As far as a hunting situation goes, that bull is not alarmed or feels there's a possible threat! I don't feel he was bedded either. That bull has the demeanor of a bull looking for another elk! (caller) Outside of the picture taken in Yellowstone and he sees the camera-man, that bull has come in & knows he's close enough that he should be seeing it too! To make any sound at all & give away your position when he's looking in your vicinity would be a common but huge mistake!

Many want to sound like an elk but look like a bush when elk are sooooo close, but yet still to far away. He doesn't see the elk he's looking for so there's a good chance if he hasn't seen you move that he'll keep coming seeing he's made it that far. Patience is a virture here!!!! Let him come!!

If the bull turns to leave instead of coming closer because a red flag is raised, DO NOT CALL!!!! Let him get out of sight, he won't go far. Parrelel him with the wind in your favor, don't follow directly behind him. Re-setup, don't use the same call, switch to a different toned cow call for instance, and re-work him with new sounds such as one cow & calf and whines & moans from spike to raggie youngster. No need to get aggressive & overcall, you already know he's in earshot, there's a very good chance he'll come in quiet to check you out! Once again be patient & willing to hold tight for 30min. 9 times out of 10 he'll show-up!

Cherokee---I enjoyed your post there on your use of decoy! I use the same method when hunting alone or with two at times when I know the bull is coming to give elk sounds then hook around & shut-up within bowrange of my last calling. But I've never used a decoy in that situation to give him a visual where I last called, but can see it's effectivness in your description. -- Do you have any problem with finding your decoy later if you have to keep moving in order to work the bull because of his lack of cooperation?? <grin> Good Post!!-------ElkNut1