Elk Calling Question

Elkhunter96 · Sep 22, 2010

I am not very new to elk hunting or elk calling. But I am curious, how many of you guys can or will bugle in big bulls? I have always used a bugle to locate bulls and then snuck in as close as I possible can and tried to cow call them in. I have had good success doing that, but many times it does not work. When a bull is really hot, the cow call works wonders...The elk I killed this year came in on a gallop pushing his cows on the run right into me.

But, I did spend three days chasing a bigger bull that had a harem of 30+ cows. Sufficient to say, I tried every cow call or bugle I had on him, he did not ever take even one step in my direction. I even tried bugling after cow calls did not work and he was only 120 yards away accross a small ravine. I tried cutting him off in mid-bugle, everything I could think of. Nothing worked...

eyecrazy · Sep 22, 2010

you should have moved closer or on the same side of the ravine then bugle he would have came then

dleonard3 · Sep 23, 2010

I'm sure that every time you made a call, that bull was counting and thinking "30 is enough for now". He only answered you to say "I'm over here if you want some of this". Unless he actually sees a bull making a move on his cows, He won't worry about other bulls spouting off in the trees.

This is just my opinion, I could be wrong.............AGAIN.

woodruffhunter · Sep 23, 2010

>I'm sure that every time you
>made a call, that bull
>was counting and thinking "30
>is enough for now".
>He only answered you to
>say "I'm over here if
>you want some of this".
> Unless he actually sees
>a bull making a move
>on his cows, He won't
>worry about other bulls spouting
>off in the trees.
>
>This is just my opinion, I
>could be wrong.............AGAIN.

I 100% agree with the above quote! Many hunters think that since the bull won't come in, the call must be wrong...
Thats not always the case. That bull already has his harem and is more concerned with keeping what he has than risking wandering off and having to fight for one cow!

However, getting closer might work. Just use a cow call and the bull might think one of his existing cows just wandered off a ways and justs needs directions find its way back.

We spent the last day of our Nebo hunt doing this. Everytime we would get close the bull would just bugle, gather up his cows and move uphill a few hundred yards. Finally, we were able to get ahead of them after they bedded, and finally go into them.

To me calls are usually WAY over used; especially a bugle. 90% of the time, I use it to locate only. Then I use my cow call to get the bull in. Thats just my long winded opinion!

Zeke · Sep 23, 2010

wdhtr is also 100% right in my opinion.

Most hunters way over use all calls but especially the bugle.

2 days ago I was watching and listening to a guy accross the canyon blow on his darn bugle so many times that it even spooked my out of there! LOL

Zeke

Elkhunter96 · Sep 28, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Sep-28-10 AT 09:32AM (MST)[p]Thanks for the feedback. With the one situation I posted, there was no way I could get any closer. It was wide open land and nothing higher than 10 inches to hide behind. I made it to the last clump of sage brush before I started calling. I could see him and his cows the whole time from where I was able to sneak into. Just couldn't move the big guy towards me.

One thing I have thought about since then is using a decoy in that situation. Sight and sound may have done the trick...live and learn.

I was able to call in a really nice 330 class 5x5 that I tagged out on. Now that was awesome, three cows call and in came the stampede. I have never had a bull come in so hard or fast, he practically pushed his cows right over me. He actually destroyed trees while running his cows down to me...Luckily, I was in a great ambush spot and was able to draw and seal the deal at 20 yards. Overall, it was a great hunt. Just looking for ideas on how to get a little better on the calling part.

HorseCreek · Sep 29, 2010

All you need is a hoochie mama, and a Primos bugle.Hit that hoochie mama and blow that thing as hard and as many times as you can from your truck or wheeler. If that doesn't work...get your buddies to come with you and have them do the same thing. If a little is good, more is awesome! Congrats on your bull!
Traditonal only >>>------->

bearman · Sep 29, 2010

I have called many bulls in with a bugle. This is not always going to work. Every bull is different in what makes them want to come in. The most affective way for a bugle is get in close start racking a tree and bugle at him.

B_BOP_A_LU_LU · Sep 29, 2010

Lol HorseCreek!

60,000 TARDS can't be wrong!

I love not acting my age,
Damn I love my NASCAR race,
And Hell yes I love my Truck!

sticknastring3 · Sep 29, 2010

I also think that the bugle is way overused by alot of people. I use a bugle only to locate, after that I just try to sneek in on them and use a cow call. I notice that someone said they recommend the hoochie mama, does anyone use the wayne carlton squeeze call? It is the same concept as the hoochie mama but I think it is a better call.

eyecrazy · Sep 29, 2010

a bull will only come so far if he thinks he should be able to see that bull or cow that is calling to him that is it he won't come any closer

WapitiBob · Sep 30, 2010

The question to ask is , why would he come in rather than why didn't he come in.

I'm sure you notice there are bulls bugling close to each other all the time. Same for cows making noise.

Zeke · Sep 30, 2010

Not every bugle is a challenge call. IMHO

I've noticed that many times it seems to be a "here I am, don't accidently walk into me" bugle. That's why some elk will bugle but move away from you.

I've used a call to force elk AWAY from me and into the open for a shot or look at them. It doesn't spook them, just forces them into action. This is how I got the bull into the open that my wife killed on Pahvant in 2006.

Some of you guys who know a TON more than me can either confirm or correct me on this one.

Zeke

runamuk · Sep 30, 2010

Bugles have and will take way more big herd bulls than any amount of cow calls will. you just need to know when and how to use em..
Just gott'a get in close and get very aggressive.
heres a couple of snot snortin wild eyed loud bulls killed back to back this year with archery gear both shots at less than 15 yards, otc Idaho..