Spike only calling question

[ctwiggs1]

Guys,

I've been thinking about this one... My guess is that in a spike only unit, bugles are probably almost useless right?  So do you guys have any calling strategies? 

I'm hunting ML this year, so should be tail end of rut/post rut right?

Thanks guys - I'm obsessing over elk this year in what's most likely an unhealthy way.  90 days until elk camp!

Curtis

[vandeman17]

I am not sure for muzzy but for archery I still do cow talk and locator bugles. Use it to help find where the elk are at and then you can try to find a unicorn.

[ctwiggs1]

That make sense!

[vandeman17]

From my cam pictures over the past few years, often times the spikes are with the cows early on so if you can infiltrate that group you are golden. 

[Pathfinder101]

Here in the Blues a spike elk is about the quietest thing in the woods come September.  Yes, in my experience, a bugle would just scare the crap out of them.  Cow calls should work on just about all elk.  It would have to be a pretty nervy spike to try to breed a cow with all the big bulls running around, but they might try to link up with a herd. 
I'd say soft, easy, "motherly" cow calling...

[emac]

My dad archery hunts. He has called in Atleast 3 spikes. But they all hung up to far to get a shot but they do come into calls

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[idaho guy]

cow calls for sure. I have had spikes come running in to cow calls from archery to late in the rifle season in Idaho. 2 years ago the last few days of rifle I cow called softly just to cover all the noise i was making busting brush and a spike came running in. This was after over two weeks of rifle season being open. I agree with not bugling     

[steelnducks]

I have called a few spikes in using bugles and cow calls. They seem to react the same way as the bigger bulls to calling but they will come in silent.