Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: BackCountryJunki on July 27, 2016, 02:27:01 PM
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Taking my son out for Muzzy season this year and I have never really tried to call or bugle other then a little cow calling. I usually just stick to spot and stalk. Looking for a little insight from those of you that get after them that time of year. Thanks
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What are the dates for your hunt? Sorry, I'm not familiar with the MZ season dates.
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I muzzy hunt for elk in western WA. I used to bow hunt, and was good at calling in elk then.
Now, during Muzzy season (1st week Oct), the elk have been bugled by everybody and their cousin.
Now when I call, I get no response. If I hear a bull and call, it shuts up.
Last year, I did get between 2 bulls calling each other, until I got spotted by a cow.
I do cow call, and that is still productive.
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For a couple hrs I had to muzzle hunt early oct (west side ) called quite a few in. Both cow calling any bugleing with out chuckles even called cows in bugleing every one came in silent so if you know elk are in the area don't take off rt away. Hang out for a while. Pm sent
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We will be out for the whole first week of Oct. This will be my sons first muzzy hunt behind the trigger. I appreciate the responses. I have read a ton on calling but it seems to be focused on archery season. Heard some guys talking the other day, predicting a late rut. So I thought well maybe give it a try.
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I would totally utilize calling .the first week of Oct can be crazy good . Work estrus calls . Not calling is leaving a tool out of the bag.
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Agree with coach. First week in October? If they haven't taken, cows will be coming into their second estrus cycle and yep, the bulls will continue to be vocal. Remember that this is a late stage of the rut and the herding up activities have been completed, so, you'll need to work and hunt herded up elk as opposed to cold calling which works much better in the earlier part of the rut when the herding up process is just beginning. What sounds to practice and use? Cow/calf chatter, locator bugle, and nervous/popping grunt are the three basic calls you should have in your calling kit when you venture out. A challenge bugle is another that may pay dividends. Lastly, there is a bull sound that's called a "calling cows to him bugle" that can really (and does) make a herd bull see red if you use it in close to his gals. It's a huge slap in the face to a herd bull when you're trying to call his to his ladies. Go get em!
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Hunt the same way as you would in September.. They may be a little timid, but bulls in Sept can be a little timid to.. Call Call Call, if the right bull is hot in October he will waltz right in.. But remember every elk situation is different, so you have to really just sing the tune the elk wants to hear... :twocents:
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In my experience hunting the west end during early ML season, there's not lots of calling going on. Didn't say none. Just not much. I'd stick with your cow calls.
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You don't have to call to kill an elk I know lots of people that never call and always kill elk. I don't necessarily like to hunt that I call call call because I like to challenge elk either way is correct. Plus I'm lost why you wouldn't call October first that can be the best time if year. The rut is FAR from over at that stage. It all depends on the elk, environment, area? They may be talking on the west side of st Helens but not the east you just never know. Easy way to find out drive around at night Sept 29th and 30th and bugle in canyons
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Icant tell you how many times if been walking along cow calling every so often and got a response . if I'm moving around I'm trying to make elk sounds .
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:yeah: last year while walking to "goat heaven" I decided to let a few cow calls out and got an immediate response about 200 yds from me. I didn't get to see him as other recreational people spooked him but I closed to within 100yds before he stopped. You never know with elk. While in the woods, think like an elk not like a human. :tup:
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I was in the Lowitt last year Oct 16th and the bulls were still bugling. I think you will still hear some bugling, and might be able to get some responses to cow calls.
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Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate the help and advise. Hope everyone has a great season!
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