Topic of the week - THE SETUP

[JPhelps]

The Setup

How to setup is possibly the most critical decision that is made when calling a bull into close range, with the idea of getting a shot.  Setup behind a pile of brush and you may never have a clear shooting lane.  Setup out in the middle of the open and the bull will surely pick you out.  If the wind hits the back of your neck and the setup is almost a for sure bust.

What I do to insure that my calling setup isn't the reason that I am not successful:

Use what the elk wants to do to your advantage.  Are the elk moving between feeding and bedding, bedding to feeding, just displaying rutting behavior in one location, etc…  Use what the elk WANT to do against them.  It becomes exponentially easier to call a bull into range when they can continue to do what they planned on.  In other words use an ambush/calling strategy and get in front of them.

What time of Day is it?  What is the lay of the land?  What is the expected temperature swing from the cooler morning to warmer daytime and vice versa?  These questions will help you figure out if you can expect the thermals to hold constant throughout the calling setup.  Sometimes it is better not to risk it.

Wind is a whole conversation in itself but specifically for setting up I do not want the wind directly in my face.  Now that I have most of you scratching your heads I will explain myself.  I want the wind hitting one of my cheeks (about a 15 to 20 degree angle seems to be enough).  The reason behind this is I can now predict the bulls approach within about 95% certainty instead of 50%.  The bull will always try to get wind on the potential elk that are calling to him.  He will most likely come in on the downwind side. 

Now I can pick out a setup that gives me ample shooting lanes in that direction.  I also like to give myself a little flexibility in being able to move or shoot in other directions if for some reason the bull does not cooperate with the way I expect him to come in.

I always advise to setup in front of a tree, brush, or any other large obstruction that could potentially create problems when trying to get a shot off.  The foliage behind you will break up your outline and provide enough concealment.  Also in more open terrain use shadows and the dark cover to conceal yourself.  Just like us elk have a hard time looking into the shade.

I also look at the lay of the land and grade breaks.  When the bull comes into view and can see the location of the calls how far of a shot will it be?  Try and avoid setting up outside your effective shooting range from these potential hang up locations.

Another thing I practice is never making direct eye contact with the bull.  I don’t have a lot of recent experience with this as I have been practicing this for some time now, but to me there is just something that gives you away if you make direct eye contact when in close quarters.

These are just a few of the things that I process very quickly to try and make an educated decision on how to setup.

[wraithen]

tagged. I'm building a library.

[jechicdr]

Looks like good some good advice.  How would you set up on a small clearing, about a hundred yards long and wide in the shape of a fat J with narrow tail of clearing to south 50 yards (left) and wider stem going out to the west 100 yards with 50 yards of "fatness" going to the north (right).  Maximum bow range of 50 yards.  Predominant wind out of the west but varies slightly.  Flat land, so if set up facing west, sometimes it will be on right cheek, sometimes on left.  Bulls I've seen come in from west and from north, with most from the north.  Have jumped cows bedded on south (left) side of clearing.  Also have a Montana Decoy.  Where might you place the decoy for best results.

[wraithen]

Sounds like you already have your setup. I'm new to elk and haven't been studying them as much as deer yet. Will they move to cooler areas typically as the day heats up or will they just head for lower elevation?

[JPhelps]

Jechicdr,  I dont do a lot of sitting (not patient enough), but If it would increase my chances I would find a way to sit still. According to the predominant wind and elk approach the best option would be to setup on the east end of the clearing.

They will head to bed (darker and cooler areas) early in the mornings anywhere between dark to a couple hours after (there are exceptions).  Then a couple hours before sunset they will typically feed from their bedding area back out to the feed.

The other thing I left out Is how close to get to increase your odds.  I will talk about this more in future discussions.

[D-Rock425]

I love these threads.   I like to use small benches or rises that way when the bull appears he will be in shooting range already and it makes him commit to coming in he cant hold up out of range because he doesn't see the elk calling to him.

[WapitiTalk1]

Very good info JPhelps.. In fact, exceptional information!  I would like to add a couple of additional tips.  1.  If hunting alone, choose your ultimate setup spot (downwind 20 to 40 yards, terrain permitting) before you call and move rapidly to that spot once you call.  2.  Don't worry about making noise as you set up in your spot (kicking a broken branch from underneath you, snapping a few shooting lane twigs from either side or in front of the cover you set up at); as you're getting ready to call in a few seconds anyway, it won't spook the elk. 3.  Nock an arrow and put on your facemask (if you use one) before you call each time.  4.  Be patient when cold calling... very patient (my worst downfall); depending on the time of the year/rut and hunting pressure logistics, bulls oftentimes come in silent and certainly not within a few minutes in many situations. 

Lastly, for wraithen.  You'd asked something about bedding.  JPhelps covered it very well but I offer this (secret squirrel tip from an old hunter)... Elk normally bed between 2/3 and 3/4 up on a cool sidehill, on a bench if possible.   

Really liking these topics of the week!

[Snapshot]

There had darn well better something behind you that can coneal an elk! They are looking for another bull and an elk can't hide behind a single tree like Roadrunner.

The advice about using terrain is spot on but for a reason that hasn't been stated: bulls want to DISPLAY themselves to potential adversaries. It is similar to a turkey strut! Set up near the 'pedistal' that they will place themselves upon when they feel that their adversary should  be able to see them!

[JPhelps]

Great Points Phantom and Snapshot.

I also like to try and get at least on contour with the bull if not slightly uphill from his approach.