Need Advice on Hunting Elk

IDAbowhunter · Sep 22, 2012

So over the past couple of weeks I have been having trouble closing the distance on some bulls. I can get them to answer my bugles, and when I have a good idea of where they are and dive in after them, I cant get them to respond anymore. This results in me not being able to pinpoint their exact location, and I end up trapsing all over the place without finding them. I hunt pretty heavily forested areas, so bugling is about the only way i can figure out where they are. The past couple of years I have been bugling to locate them, then dive in and close the distance, calling intermittently on my way to keep them interested/bugling so i know where they are. This year they wont talk anymore once i start to close the distance. Any tips?
Thanks guys

IDbones · Sep 22, 2012

a. theyre smelling you and taking ther cows and leaving
b. they r just taking there cows and leaving
c. they arent convinced you are an elk
d. they could be coming in silently
e. try being sneakier

Gazelle · Sep 22, 2012

Id say dont bugle after you hear them. Just "dive in" and maybe cow call if you cant find them. Dont forget your powder bottle in one hand and your bow in the other. Sometimes though, they just dont want to play.Keep after it. It will happen and you'll think, well that was easy!

alp75 · Sep 22, 2012

Try getting a good estrus cow call and the hoochie mama won't do. Give some good moaning estrus cow calls. Bulls will usually bugle in response to a estrus cow call giving you a better idea of their location. Just one more tool to use. I found bugle less and cow call more usually works especially in closer distances. Many times a bull would rather take his cows and leave than fight another bull for them.

TheKnack · Sep 22, 2012

Stop bugling...Make note of the wind . Go around the elk with the wind in your favor. Set up off to the side ahead of them since they will be heading into the wind and ambush them.
Good luck.
Jerry

HunterHarry · Sep 22, 2012

Never wipe your arse while wearing your release.....

BTDT.

;-)

Gator · Sep 23, 2012

Cow call while walking in stop often and listen and look.
I have had them(cows and calves) come running up to me while walking and using the hoochie call in my pocket.

Find/Scout where they are headed(bedded) and get in front and wait for them to come to you.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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BLooDTRaCKeR · Sep 23, 2012

One thing I have learned about elk is in the morning, when you hear them bugling follow them until the bugling stops. That is how you will know where they are bedded. Once you are in the bedding area you have two choices: Either wait them out until late afternoon when they start their journey back to the feeding area or risk going into their bedroom unannounced and try to spot them before they spot you (almost impossible) especially in the pines.

bowhunt · Sep 23, 2012

All Great advice. Here are some things I do:

-Locate Bugle and then get there fast. Cow call when are closing the gap. Not to call them over, but to calm them as I naturally make noise.
-Move when they are bugling, and rakeing.
-Be cautions when there is no sound.
-Keep that wind in your face!!!!
-Hunt with a partner.
-If I cannot sneak in, have the partner move away while cow calling, sparingly.
-Get sideways of their path, and get them coming or going to water, feed, and beds.
-I only bugle if I am right in on the herd bull.

Good luck

marley · Sep 23, 2012

If they are answering from a distance but shut up the closer you get, have a friend stay in your original location bugle here and there to get them to answer while you make your move. Hunting black timber for elk is my comfort zone. Move slow and use you binos even in that thick timber. You'll be surprised what you can pick up with binos in the timber.