Calling/Hunting Elk with Three.........

[WapitiTalk1]

It's been called the triangle method. Have you used this method during the fall elk rut, and, did it work for you? How do you set up your trio of hunters and does only one, or more than one of the trio, call? Let's talk about the triangle method when hunting/calling elk and perhaps offer some proven tip and tricks!

[Tbob]

Anyone?? I'm going on an archery elk hunt this year and there will be three of us going. We've been trying to come up with ways for the 3 of us to set up.. So far were thinking do just like with two guys ( one up front and one back doing the calling) but go with two guys up front just in case these Bulls try and flank us.. Thoughts on other methods with 3 archery guys ?

[UBA]

Sounds like it would work. Just make sure your the downwind shooter.

[blackveltbowhunter]

In my limited experience two shooters up front has not worked well.

 Here is my  ,  bulls rarely follow the script to a T. When they do commit often the shooter may have to reposition slightly to make the shot come together. This is where it gets dicey, with one shooter he is calling all the shots as far as moving, where he thinks the bull will come through, shooting lanes etc. With 2 shooters up front the opportunity for confusion is way over double. Unless they are extremly close to one another, so when an audible is called they are both on the same page, which kinda takes away from the reason 2 are upfront anyway.  It can also lead to lots of tension and frustration if things go sideways.

I cut my teeth calling for myself. And many of the habits formed while doing so are tough to break, and I didnt even know I was making them. The odds of a bull coming to a caller INTENDING to pull the bull past a shooter, is low IMHO. But it does happen. If three hunters I would likely have a designated shooter, a designated"bull" this caller would be bugling, raking, stomping etc. And a designated cow set up near the bull, to make cow talk and also function as a back up shooter on the outside chance the bulls comes straight in.  They would likely remain more hands free call wise and could still setup so they could match calls with the "bull".

[buglebrush]

I've done a ton of triangles the last few years.  Works great to put two front, and have one back IME.  Of course where we hunt it is so thick that you can be 50 yards apart and have totally different shooting lanes.  A couple of years ago my buddy arrowed a nice 5x5 from 35 yards that was currently only 5 yards from me, but I had absolutely no shot.  I was at full-draw, but caught his eye and nodded that he should shoot and that was that.  In that super thick country a single shooter can have a bull walk right past him at 30 yards without presenting any sort of shot.  I've also stopped bulls so the other shooter can draw while he is looking at me.  However, the main reason we do the triangle is that with three guys we can pack the whole elk on the first trip, and not ever have to hike back in for more meat.   

[LeviD1]

I could definitely see how 2 shooters in thick area would be beneficial. I hunt super thick area and the last 9 years have had bulls not more than 40 yards usually never seeing them but hearing them walk by. Too thick to reposition.

[3dvapor]

Just my opinion but focus on one shooter only.  Have the third guy video or help call.  I find when there's two shooters they try to out manuver each other for a shot at the bull.  I've had this happen way to often.  Focus on one hunter until he shoots or kills and the whole group will be way better off at filling tags.

[grousetracker]

I prefer 2 callers 1 shooter, herd talk works good. callers should be ready to shoot.

[steelnducks]

I will agree with two callers one shooter. It's worked very well for us the last few years.

[TwoBear]

Since we do a lot of 2x1 hunts, we do a lot of "triangle" hunting.  However, it typically is not a true triangle.  Many times we will place the second shooter in a staggered position assuming the bull being called is going to hook wind.  Sometimes if the situation is right we may use a hook and ladder technique where the caller steps slowly toward the bull but slightly angling away.  In between the caller and the bull is first shooter, if the bull commits to the call first shooter is in business.  Second shooter hooks around behind the bull assuming the bull is taking a defensive position between his cows and caller.  If the bull doesn't commit to the call the second shooter can get between bull and cows and make a few bull sounds, then he is in business.  Frankly, hook and ladder is better with just caller and shooter, but it works also with two shooters as I described.  Caveats:  bull must have a defensive posture, wind has to be almost perfect, and the first shooter is moving with caller so setups are in motion.  Sometimes this technique is successful and sometimes it is not.  That's elk hunting!

[Mudman]

I know 1 hunter method calling and shooting is pretty darn frustrating!!! I like 1 shooter and 1 caller and others backed off.  Less scent the better.  For bears extra shooter to the side and backed off on the right side of the wind is a smart idea too.  I wonder if they will start prosecuting people as "party hunting" in the future for working as a team?  Hmmmm.