Elk calling

[Crunchy]

So I have been practicing with some different diaphram calls and it made me think.  First once youve set up in an area do you bugle first or make a cow call?  I think I understand a locator bugle which is the bugle without any chuckle after?  If a bull bugles do you respond with a bugle or cow call?  If you bugle back do you include the chuckle or just a response bulgle?  I think in the past I have responded to bulls incorrectly and want to get these issues figured out.

[boneaddict]

It seriously all depends Crunchy.  I know it doesn't answer your question.  One solid thing I can say is you generally don't reply to a locator bugle with an agressive I'm going to kick your ass bugle. (chuckler)

but even that can happen if the situation is right. 

[Slider]

Usually I will locate a Bull with a Bugle and slip in on him and softly cow call. 

[Huntbear]

I have always tried a locator bugle first, if no response, will start using cow calls, then another locator bugle.  The only time I have used a chuckler type bugle is if the bull used it first, or I KNOW I am within a couple hundred yards of a big boy.

BUT, like in anything, let circumstances and the animals dictate what to do.

[Kain]

Sometimes we use our cow calls as we are walking in.  Like we are herd of cows.  If by the time we get set up we still dont hear or see anything we let out a small bull bugle then open up with the cow calls for a few seconds then wait.  Then play it from there.

[Buckrub]

I have always tried a locator bugle first, if no response, will start using cow calls, then another locator bugle.  The only time I have used a chuckler type bugle is if the bull used it first, or I KNOW I am within a couple hundred yards of a big boy.

BUT, like in anything, let circumstances and the animals dictate what to do.

Good Advice
to add on....if you know he is there and doesn't respond to anything....throw it all at him including beating the hell out of a tree.

[bow4elk]

I always go in light with cow calling, especially if I hear a bull first.  May as well cater to his ego a bit.  I generally call as little as possible in any situation.  Locator/social bugling is good when you're covering ground and trying to locate a bull but adding chuckles or grunts is situation dependent and usually initiated when you want to force the situation.  I reserve this, and lip bawl bugling for aggressive situations where you need to make something happen.  If you mimic what the bull is doing, you can usually keep them interested for bit while you close the gap.  I've found raking a tree works really well when you are inside 100 yards of the bull and he's hung up.  I've had bulls bugle to the sound of raking in NM where it's wide open and the sound carries well.

Remember that your set up is absolutely key in all game calling.  You have to make the bull come look for you so calling across large openings is generally a waste of time.  They can pinpoint your sound/location within feet so you have to overcome this fact if you want to get him to come looking for you.  If he hears you and should be able to see an elk, then he will get nervous and hang up and soon leave.  Get in the thick of it and plan on the bull circling downwind of you in order to scent check what his ears are telling him.  You'll need shooting lanes that allow you a shot before he can get downwind.

You're question is the topic of whole books so hopefully you can take the bits and pieces here and put together a strategy that works for you.  Every situation is different and the best way to learn is by doing, making mistakes, and hopefully tagging a few bulls along the way.  Good luck!!

[BLKBEARKLR]

Locator bugle, then it goes from there for me

[TheHunt]

If you bugle first you are shock gobbling the elk.  Which means that if the elk are near by you have a good chance he will bugle back and move off.  If you sound too big that will definitally happen. 

I always cow call first.  Wait....    Cow call again and wait....     Then bugle.  Once you have the bull located then you can get your game plan together on how to attack the situation. 

[Houndhunter]

to put it short-i always bugle first, unless he already is or has bugled or i see the bull

[whacker1]

Great question - getting some even better answers - thanks to everyone.

[Crunchy]

Keep it going guys this is great info, and archery season is around the corner so I'm looking for help.  Several times I have found myself into elk over the last three years, and could not get the bulls to come out.  All suggestions are appreciated.

[bow4elk]

Some bulls need some "in your face" pressure to commit.  Remember, the most vocal bulls usually have cows.  Why would they leave their cows to come to your calling?  That's the question you have to ask yourself.  If you can slip in as close as possible without letting the wind or wandering eyes bust you, you can either cow call or squeal at close range to cause a reaction from the bull.  If you bugle, you need to be OK with him hooking cows and moving off.  If he moves off bugling, then he's still "huntable" because he thinks you're another bull and will bellar repeatedly while moving his cows.  If he shuts up, you likely were seen or winded.  Time to look for another bull or come back the next day.

[pinetree]

I like Jim Horn's (Primos Staff) Silent Calling technique.  Have found it to be effective all thorugh the season and works even when the bulls are not talking much.  Had to learn to be patient and watchful cuz most of the time they come in silent, but it does work.

[Huntbear]

I have always tried a locator bugle first, if no response, will start using cow calls, then another locator bugle.  The only time I have used a chuckler type bugle is if the bull used it first, or I KNOW I am within a couple hundred yards of a big boy.

BUT, like in anything, let circumstances and the animals dictate what to do.

Good Advice
to add on....if you know he is there and doesn't respond to anything....throw it all at him including beating the hell out of a tree.

Just be careful, lol.  I have brought in hunters doing the raking part....  lmao