I'm new to elk hunting (this will be my 4th season) and have been watching the hunting shows and reading the magazines to attempt to gain some insight about hunting this animal. All of the shows seem to focus on archery hunting, which is usually in the rut, and they are always going after big trophy bulls. The hunters on these shows use elk calls (which makes sense to do during the rut).

I hunt modern firearm (MF) season in Washington state, which is after the rut and limited to spike bull (unless you have a special permit). A couple of questions I have, is 1) will a call still work after the rut when I hunt (last week in Oct or first week in Nov) and if so, what type? 2) Since I'm limited to spike and the shows only go after trophy bulls, how do you look for/go after spikes? Are they hanging around the cows at this time of the year?

I'm probably coming across as stupid, but like I said with only 3 seasons under my belt, I've got a lot to learn. Any advice would help. Thanks!