Phelps/Hunt-Wa Elk Hunting Q&A

[JPhelps]

Pny365,
I would do some scouting in early October and you will have a very good idea where the bulls will be (I don't want to ruin anyone's spot).

[scottcrb]

Hey Jason it was good seeing you down at XXX archery a few weeks ago. I got a couple questions for ya. First off I.know your mainly.a Rosie guy but is there much difference in your calls and calling structure between the Rosies you hunt and the Rockies I.hunt? Secondly is there a right way to clean and sanitize your mouth calls before using them.this season ?

[Pny365]

Cool. Thanks

[Pny365]

Cool. Thanks

[JPhelps]

Hey Jason it was good seeing you down at XXX archery a few weeks ago. I got a couple questions for ya. First off I.know your mainly.a Rosie guy but is there much difference in your calls and calling structure between the Rosies you hunt and the Rockies I.hunt? Secondly is there a right way to clean and sanitize your mouth calls before using them.this season ?

Scott, I use the same exact strategy for both species.  The Bob Marshall bulls and the mixed Cascade Roosevelt's I've hunted have respond to the aggressive tactics that I use.  Also some very good hunters I know have successfully used these tactics in the blues, east cascades and NE corner as well as other states across the west.

I usually let the calls air dry and then store in plastic bags. DO NOT STORE DAMP. For long term storage I brush them with my tooth brush (carefully) and store them in my refrigerator once drying.

[scottcrb]

Cool thanks Jason

[zackmioli]

Jason,

In areas that are predominantly thick reprod with very few Open areas what should I be looking for in feed. What will the elk feed on in the reprod timber and older growth?

[JPhelps]

When the reprod is young enough, <15 years it will produce feed.  Then once the timber is old enough the bottoms, hardwood draws and steep open faces will hold some brush and feed. We have seen the elk feeding along the roads in these heavily timbered areas.  I am not an expert on exactly what the elk eat.

I like hunting areas with few cuts and predominately timber.  It seems like the cuts that are there have A LOT of elk activity.

[zackmioli]

Thanks, there are a couple cuts in the area and I have seen elk in them in the summers, but not in the last couple years. The cuts are starting to grow up. There are some decent river bottom areas nearby too I've seen sign in but no real elk yet.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

I want to know how all you guys get through August without going crazy!!!     I shoot the bow everyday and scout a ton and practice the calls but I cant seem to pass the time till September!  Thanks for all the tips on here Jason.  Good luck to all this September!

[hornhunter1987]

Jason,
        When in close and bugling is it important to try and bugle the same every time, or do you more match his sounds (if any). I'm just wondering if it throws a elk off to hear a bugle with no chuckles and then just chuckles and then a full on bugle followed by chuckles. Second question. I know I've heard you say when within 150yrds you like to do a estrous sound followed by a bugle but after that are you continuing to make cow/calf talk? If you could only use one call what would it be? thanks for all the info your giving up. Not many people put in the time and work you do to turn around and help friends and strangers out. super cool 

[JPhelps]

When in close I try to paint the picture of a cow in estrus and a "new" bull has created a threat.

So I start with an estrous bugle followed by my challenge bugle. I then typically switch to mimicking the bull I'm calling in (if vocal, otherwise I continue with my calling).

If I could only use one call it would be a challenge bugle.

[bowhuntersd]

When in close I try to paint the picture of a cow in estrus and a "new" bull has created a threat.

So I start with an estrous bugle followed by my challenge bugle. I then typically switch to mimicking the bull I'm calling in (if vocal, otherwise I continue with my calling).

If I could only use one call it would be a challenge bugle.

Sorry Jason but this might be a dumb question, what is an estrous bugle and can you give an example of when one would be used?
Thanks Shane

[JPhelps]

That was a typo.

Should have said estrus whine.

[rtspring]

Pretty Cool thread Jason!!!!

We can talk and talk elk all day long, but really each situation is diffrent.  It all depends on the elk.. 

Plan on using that special call here soon in Oregon! 

Good Luck this year!!

Kurt