Bugling for Cows?

[Caliber]

So admittedly I am not much of an elk hunter.  Shot my first elk last year, a nice little cow.  My son drew the same tag this year.  One of the things I noticed last year, when I would cow call several times I had bulls respond and come in (didnt have a bugle on me since my tag was antlerless).  Quite a thrill.  So I am wondering, can I use a bugle to get cows to come in?  Or at the least, use it to locate a bull/herd and put a move on them? 

[dylanb]

when u bugle a elk a cow comes first to make shure it is safe so it might not be a bad idea

[BLKBEARKLR]

I have had cows come into the bugle. So anything out there is worth a try

[kibber]

Doing both would not be a bad idea. I have never heard the theory that a cow comes first to check out the bugling prior to the bull arriving. I have brought in many bulls and have not found this to be a rule. 

[carpsniperg2]

You can always mix it up. Cows will come to bull calls and bulls to cow calls.

[Button Nubbs]

If the cows you are after are with a bull when you bugle they just may all run the other way. Don't ask me how I know...

[unluckyjohn]

Look on utube. The elknut gives some great info on that. " cow elk calling " he does a bugle that is the bull calling for cows. like I said, great help and info

[billdo5]

get a cow call called the cowgirl made by primos.. one of the best calls to get cows to come in.. i have had cows leave the herd and wander up close all the time... works really well and is not too expensive

[PA BEN]

I've had cows come to bugles before.

[Wtrfowlr62]

when u bugle a elk a cow comes first to make shure it is safe so it might not be a bad idea

[Caliber]

Thanks for all the replies, looks like I will incorporate a bugle into the rotation.  I guess I  need to go shopping now.  Any strong preferences on call type or brand?

[watrapper]

It sure doesnt hurt to mix it up with cow calls and bugles. With whatever you choose you should purchase them now and start practicing. Good luck.

[Kowsrule30]

I like Primos.... Call in a bunch of cows.... I've filled 2 cow tags myself that way.... Called in 4 for my Dad, and 4 for friends.... I'll sit 20-80 yards back to call them in bow range close.....Even if the cows are with a herd or herd bull they might come check out the one that they think is lost, another herd, ect..... Pretty cool action when it works....

[THEBUGLER]

Cows do come to bugles. But very few cows come to my calls, just bulls 95% of the time. Dont know why.......

[sebek556]

Cows do come to bugles. But very few cows come to my calls, just bulls 95% of the time. Dont know why.......

guess your calls are just to feminine 

[MIKEXRAY]

I have had only one cow come in to a bugle in the last five years, she must of been lost because she came crashing in with the first bugle in that area. I had a bull tag & got excited with an animal coming in so hot, boy was I surprised when a cow was in my lap. She was around for an hour, kind of like having a live Montana decoy in front of me.    Since it has only happened once to me , I wouldn't go around bugling to call cows in. Mike

[Elknut1]

As to your question, yes you can! I've called in countless cows & spikes by persistent aggressive bugling as I advertised myself & position. Persistence is key when using such a strategy. This works because all bulls represent themselves in a manor to attract cows during pre-rut & peak rut times. They are in hopes that cows will check them out or consider them for the purpose of breeding, as it's the cows that choose the bulls to mate with!

  Is it the best strategy for calling cows, probably not! (grin) But you can do it!  I would entertain other sounds or methods to attract cows that raised ones odds considerably. Using lost/separated cow or calf sounds or both in a persistent manner would net one better results, even social cow & calf talk can intrigue other cows out of curiosity to come your way! I'd rather use sounds that require assistance or aid to attract cows my way such as the  ones I mentioned above! Check out this link & see the sounds used here by a nervous/separated calf! This is gold in the elkwoods!!!  Elk Cow Estrus

  ElkNut1

[HOYT6.0]

Well here's my two cents.  It depends on were you are hunting.  If your in a unit with alot of pressure,  I seriously doubt you will call a cow in.  Maybe up in the sticks were you have to pack in.  Ive noticed in the last 10-15 years with calls getting better.  Elk have seem to become more shy towards artificall calls.  By now means would I say bring your pet elk out in the woods and spank her to get her to call for you.  

But on a serious note.  The woods in the last decade or more have become more crowded with hunters.  Therefore pressure is going to come into play.  Ive noticed they become less vocal during the season.  I practice with mouth reeds on the way to and from work.  I have disc Ive bought to play in the truck and try to mimic the call Im wanting.  Practice is your best bet when calling elk.  The better you are than the next guy,  the better your chances of getting that critter coming your way and not his.  Again,  just my two cents....

[Elknut1]

Whoops wrong video clip, that 1st one is the Estrus Buzz1 Here's the one I meant!
 http://www.elkheaven.com/video/calf-web.wmv


  By the way, it doesn't matter if you hunt heavily hunted areas or LE units, sounds as this & the ones I mentioned will bring elk your way, I do it every year on the most heavily hunted units around on all our OTC hunts even though we have tons of wolves here in Idaho great sounds produce results, perfect this sound & you will do well, hunt smart & hunt hard!! A good setup is worth its weight in gold, always watch that wind!!

  ElkNut1

[kibber]

bugling bull company good calls had a few ruff years but back to being great calls. This is just my thoughts.. Good luck and start working on calling now.

[billdo5]

Whoops wrong video clip, that 1st one is the Estrus Buzz1 Here's the one I meant!
 http://www.elkheaven.com/video/calf-web.wmv

 
  ElkNut1

hearing that bull in the end gave me a woody oh god lol

[BLUEBULLS]

They're not much different than people, most women will not come in to a man that's yelling for her. A few will, but do you really want those ones?

What I'm trying to say is, the cows that do come in to a bugle are kindy nasty, you should pass on them because they'll definitely be bred.

[iRem]

Great vid and Yes I want that hot horny elk coming to me 

[D-Rock425]

I wouldn't over do the calls to much.