Should I Expect Bugling in CO First Rifle?

Joe2Kool · Sep 29, 2022

Will the bulls still be bugling in first rifle? Or will it be mostly over?
2nd choice tag, DIY on public land

HiMtnHntr · Sep 29, 2022

Light pressure, lots of elk = lots of bugling still usually. Lots of pressure and elk getting pushed around, you might not hear a peep.

Grouse Legs · Sep 29, 2022

I would think you would hear some bugling if your around the elk.

Which unit?

BeanMan · Sep 29, 2022

Not a peep in 62 the last few days

AZGuy · Sep 29, 2022

HiMtnHntr said:
Light pressure, lots of elk = lots of bugling still usually. Lots of pressure and elk getting pushed around, you might not hear a peep.

Well said,
It’s certainly a possibility, they are usually still going well on private.

Joe2Kool · Sep 30, 2022

Unit 23.
Sounds a lot like turkey hunting. Sometimes they gobble their head off. And sometimes you don’t hear a thing. But I’m sure my sexy calling will bring em in!!

Been practicing with the mouth calls. As of now, I’m the guy you hear calling and think he’s terrible. But, I can make some pretty good hen ? sounds. ??

Grouse Legs · Sep 30, 2022

Never elked in 23, so i cant speak to specifics there.

I would think theyd still be talking some.

Best of luck

AZGuy · Sep 30, 2022

Joe2Kool said:
Unit 23.
Sounds a lot like turkey hunting. Sometimes they gobble their head off. And sometimes you don’t hear a thing. But I’m sure my sexy calling will bring em in!!

Been practicing with the mouth calls. As of now, I’m the guy you hear calling and think he’s terrible. But, I can make some pretty good hen ? sounds. ??

I would leave the calls in the truck unless you are an advanced caller. Those elk are heavily called to and will literally run the other way unless you know what you are doing and you are right on top of them.

Joe2Kool · Sep 30, 2022

AZGuy said:
I would leave the calls in the truck unless you are an advanced caller. Those elk are heavily called to and will literally run the other way unless you know what you are doing and you are right on top of them.

Yep. Sounds a lot like turkey hunting! Thanks for the input AZ. I’ll probably have them with me and only try if I’m desperate.

sb2017 · Sep 30, 2022

When I was younger my family had a tradition of packing into the northern side of the Flattops for first season. Used to be lots of elk with relatively low/moderate pressure (I'm sure times have changed, I haven't been there in 15 years). It was pretty common for us to hear bugles in the nights/mornings leading up to opening day, but as soon as the shooting started opening morning, it was very rare for us to hear anything after that.

sb2017 · Sep 30, 2022

AZGuy said:
I would leave the calls in the truck unless you are an advanced caller. Those elk are heavily called to and will literally run the other way unless you know what you are doing and you are right on top of them.

Also, +1 to this. I would definitely recommend against trying to call in first season. Might as well be an airhorn letting the elk and other hunters know where you are.

Grouse Legs · Sep 30, 2022

AZGuy said:
I would leave the calls in the truck unless you are an advanced caller. Those elk are heavily called to and will literally run the other way unless you know what you are doing and you are right on top of them.

Yep. But you can listen and not say anything..

1989Cohunter · Oct 1, 2022

I wouldn’t count on much in a otc unit. I definitely wouldn’t blow on a call.

The_Coloradoboy · Oct 2, 2022

Yep don’t even touch a call… if one wants to bugle let him chances are if you follow it you’ll find a orange creature. As soon as the guns start going off at first light opening morning elk will get quiet fast.

jdmaxwell · Oct 2, 2022

I just got off Southern Colorado mountains Saturday from 9 days in otc unit.
Bulls hammering every day even as we packed off. In the right spot, I believe yes they still will be...imo