Does it work?

[andrew_12gauge]

I read a few years ago in a hunting magazine somewhere that if you bust up a herd of elk in thick cover where they dont get a chance to really identify you, that if you wait about 20 minutes and start cow calling the whole group will come back to the same spot presumably to re-group the herd. I was just wondering if anyone had ever tried this and if it works?

[boneaddict]

Generally when you bust up elk, they are gone....as in don't even bother to follow gone.

[jackelope]

i think somebody had elk mixed up with fall turkeys.
did the cow calling sound like a kee kee run?

[ShirtGuy77]

Had that very thing happen to us last year.  We busted a group of elk from their beds in the afternoon.  I saw one butt heading out through the trees, but from the sound of them, there was quite a few of them.
My brother and I hunkered down and he let out a few cow calls.  Next thing I know, elk are meandering all over the place and beginning to feed.  After about 5 minutes of watching elk sprinkle out all over the place, none with antlers might I add, the lead cow let out a bark that echoed throughout the canyon, and almost caused me to shat myself. I have never heard that before, and couldn't believe how loud she was...felt like she was right on top of us.  We watched them, and listened to her for about 30 mins.
Anyway, yeah, it does work.  I never thought it would, but I will be carrying a call with me come next week in case I am in the same situation.  I think as long as they don't wind you, you still have a shot.  If they get your scent, it's all over with.

[Intruder]

I've had elk get confused and kind of mill around after getting disturbed (when they don't wind you) but never really seen em get totally spooked and came back.   

[jae]

In my experience, If they smell you they are gone. If they see you good they are gone. If they only hear you walking or breaking a stick or branch(No foreign sounds like metal or branches rubbing rough clothing or pack) they will usually settle down.