West side elk not talking?

[buckmaster303]

I have been out since the start of season and only herd 1 bugle at night anyone else having this problem this year?

[dapesche]

Same up here just north of the border in Nelson. I'm east of you but I've been out quite a bit and it is quiet as well.  Seems to be consensus with hunters I've been chatting with. Lots of hunting pressure up here. What are you noticing down your way?

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[buckmaster303]

I've herd more hunters then elk but I've seen 3 bulls few hundred yards out still runnin together in the area I'm hunting really strange this year tut should be hot for the muzzle guys.

[Duckgtr]

It was silent for me all week last week up until sunday. I got 3 different bulls bugling at me. just had to get in his bedroom with his cows.

[swisski]

The night before opener, we had a whole hill side light up after I tossed out a bugle. Granted, this was all on a section of private timber company, and we were just across the border.

Other than that, everywhere we've been has been pretty much silent. It does seem however that the bulls are gathering up their cows. I just have no idea with these westside elk.

[buckmaster303]

I'm assuming they will be getting hot towards the end of this week. Good luck to the muzzle guys this year should be a awesome season for them.

[bobcat]

It will be pretty much over by the time muzzleloader season starts, as it doesn't open until October 7th this year.

[buckmaster303]

Well in the area I'm hunting bulls are still running togeather and we're hot last year killed a bull in muzzle 2nd day in with no problem so we will see.

[deerhunter_98520]

I got under 60 yds a few times last week with herds and all had bulls and every one of them left when we cow called. Wind was good, they just wanted nothing to do with it.

[bobcat]

I got under 60 yds a few times last week with herds and all had bulls and every one of them left when we cow called. Wind was good, they just wanted nothing to do with it.

If you're that close to a bull with cows, you should bugle, not cow call, according to a recent elk calling seminar I attended.

[huntnfmly]

 
It makes it sound as if another bull is taking his cows the herd bull can't stand it and will run over to kick your a**

[BB11b]

My father in law called in a 5x5  satellite bull to 11 yards so our buddy could drop him. He was  bugling and raking like crazy. GMU 673

[kentrek]

It makes it sound as if another bull is taking his cows the herd bull can't stand it and will run over to kick your a**

This works 75% of the time, 1/8 of the time on a good day   

Some bulls don't like to fight....just like people,some avoid conflict....but love to well....love

A sweet talking cow call goes along ways sometimes

[BB11b]

Also we had a 7x7 herd bull randomly bugle as we were maneuvering around them. So they're talking.

[SureThing]

I got under 60 yds a few times last

I got under 60 yds a few times last week with herds and all had bulls and every one of them left when we cow called. Wind was good, they just wanted nothing to do with it.

Sometimes it's your set up. Sometimes it's the personality of the bull or the timing. The type of cow call and inflection can be all the difference. But it sounds odd that the whole herd would run off when you cow called. I would instead try to reflect on how they responded when I called.
Even when I get caught by one of the herd I can generally calm most of them down by cow calling. If I think one of them busts me and it's going to take the herd with them is the time to bugle and get aggressive. Sometimes the bull and all the cows take off and run a short ways but most of the time it causes confusion and the bull will try to defend his harem and commit to facing off with you. As soon as his cows clear the scene he will follow, so you must be aggressive and ready to shoot. If you are already 60yrds he is expecting to see you unless your in thick cover at which point you need to go to him. He may start taking his horns and grunting. That is your clue to get into shooting position while he is preoccupied.
There is no bullet proof plan. Each bull has his own personality and some times it takes two or three days to figure out what trips his trigger. Sometimes it's the consistent harassment that finally breaks him. Stay at it long enough and sooner or later he will make a mistake. That is the fun of calling in elk.