Sounds like I am doing everything close to right. Just need to experience the rut a little more. I just need to find the elk that is willing. I tend to bugle as you said to locate. Once the herd bull stops bugling that is when I go on alert. I cow call when in close but have tried close in bugling and as you mentioned seems to push the herd farther.

Bugling seems to definitely bring in the satelite bulls more. I love the close encounters that archery brings. Next year I am going to do my best to draw a limited tag. Might have a better chance at calling and also less pressure. I live in one of the greatest states for elk and hope that I can close the deal sooner or later.

I live by the motto: "The more time you spend in the wilderness the more likely the chance of a lifetime will happen"

I have passed on more small bulls in rifle season than most people have seen in their lifetimes but archery I am not picky at all when making the first poke but still trying for the first.

Just trying to be a sponge since this is relatively new to me. Rifle VS Archery is like Rod fishing VS Fly Fishing.