Clinty, the bulls here in southern OR are usually silent. Mostly I think from guys running around on quads bugleing at every stop. I even heard one this year that was cow calling as he was riding his quad down the trail.

What seems to work for me is to get into an area with a large concentration of elk, get set up and cow call. Usually some lost cow calls mixed with some estreus calls mixed in. Definately use some type of cover scent because they will almost always circle down wind to check things out first.

Listen for other signs that a bull is in the area. Last year we had a 5x6 that wouldnt make a sound other than raking the trees with his antlers. That bull was shot at 6 yards and believe it or not he got inside 25 yards before we even knew he was there.

I have never tried a ground blind for elk but I would assume that it would work, being as dry and noisy as it is this year I actually used a tree stand and took a cow on the last day that I was able to hunt.

Good luck and I know silent bulls are tough but it can be done.

Bill