Bowhunting Elk Solo

[postcorner]

Hey guys, I just had a quick question. I typically bowhunt for elk by myself. While I have had success calling in elk I have found it difficult to get the bull within bow range while hunting solo. I know the preferred method of calling in a bull is to do it with a partner, but that isn't always an option. I recently bought a Montana elk decoy hoping I can set that up 20-30 yards behind me to help pull the bulls in a little closer but I have yet to really use it. I'm thinking if I can just get the bull within eye-sight of the decoy then I can shut up and let "her" do the rest. For those of you who do hunt elk alone can you offer any other tips or suggestions for getting the bull in. Thanks.

 

[ismith]

Your on the right track.

 

[Scratch]

I've had good luck calling in bulls when I turn away from the approching bull and call. Make you're call sound father away bringing the bull closer.

Good-Luck

Scratch

 

[usa]

I do the same as scratch, as they get closer I call facing behind me, I also use the Montana decoy but I'm not sure if it worked or if I was just lucky, I also use at least 3 call's one right after another to give the immpression of a small herd and when you are calling alone try to be in an area that could hide a cow because if the bull comes in and doesn't see something then he's going to be spooky, Bill

 

[Gator]

If the bull is coming in to your calling after you call move in another 80 yds or so and then from that point just cow call,
If he thinks the cows are out in front of the bull he just heard he might try making a move on stealing them.

 

[postcorner]

Thanks for the tips. I have tried calling away from the elk and that seems to work pretty well. In fact, I tried that on Friday without the decoy and pulled a decent 5x5 in to about 30 yards. I was in a spike only unit of course, so yeah that was great. Again thanks for the advice. If anyone else has other tips or suggestions feel free to post them. I will be heading up again this week to see what I can do so it should be fun. Goodluck!

 

[BlackTimber]

If you are in a spike unit call to locate the herd and then sneak in on them. Cow calls will somtimes bring in cows.

If hunting for branched bulls, call and then move forward 70 yrds or so and be quiet. Let the bull think you are still back from were you called. If he is coming in there is no need to call anymore. That will only let him pinpoint your location.