Calling question scenerio

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

So you let out a locator bugle and get a response.  You move into the red zone, and you have not seen the bull or cows.  How do you determine if it is a heard bull or not? Say you cant hear any elk chatter from the cows (or maybe there isn't any cows with him).  I know a lot of people like to estrus whine then challenge, but if its a bull by himself wont you run him off? A herd bull will protect his cows and come in if you paint a good picture.  So do you base it on what his bugle sounds like? Ive heard some big bulls bugle like *censored* lol.  The reason this question crossed my mind is I have seen 2 lone bulls in the last week.  How do you guys determine if the bull has cows or not if you cant hear any mews or chatter? Im not asking how to call elk im just curious how you determine if its a herd bull or a possible satellite in thick timber?  Thanks in advance 

[coachcw]

id try and get closser , use cow meows to move in if he responds and closes the gap move 20 yards and set up. he will pin you down .  often pre rut they will talk but not come in , dont intimidate him inless he has cows and is in your wheel house , often a bull with cows just as soon rather push his ladies away .

[BrownGoinDown]

Just do what your brother taught ya....just give a couple WOOP WOOP WOOP's and sprint at them...

[predatorG]

  I experienced something like this. It was quite an impressive tactic

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I would set up and give a couple cow calls and wait...
If the wind is right, you need to just be patient.
He heard you.
 give it some time to paint a believable picture.
 make sure your set up is good, he will have to be in range to see you, you have shooting lanes, you are in front of bushes instead of behind them,...
Then start your sequence to call him.
I find that satellites will be near a herd, so if you see the "lone" bull, then give a few cow calls, maybe rub a tree, or a little squeal...
If there is a herd bull in the area, you will probably find out soon enough.
But any bull will come check you out if nothing has gone wrong yet..
Lots of times bulls run in and take a quick look and run back (I hate that!) or will sneak in.
But usually if you are in tight, and have not chased them away by now, its show time!
Also, just because you were spotted by one, don't quit until you are absolutely sure that every elk has left the area 
Remember, in September it is about the cows.
Locate with bull talk, but unless a bull is actively talking to other bulls (challenge bugle), then you work the bull through his little brain.

[The100Road]

Sounds like a good question for Mr. Phelps. Although he might be busy.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

I don't know how else u can figure if it's a herd bull if u can't hear the cows.  I think move in closer is the best bet get in the kitchen .  And start with cow calls if that doesn't work then worth the threat!

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[4fletch]

I hunt alone so I use the tube to cow call aim it behind me and at a angle. This way he will think you are in a different spot. If you call directly to him he knows exactly where you are. Sometimes he will circle you to try to catch your wind

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Ya I do that exact thing Fletch as I hunt solo as well. 

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[bench beast]

If the Bull has no cows how can he be a herd bull.  The herd bull should have a herd.
Not always is the Biggest bull in the area the herd bull. Lots of lone bulls that are bigger than any herd bull.  The wise old bull waits until the younger bulls have the cows all herded up then he just strolls in and takes them. Why run in to breed one cow when you can walk in and breed them all !!!

[4fletch]

If the Bull has no cows how can he be a herd bull.  The herd bull should have a herd.
Not always is the Biggest bull in the area the herd bull. Lots of lone bulls that are bigger than any herd bull.  The wise old bull waits until the younger bulls have the cows all herded up then he just strolls in and takes them. Why run in to breed one cow when you can walk in and breed them all !!!

exactly call him in and if he makes your fancy stuck him

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Ya I'm referring to a herd bull that has cows but you haven't heard or seen them?

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[xXLojackXx]

Ya I'm referring to a herd bull that has cows but you haven't heard or seen them?

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If a herd bull has cows, you will hear them if you're close enough. Especially if there are calves in the group. A calf will give away a herds location quicker than anything. Let out some good cow calls and I can almost guarantee a calf to blow their cover, if not the bull.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

LoJack that answered my question!

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[bench beast]

If  the  calves  give  away  the location  of  the  herd , then  how do you  know  there  is  a  Bull with  the  herd.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

In the scenerio you get a locate bugle first

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[bench beast]

OK then you located  the bull ,  go kill the BULL !!!

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Lmao

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[gonehuntin68]

Sounds like a good question for Mr. Phelps. Although he might be busy.

Hey, what about your brother? I hear he is pretty good. 

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

He has his own style lol.  He kills elk

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[gonehuntin68]

Ya I'm referring to a herd bull that has cows but you haven't heard or seen them?

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If a herd bull has cows, you will hear them if you're close enough. Especially if there are calves in the group. A calf will give away a herds location quicker than anything. Let out some good cow calls and I can almost guarantee a calf to blow their cover, if not the bull.

 

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Sounds.like if u locate a bull it's a guarantee to just go kill it : )

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[bench beast]

If you can locate a bull then you should try to go kill him. What does it really matter if hes the herd bull. Easier to kill the bull that is out searching for cows. My Biggest BUll was a lone bull. My first chance at him tried just cow calls.  He would answer, but wouldn't come in .
Next day we got him all fired up with aggressive bugles and raking.  He came running in and took an arrow thrust the Heart.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

I call differently if it's a herd bull than a lone or satellite.  A herd bull is trying to keep his ladies and a satellite is trying to steal them.  That being said a satellite is more willing to come to a cow call vs a herd bull. 

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[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

MY ORIGINAL QUESTION IS HOW DO U DETERMINE A HERD BULL IF U CAN'T SEE IT OR HEAR COWS? not sure how this got off into left field

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[bracer40]

not sure how this got off into left field

Squirrel!

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

SQUIRREL!!!

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[The100Road]

Sounds like a good question for Mr. Phelps. Although he might be busy.

Hey, what about your brother? I hear he is pretty good. 

Thats just what people tell him to be nice. In reality he finished in 3rd place.