I hunt about 85% with my ears. I listen for anything that might clue me in there is something coming to owards me. A cracking of a twig, squirrels drive me crazy. The clicking of a rock, a splash in a stream. I have heard the clashing of antlers once and a couple of minutes later my wife almost got run over my 2 large bulls chasing and fighting each other. She had set up on a elk trail and the 2 bulls came running down the hill and she had to jump out of the way. No shot but another memory burned in to our brains.

When you heard a bugle, even when you think it is another hunter, play the wind and hunt like you would a bull. Several times it has turned out to be the worst sounding elk and not a hunter.

When you see 1 elk there often is several more you don't see.

Rake a tree instead of bugling especially if you are seeing fresh sign.

Everyday go hunting with the attitude this is the day. I carry 7 game bags with me because I know today is the day. Even if I haven't seen an elk for 3- 4 days. If there is fresh sign the elk are there. You are just zigging instead of zagging.

If you are too tired to go out for that 2- 5 mile hike, go sit a small meadow and bugle and cow call. It is a rearity you get a elk out of camp. I have taken 3 nice bulls not more than 1/4 mile from a dirt road using this method.