Are you hunting on public or private land? If you are on private land you have to call em in! Hands down that is the best way! Even if they are not in rut you will get responses and very likley be able to call one in. Now if your hunting public I would still try callin em in, But due to all the inexpirenced hunters that run around tootin on their elk calls the elk can be smart and not respond to your call. So if calling doesint work use the spot n stalk technique as stated above. I have a couple primos cow calls and they work great. I wouldint even mess with a bugle, especially if the elk are not in rut.