Went for a hunt this AM. Slow and smooth (and quiet). Got to the place I killed my elk last year. Saw the freshest sign I saw today, and then a cow comes out of the woods about 50 yards away. She comes right over to the other side of the big rotten stump.....and stares at me(15 yards). Two calves came out and joined mom, staying about 25 yards away. I'm stuck, with 3 elk staring at me, they are down wind, the mosquitoes are doing carrier landings on my face and hands. And I have to pee.
About a half hour, they turn and walk back the way they came. I finally relieved myself, and decided to bugle while I had 3 decoys out there. I see movement from the side, and it is a young bull (2X2). I'm in a 3 point+ area. He had been rubbing his antlers, and had a large chunk of moss on his head.....Kind of like a green haired Donald Trump. He stood out there for a while, giving me views of his antlers. Once, I thought he had an eyeguard, but quickly realized it was his ear. Another small bull came out, a 1X ball (just a round mass of antler). They backed off to 50 yards, and then I saw 1 other elk. I could see he was a bull, but never saw the antler points, just his bases.
They just drifted away after about 10 minutes.
I saw NO sign there were even any elk there at all, until just before I saw them.
I think I'll go back!
