tail  10  to move from side to side, rather than up and down. This movement is accomplished by orienting axial pin  45  in the vertical direction (secured in place by journals  68  positioned one above the other) and tail  10  in the horizontal direction, such that movement of second rotary arm  43  pulls and unwinds cable  44  from axial pin  45 , thereby causing tail  10  to flip from one side of rear portion  4  to the other. In order to ensure the return of tail  10  to the original side position and the rewinding of cable  44  about axial pin  45 , a spring (not shown) or similar means may be attached to axial pin  45  or near the proximal end of tail  10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 , the movement of ears  7  with respect to forward portion  3  is accomplished using ear motor  41 , which drives ear motor shafts  42 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , ear motor  41  may be a direct drive motor with a shaft end protruding from each end of the motor housing (commonly referred to as a “dual shaft direct drive motor”) and rotatable about a common axis of rotation. Alternatively, ear motor  41  may be a gear motor designed to maintain ear motor shafts  42  in a static position once ear motor  41  is deactivated. 
   If ear motor  41  is a direct drive motor, ear motor shafts  42  may be two separate shafts extending from opposite ends of ear motor  41 , or ear motor shaft  42  may be a single shaft running all the way through the motor housing. As can be understood by reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , ears  7  may be attached directly to ear motor shafts  42  for common rotation about ear motor shafts  42 . Although ears  7  may be rotated three hundred and sixty degrees about ear motor shafts  42 , ear motor  41  may be operated for brief periods of time and ears  7  may be weighted at the bottom lobes to allow ears  7  to return to the forward facing position once ear motor  41  has been deactivated. 
   If ear motor  41  is a gear motor, ear motor shafts  42  will hold a static position once ear motor  41  has been deactivated. In order to return ears  7  to the original position, movement of ear motor shafts  42  can be reversed. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  9 , and  10 , decoy  1  may also simulate a pawing movement of one or more of the forelimbs. This pawing movement is accomplished using leg motor  50  and one or more hinged limbs  57 , each of which are divided into first leg portion  58  and second leg portion  59 , with first leg portion  58  and second leg portion  59  being hingedly connected. Leg motor  50 , which may be a gear motor or a direct drive motor, is attached using ordinary means to the lower inside surface or the inner sidewall of rear portion  4 . Leg motor  50  drives leg motor shaft  51 , to which is attached leg rotary arm  52 . The proximal end of link rod  53  is pivotally attached near the distal end of leg rotary arm  52 . The distal end of link rod  53  is further pivotally attached to the distal end of lever  54 . The proximal end of lever  54  is rigidly attached to the proximal end of transfer shaft  55 , which extends from the proximal end of lever  54  through leg bushing  56  and the side wall of rear portion  4 . The distal end of transfer shaft  56  is rigidly attached to the proximal end of first leg portion  58 . 
   From the foregoing description, the pawing movement of decoy  1  may be realized. Leg motor  50  drives leg motor shaft  51  and consequently rotates leg rotary arm  52 . The movements of leg rotary arm  52  about leg motor shaft  51  causes link rod  53  to vertically oscillate, which oscillations are reciprocated by lever  54 . As lever  54  is moved by link rod  53 , transfer shaft  55  rotates inside leg bushing  56 , thus causing first leg portion  58  to partially rotate in reciprocation to the rotations of transfer shaft  55 . The effect of this rotation is that leg portion  58 , which may correspond to the thigh of the selected animal, raises and lowers second leg portion  59 , which may correspond to the shin and calf of the selected animal. Because first leg portion  58  is hingedly connected to second leg portion  59 , hinged limb  57  creates the illusion of an animal raising its foreleg (or rear leg if desired) while at the same time bending same, then lowering and straightening its foreleg to paw at the earth, which motion is common amongst certain game animals. 
   The activation of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50  is accomplished by powering means  47 , which may be one or more six volt batteries, one or more twelve volt batteries, or any other means known to those in the art for providing electric power to the respective motors. Each of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50  may be activated by separate powering means  47  or all may be activated by a single powering means  47 . Additionally, powering means  47  may be contained within decoy body  2  and activated remotely or located outside decoy body  2  within reach of the hunter. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , powering means  47  is a six volt battery located within decoy body  2  and potentially within rear portion  4 , where the battery is secured to the lower inside wall of rear portion  4  via brackets or other means commonly known to those skilled in the art. Powering means  47  is appropriately coupled to remote control receiver  48  by wires  49 , and remote control receiver  48  may in turn be connected to one or more of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50  also by wires  49 . Alternatively, each of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50  may be activated by a separate remote control receiver  48 . 
   In the embodiments described above, remote control receiver  48  responds to on/off signals from a remote control transmitter (not shown). Remote control receiver  48  may also be a multi-cycle remote control receiver, which enables the user to preselect or program the length of time for which the attached motor is turned on and off, as well as the sequence in which each attached motor is turned on and off. Alternatively, a modulator may be used instead of or in conjunction with remote control receiver  48 , allowing the user to preselect or preprogram the time periods for which the attached motor is turned on and off. As will be commonly understood by those skilled in the art, a modulator allows the user to vary the periods of activation of one or more motors without the need for remote control activation. As will be further explained, however, a modulator can be combined with a remote control for added movement options. 
   If a multi-cycle remote control or modulator is used, the hunter may preselect the periods of activation of one or more of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50 , depending on the motor(s) to which the multi-cycle remote control receiver or modulator is attached. For example, the respective motors may operate according to one or more of the following frequencies: 6 seconds on/16 seconds off, 16 seconds on/6 seconds off, 10 seconds on/20 seconds off, or 2 seconds on/20 seconds off. The foregoing frequencies of operation are provided for illustrative purposes only. Other periods of activation can be programmed using the multi-cycle remote control receiver or modulator as desired by the user. 
   In one embodiment, a single remote control receiver  48  or modulator is connected to each of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50 , thus causing the following movements of decoy  1  to commence simultaneously and cease simultaneously: (1) movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4 , (2) movement of rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23 , (3) movement of tail  10  with respect to rear portion  4 , (4) movement of ears  7  with respect to forward portion  3 , and (5) movement of one or more of legs  9  with respect to rear portion  4 . For ease of reference, these aforementioned movements may be alternatively referred to throughout this application as movements (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). If the user so desires, one or more of movements (1)–(5) may be disabled as necessary to suit hunting needs. 
   Additionally, the same single multi-cycle remote control receiver  48  may be connected to each of central motor  17 , tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50  in a manner to allow each of the above described movements to commence sequentially, rather than simultaneously. For example, remote control receiver  48  may be programmed to cause decoy  1  to first move ears  7  with respect to forward portion  3  for a period of 2 seconds, followed by movement of tail  10  with respect to rear portion  4  for a period of 2 seconds, followed by movement of rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23  and movement of forward portion  3  with respect to rear portion  4  (assuming the embodiment is used wherein central motor  17  provides both movements) for a period of 5 seconds, and finally followed by movement of one or more legs  9  with respect to rear portion  4  for a period of 4 seconds. The foregoing sequence of movements is for illustrative purposes only. Various other sequences and time delays are contemplated by the instant invention depending upon the particular remote control receiver  48 , number of motors, and motor configurations selected by the hunter. 
   In another embodiment, the hunter may prefer to install multiple multi-cycle remote controls, multiple modulators, or a combination thereof, for the purpose of creating independent random movements of ears  7 , tail  10 , forward portion  3 , rear portion  4 , and one or more of legs  9 . For example, the hunter could employ a multi-cycle remote control receiver to actuate central motor  17 , while employing modulators to actuate tail motor  39 , ear motor  41 , and leg motor  50 . In this manner, movements (1) and (2) above could be commenced, ceased and altered in terms of timing and sequence of operation from a remote location, while movements (3), (4), and (5) would commence and cease in accordance with preprogrammed instructions. This combination of multi-cycle remote controls and modulators may further enhance the similarities and attractiveness of decoy  1  to live game animals. Other combinations of ordinary remote control receivers, multi-cycle remote control receivers, and modulators as necessary to tailor the movements of decoy  1  to suit hunting needs are also contemplated by the instant invention. 
   If so desired, decoy  1  may be designed with one or more motors located outside of decoy body  2 , so as to provide for ease of maintenance and to preserve the motors in the event that decoy  1  is damaged from gunfire. By way of example,  FIG. 5A  depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein central motor  17 , which receives power from powering means  47  as dictated by remote control receiver  48  or a modulator, is mounted to mounting plate  67 , which is affixed atop penetrating member  26  near driving means  28 . Consistent with previous embodiments, central motor  17  drives central motor shaft  18  and in turn rotates central rotary arm  19 . Pivotally attached to central rotary arm  19  via pivot pin  38  is aft extension rod  35 , the opposite end of which is attached to coupling member  34 , which contains a lever arm and a sleeve portion, which sleeve portion is rigidly attached to static member  27  near the point of attachment with penetrating member  26 . In this embodiment, static member  27  is rigidly attached to the upper inside surface of rear portion  4  by means of bushing  33 . Static member  27  is held fast to bushing  33  and/or sleeve  32  using thumb screws  65  or other means known in the art. If decoy body  2  is flat or substantially flat, then static member  27  may be attached to the outside surface of decoy body using brackets, bolts, or other ordinary means, without the need for bushing  33  or sleeve  32 . If static member is manufactured in two or more sections, knob screws  31  may be used to secure the multiple sections together. Static member  27  (with coupling member  34  attached) is pivotally secured to penetrating member  26 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , static member  27  with coupling member  34  may be pivotally secured atop male insert  30 . 
   From the foregoing description, the alternative means of moving rear portion  4  with respect to ground surface  23  can be understood. Central motor  17  rotates central rotary arm  19  and causes aft extension rod  35  to oscillate, which oscillations are reciprocated by the lever arm of coupling member  34 . Coupling member  34  induces static member  27  to rotate about penetrating member  26 , thereby causing rear portion  4  to correspondingly rotate with respect to ground surface  23  about penetrating member  26 . 
   In order to protect central motor  17  from the elements and to reduce the amount of noise associated with its operation, housing  66  may be fitted over central motor  17 , powering means  47 , remote control receiver  48 , aft extension rod  35 , and/or coupling member  34  and secured to mounting plate  67 . Housing  66  may be manufactured in two or more sections in order to fit around static member  27  without interfering with the ability of static member  27  to rotate about penetrating member  26 . 
   In addition to the features described above, decoy  1  may be equipped with a number of other features designed to enhance the attractive power of decoy  1  to a selected game animal. For example, antlers  8 , which may be fashioned from wood, plastic, styrofoam, or any other suitable material, are attached to forward portion  3  using male and female adapters, staples, screws, clips, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other means apparent to those skilled in the art. Because antlers  8  constitute a structure separate from forward portion  3 , antlers  8  may be detached from forward portion  3  in order to change the apparent sex of decoy  1  from male to female. Additionally, decoy  1  may be manufactured with genitalia (not shown) that is attached to rear portion  4  using means known to those of skill in the art, including without limitation, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, screws, staples, and male/female adapters. In this embodiment, the decoy genitalia may be removed in order to change the sex of decoy  1  from male to female or vice versa. 
   The attractiveness of decoy  1  to wild game may also be enhanced by combining the above described features with the use of chemical attractants, including, but not limited to, deer urine. In one embodiment, scent disperser  64  may be attached to tail  10  in order to diffuse scent into the area immediately surrounding decoy  1 . Scent disperser  64  may take any number of forms known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to a scent wick or a piece of absorbent material designed to absorb and hold a liquid or gelled chemical attractant and which is attached via an adapter either directly to tail  10 , tail motor shaft  40 , or directly to rear portion  4  near tail  10 . In this manner, chemical attractant may be exposed to the air or wind or released into the surrounding area upon movement of tail  10 . 
   There are, of course, other alternate embodiments that are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.