Bedded up bull

[elkrack]

Seeing how it’s the slow season I’m reflecting on this last seasons elk hunt and the blown opportunity. We had a bull bedded up but responding to every bugle but not to cow calls. It was 1230 or so and sunny so we decided to pull out and go check cams to burn some time then return that afternoon. So we make the 1 1/2 mile trek out and come back around 3:30. Get to where we were calling from and there’s giant elk tracks literally where we were sitting🤦🏻‍♂️. We figured we were golden with calling this bull into our setup that evening but he had other plans. Of coarse he was never to be heard from again. if he was the bull we had pictures of he was a 360” bull! What are some of yours guys experiences with bedded up bulls? Needless to say next time I think I will be sitting on a bugling bull till dark😜

[WSU]

I've certainly had them come in silent and get busted when I thought nothing was going to happen.

[Karl Blanchard]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

[elkrack]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

Spot on! 

He was in a closed area and we were trying to pull him across the border of the unit we were in. Forgot to include that

[vandeman17]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

Spot on! 

He was in a closed area and we were trying to pull him across the border of the unit we were in. Forgot to include that

If it were me, given that he was in a closed area, I probably would have tried to wait him out. Worst case, when he does get up to stretch or head to feed, you see which way he goes and can try to make a play on him the next day. Agreed with Karl as well in that once you have him pinned down and bedded, get the wind right and go in silent if that is an option.

[boneaddict]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

Spot on!
Got to have patience.

[Rainier10]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

Spot on! 

He was in a closed area and we were trying to pull him across the border of the unit we were in. Forgot to include that

Well that makes more sense why you didn't try to sneak closer from his backside.  I am not a patient guy I am a make it happen or move on guy so I would have done the same as you and come back.  Seeing the tracks where I was when I got back would have just been another lesson learned that I need to be more patient. 

[NOCK NOCK]

Seeing how it’s the slow season I’m reflecting on this last seasons elk hunt and the blown opportunity. We had a bull bedded up but responding to every bugle but not to cow calls. It was 1230 or so and sunny so we decided to pull out and go check cams to burn some time then return that afternoon. So we make the 1 1/2 mile trek out and come back around 3:30. Get to where we were calling from and there’s giant elk tracks literally where we were sitting🤦🏻‍♂️. We figured we were golden with calling this bull into our setup that evening but he had other plans. Of coarse he was never to be heard from again. if he was the bull we had pictures of he was a 360” bull! What are some of yours guys experiences with bedded up bulls? Needless to say next time I think I will be sitting on a bugling bull till dark😜

That could quite possibly be the case. But, Darkness is their friend.
I spent a lot of time chasing a similar sounding bull this past season. In my scenario, the bull knew exactly where he was safe(non open unit) and he knew very well when and how to get there. They don't get big by being dumb. 

[Crunchy]

I've noticed that people tend to over call to bedded bulls.  They like to answer from their bedroom but until their curiosity or rage take over they aren't going to budge.  Get them answering and then shut it off and wait, or once established that they are bedded, go silent and swing around and come in from their side or above (wind dependent obviously). Once you are in his bedroom then try him again.

Spot on! 

He was in a closed area and we were trying to pull him across the border of the unit we were in. Forgot to include that

Well that makes more sense why you didn't try to sneak closer from his backside.  I am not a patient guy I am a make it happen or move on guy so I would have done the same as you and come back.  Seeing the tracks where I was when I got back would have just been another lesson learned that I need to be more patient. 

Bulls usually bed where you  cant get to them quietly.  Either super thick or on a perch where they are protected.  Best odds are to figure out what will push his button, and get him out of his bed.  Rake a tree, splashing in his wallow...  Just be patient.  Closing the distance some can only help.

[Stein]

I would have probably shut up after the one or two bugles, played the wind and got in real close and then tried a cow call.  If he responded I would rip one for all I'm worth, if not, go through a cow call, bugle sequence.  It would be hard for me to leave a bedded bull during archery season.  I can't imagine a bull not coming to check things out one way or another if he had activity close by.

Of course, I don't really know what I'm doing but it would have been fun.

[coachcw]

Look up jim horn horn jrs early season calling tactics . Karl is spot on there . I will seldom leave a bird in the hand .