Dirt 2 I was not going to say this, but I need to, to help you out. If you just set back and do nothing that might from time to time bring some sucess. But if your learn to be aggresive while being cautious at the same time then you'll be punching your elk tag every year while bowhunting. It sounds like you need to be more proficent with the calls, all of them just not one or two if you want sucess. Also calling is only one piece of the big puzzle. From the info you gave, in your 02 hunt. you screwed up with your set up and call timing. If you knew the general area of where the bull was (I assume within 100 square yards?). You should of had your set up planned before you ever called. Before I ever call I plan in my head, ok if the bull comes running in to me on the first call where should I be so I don't get pinned down, and do I have a clear shooting lane? And which way is the damn wind comming from? I will call and wait, while waiting I am not silent though, like real elk I try to cow call all the time. Anyway I wait and let the bull make the next move, either come into me or not. If the bull doesn't come into me I move towards him but before moving I have a plan in my head on where to move for my next set up spot, with a alternative back up spot in case there is no shooting lane or the wind is wrong. Aslo I have a plan on what I should do in case a bull moves in on me when I am moving. Yes in the past I have screwed up too, many, many times I might add. Like the calling you have to learn when to move and when not to move. Thats why a proper set up is so inportant, if you have a good set up then there is no reason to move 20 yards. When I move its at least 40 or 50 yards, and I do it quickly, running if needed. If I need twenty more yards I use the calls and bring him to me! My last 3 elk have been at 12, 3, and 18 yards. I love to get close! My farthest shot was 35 yards on a bull that I could not get closer too. I had a cow at 5 yards staring at me I had to shot or else! Also if you have a cow or bull bark at you just bark back. They stare at you funney instead of running off and the other elk in the heard seem to just ignore it. I tell people learning to elk hunt successfuly is like trying to take a drink of water from a fire hydrant and not spill any water. You are going to spill water (make mistakes) but thats have the fun of it. I am only 30 years old and can look back at myself 10 or even 5 years ago and laugh and say if I only knew this, man I would have killed that huge bull. Dirt 2 I honestly hope this didn't offend you, I have been in your shoes and have been very frustrated. And if I did I appologize! I hope you will be sucessful and have fun in this years hunt! Thanks Idaho Elk.