Elk calling during muzzleloader hunts?

[Fullabull]

This could be a good time as some bigger bulls may be moving around searching out cows coming into a second cycle.

[rtspring]

A  cow call that time of year is your best friend!

[coachcw]

Call from a distance to locate and at very first light . let the bull dictate what you do . if they are vocal dont be shy . remember those bulls will drop into the bottoms of those steep draws after light in your unit . you have a hour or two to get after them from above . go quick when you get within a couple hundred yards use your cow call . he wont wanna come back up the ridge if he has cows so get  to him and close the gap . I find that looping around him and coming in parallel   can be very effective , when he gets close he may want to try and circle your wind so dont be afraid to make a move to keep the wind . good luck

[kellama2001]

Tagging

[SeatoSummit88]

I have a general question about Scouting.  I tied this question into this thread, due to the fact that I will be muzzle hunting this season and had initial interest in calling during early season.  So my question is, typically when do "you" (those who hunt westside) head out and being your scouting/trail cam placement.  Obviously it is beneficial to get out and get to know the country, terrain and what to expect come the opener.  I guess I am just curious if there is a time frame where going out and starting to find sign and set cams would be "too early"? If I was to begin driving and scouting for herds/sign in August, would that be too far out for October hunting, in that, they may change course/routine/patterns and maybe break up with Archery under way come Sept.

Thanks everyone!
 

[Allen23]

I have never tried it but I have heard of guys using a bugle to locate big bulls even into the early parts of November. I am sure it doesn't have anything to do with rut activity but more of a communication thing? not sure, I've never tried it but I have heard of it. if your out looking for elk on the east side of the state you would be foolish not to have some sort of  call on you from sept 1 to nov 1. Good Luck

 Having said that, I would be care full on how much you're using it that time of year. I would use it as more of a compass or a locator than trying to get the elk to come to you

[SeatoSummit88]

We have heard chirps within herds throughout Rifle season.  Light communication as stated above, but nothing aggressive like rut.

[Pegasus]

I was never good with the diaphragm calls but I had some exciting times with the estrus calling. My first use of the then new Hyper-Hot Cow Call years ago resulted in bringing a bull in that tried to sniff me. If you have ever had a huge five-point bull nose to nose with you while you sit with him towering above you then you have not lived. When you figure out that this might end badly it, it is too late. Aside from being face to face with an Alaskan Brown less than two feet from me that rates right up there stupid things that I have done.

You might have some luck after most of the rutting has stopped by simulating a late cow-in-heat. The calls are still sold and there are plenty of knock-offs out there. Easy to use for us diaphragm  incompetents you can also use them for other cow talk. I have had good luck with them. Many times the only thing that you will only hear is them coming through the brush to your call. Be patient. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose.

[floatinghat]

The area I hunt in SW after more than a couple of years the number of bugles heard that aren't followed within about 15 mins by a door slam from a distant landing or voices are few and far between.   We bike in 6-10 miles a valley or two from people driving in so I don't think we are hunting overly educated elk.
   

[scoutdog346]

Im going to try the general muzzleloader season this year with a couple of friends and was wondering are the elk still talking or rutting generally in the southern part of the state.  I have archery hunted and has success calling or at least somewhat as Im still by far a novice.  Is it worth trying the calling in the second week of October or have any of you had success in past years.  Thanks for the input and good luck this year.

in my experience in gmu 346 early October is the most vocal. I would say 3 Xs more vocal then in September but thats.  as for the west side I'm planing on looking into that very question in the Fossil Creek area of GMU 506.  I'll let u know.

[WSU]

Im going to try the general muzzleloader season this year with a couple of friends and was wondering are the elk still talking or rutting generally in the southern part of the state.  I have archery hunted and has success calling or at least somewhat as Im still by far a novice.  Is it worth trying the calling in the second week of October or have any of you had success in past years.  Thanks for the input and good luck this year.

in my experience in gmu 346 early October is the most vocal. I would say 3 Xs more vocal then in September but thats.  as for the west side I'm planing on looking into that very question in the Fossil Creek area of GMU 506.  I'll let u know.

They are very vocal in the Naches area in early October.  Bulls were really responsive when my friend had a muzzy tag a few years ago.  I've found the opposite to be true in western Wa.