IdahoElk

I also don't call when moving. Alot of times myself I have waited for a bull to turn broadside so I could have a broadside shot. Last years hunt I was caught in the middle of an open spot while trying to move up and to the side where the bull was bugling from. He came straight and did it fast. My plan was to offset where he thought I was. Those elk can really pin point sound. Anyway he came in fast and locked up on me about 16yards away. I had to wait for him to turn before I could take the shot. When I heard this bull bugle I busted butt up the side to try to get between him and his cows and it worked. Trying to stalk fast is nottaeasy task but it does get the blood pumping.

I'm not one for %100 calling all the time. I like to call enough to locate the bull on a mountain side and stalk on the bull. I usually let the situation determin calls, decoys, and how much to push and when to come back tommorow. I just started using some scents the last few years and to me it seems to be working. I was working a bull over last year and it got too dark I just sat down for a while to let the darkness cover my exit I had cow elk come in on me not more than 5yards away and I unbelievably walk right through the middle of them. I'm still smilin. (Wildlife Research ElkFire).

Okay you asked how I set up a decoy on a bull, call him and move. First you have to have good terrain such as a knoll, bench, small ravine, or alot of thick trees. What I've done in the past (50/50 chance of getting busted) is catch a bull unaware of your presence but low chance of stalking right up to him. I set up the decoy where the bull can see it when I start callin. Usually only cow calls. Then if the bull starts to come I'll use what terrain I can and slip off at a 45 degree angle at the bull. Alot of times when you peek over or around you have to find the bull's location again. I only move a total of about 10 to 15 yards as fast and quiet as possible. When I have the bull in view I wait for the bull to lock up on the cow. If things go bad I will call again from where I'm at and the bull usually calms down and turns slowly. But I've had bulls bust me by sound and I come up looking right into his eyes. Hunts over for that bull.

I've never had someone call for me I tend to like to do it myself alone. But I've called them in for clients. What you said about splitting the hunters apart is in my experience right on the money for best chances for a shot. When I call I rake trees and kick rocks around acting aggressive. But the main thing I do is call with the same tones the bulls are using right then. I sound just like the bull that's callin. Whatever he's saying to me I say to him. Even on a nervous bull this seems to work acting as nervous as him most of the time he'll open up after a while and come to investigate. Decoys a awesome for distracting the elk while you get it together. I've had bulls cross open parks to come to the decoy I set on the edge of the trees.

I'm not a perfect caller but elk don't always make perfect bugles. So probally not much help but I let the situation dictate the amount of calls and which ones. Situation also is when I decide to move or not move. But the one thing I can almost guarantee is if you can cut off a bull or get in between him and his cows and let that call rip loud and tear apart the mountain side is that bull is coming in and he's coming in mad and fast.