Pre Rut Stategies?

[nmwapiti]

Would like to hear what you all have to say about this scenario. I was out yesterday for opening day archery elk here in Northern New Mexico. Found a great area, tons of scrapes and fresh sign everywhere. Bulls are not talking yet. Came upon a small ridge yesterday afternoon, wind was coming up the ridge to my left and was instantly hit by the sweet musky scent of a bull. I figured it had to be the bull that had thrashed many a small aspen that I had seen. Just over the ridge where the smell was coming from was littered with downfall. Being a rookie archery elk hunter, I wasn't too sure what my next step should have been. Any how, I did a lost cow call,immediately got a very small "mew" response, and then nothing. I stayed put, my partner went farther down the ridge and then in to try and push them up to me but they had given us the slip before we even knew it. What should I have done differently?I am looking for tips on harvesting a bull "pre rut". I know many of you will say that I should wait for them to start bugling, rutting, etc, but I am afraid that it will be too late by then as pressure may push them out of this area. Any tips, suggestions much appreciated!

 

[ScottNM]

It happens to the best of them. You let them know where you were at by calling. Because there was not a positive ID on you and the bulls are not rut crazy when they were prssured by your friend. They went another way. Sometimes calls do more damage then good. Next time you do that scenario, have your friend push them without you calling. JMO

 

[hatrick]

dont push them just sit tight and see what happens..if you push them too much they will leave the area-Hatrick