Calling someone Stupid is pretty harsh criticism no matter what the cirmumstances may be. Not sure how the Elk react where you hunt but in my haunts the elk are used to people,cattle,horses,cars,trucks etc as they are living practically in out back yards on our ranches and surrounding timber. I am fortuneate enough to have had elk drink out of our water troughs etc all winter to keep them in good health when weather is tough. I have been able to keep pretty good track of where the cows calve, bulls wallow etc... I guess I could be called stupid because as the season gets closer I saddle up a colt and cruise around to different areas and when the wind is in my favour and I have good cover I let the odd cow call go or location bugle to see what bull is hangin in a particular area. Our season is 6x6 or better and your best chance of smoking one is to know where he is leading up to opening day. You waste your time on a raghorn and someone else is capitalizing on your lack of preparation. Im no elk expert thats for sure...nor am I a rookie but I always figured if you were good at calling by all means let your voice be heard. I have had buddies come over to hunt that are decent callers and elk hunters and let a bugle go only to have the other bulls vacate because they were not familiar with this new bull in the area. I guess what ever works for you but whos to say whos wrong or right when it comes to hunting,calling or anything else for that matter! Im ready to get flamed by all the elk gurus now but I have thick skin![:-]