Archery hunting cow elk

[ljsommer]

So I have watched and read enough to know that there is some degree of calling that can be done on bulls, but I have no idea how to hunt cows. Is there a call that you can use to help locate in thick (Western) forest? Going after archery cows this year and not sure where to start. Tree-stand is an option if that's a viable strategy in the right location.

[cougforester]

Why not still target bulls then nail a cow if she shows up? Best of both worlds!

[ljsommer]

Why not still target bulls then nail a cow if she shows up? Best of both worlds!

That....makes a lot of sense. I have the Wynoochee (648) antlerless archery tag which is otherwise 3 pt min. So I can hunt 3 point min or antlerless. That seems like a good way to go.

[cougforester]

Maybe more calf mews if anything to bring cows over to you? Simulate a lost calf and they’re likely gonna check you out.

But hunt bulls first and foremost then use that cow tag if the opportunity presents itself!

[cbond3318]

I don’t think you’ll be able to do much locating listening for cows. Hunt the bulls and the cows will be there. Once located and within 100 yds or less, I’ve used  soft mews to calm them and have noticed every once in a while a cow will come towards me out of curiosity or concern trying a lost calf type call.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Why not still target bulls then nail a cow if she shows up? Best of both worlds!

That....makes a lot of sense. I have the Wynoochee (648) antlerless archery tag which is otherwise 3 pt min. So I can hunt 3 point min or antlerless. That seems like a good way to go.

Just try to get in on a bull, he wants cows too!

[Rainier10]

Why not still target bulls then nail a cow if she shows up? Best of both worlds!

I don’t think you’ll be able to do much locating listening for cows. Hunt the bulls and the cows will be there. Once located and within 100 yds or less, I’ve used  soft mews to calm them and have noticed every once in a while a cow will come towards me out of curiosity or concern trying a lost calf type call.

[Karl Blanchard]

I've killed an actual truck load of cows by aggressively calling for them. Lost cow/ lost calf and calf distress are lethal.

[ljsommer]

I've killed an actually truck load of cows by aggressively calling for them. Lost cow/ lost calf and calf distress are lethal.

Good info! Do you use a variety of those, or do you have a couple go-to calls? If so, care to share which ones have worked well for you?

[Bullkllr]

Of course there's nothing wrong with the tried and proven:
1. see cow
2. get closer to cow
3. sneak within arrow range of cow or cow's path
4. Kill cow

[Karl Blanchard]

I've killed an actually truck load of cows by aggressively calling for them. Lost cow/ lost calf and calf distress are lethal.

Good info! Do you use a variety of those, or do you have a couple go-to calls? If so, care to share which ones have worked well for you?

you can make the sound on any open Reed or diaphragm call.  It is also killer as a substitute to a location bugle in areas where bulls may hear one too many location bugles.

[grundy53]

Locate bugle for bulls. They will tell you where the cows are.

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[D-Rock425]

I've killed an actually truck load of cows by aggressively calling for them. Lost cow/ lost calf and calf distress are lethal.

[jstone]

Me I just wake up before light. I’m out and listening for elk talk. Once I hear them get the wind right and move in. Once your in tight gotta pay close attention to all the outlining cows. They will bust you. I look for that true spike first.

Good luck