Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

This is a pic of a Bull out of Eastmans Journal.If youwere bowhunting ? What do you notice about the demeaner of the bull and if he were say 60 yrds out....How would you bring him in??? Is he looking for another bull or maybe a cow.
The first thing that stands out to me is that his ears are forward and he's looking and listening for something andnot seeing it.(trouble????)
Just looking for different opinions and thoughts.

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

He has a look on his face like "Who stepped on that twig." He knows there is something out of place, but not quite sure what it is. I would try to make whatever sound I just made blend in with something you might normally hear, and the elk might be accostomed to. Just because there is a noise, doesn't mean the hunt is over. Also might just try sitting perfectly still and not making any more noises and see if the guy could cool down and relax, then start working him however I was working him again.

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

I wouldn't move a muscle. He does not apear to be alarmed enough to get up and move. Just looking as if he heard something. Perhaps there are other elk in the area?

I can't tell for sure but he appears to be bedded down.

I would sit still until he decided to get up and move. If he walked my way great I would wait until his head was concealed and draw and put one through his chest. If he decided to walk off and offer no shot I would probably give a hot cow mew or two when he wasn't looking my direction in hopes he would turn around and walk my way.

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I would have to agree! Wait it out.. He doesn't seem alarmed, just a bit curious! Let him make the next move, then play his cards!

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My vast experience leads me to believe he just heard a camera click!! Pretty sure anyways!!!;)

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:(

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

Without being there first hand it is so hard to say what to do because there are too many unknown factors. To start off which way is the wind blowing? How many other elk are bedded down or are in the general area? Is it early season or is it middle to late September and the rut is in full swing? Is he a herd bull or just a nice satelite?I say this because IMOhe looks like a 315 to 330 class bull from what I can see. In some area's he will be a monster and others he is the runt satelite bull. If he is a herd bull how many cows does he have. A herd bull with a lot of cows(over 20)will not likley leave them to find another cow.He knows that other bulls are always trying to steal his own cows, soif he just lets his gaurd down for just a second another bull can steal his cows.But you can split the herd and piss him off, or make him think you are a satelite bull stealing his cows and get ready becaues he will throw caution to the wind and come a running to kick your butt. As far a making noise well thats no problem because elk make lots of noise and I too want to make noise that elk make. You have to sell yourself as a real elk, that means sounding smelling and looking like a elk. Now to assume thatits the early tomiddle of September andI was 60 yards away with the wind in my faceand he is alone. He will be of courselookingin my gereral direction because I would have already been elk talking. Then I would pull out my decoy and pop it up in front of him and give him a cow in estrus call. That will get him to move and if he likes it he will come closer, like under 20 yards closer. But there is always a chance he is looking for the boogey man (aka bowhunters) and run off. If that happens I will regroup pull out new calls (new elk) and try if all again. I honestly believe there is not a elk a the mountain that can't be called in you just have to work it and find which buttons to push so to speak. All elk havetherebreaking point and will come a running when you find what they like.It might take more than a week or twoto do it if your heart is set on a single certain herd bull. If it doesn't work the first time use new calls, sound different and try again. Try it with and with out decoys, ratteling, splashing in the wallows, stomping the ground, rubbing/rakingthe tree's and brush, and many many different elk sounds. To be able to sound like a small bull with 4 or 5 cows is a awesome weapon. If there are two of you that only makes it better! I know this is not a cut a dried answere you were looking for but I have answered it the most honestly that I can. Jason

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

I believe big bulls is right this bull is bedded down. While the ears are in what appears to be a alert position. The eyes are the dead give away they are relaxed with the eye lids drooping down a bit. Also you can see more of a round hump down the backline from the ribs pushing up. All that don't mean squat I guess.

60yds away you wouldn't see the relaxed eyes but you would see the alert ears posture. What I personally would do is use the terrain to my advantage if possible. If the terrain is working I would put out the decoy and mewwwww alittle on the cow call to see if I could get this bull up and moving in. If the bull started coming in I would try to slip down and around to the side to get a better shot angle. Most people know that hunt alone that bull comes into range it will most likely be a frontal shot only. You don't always have to stay in one place to call elk. My thing is to slip around the elk while he's slipping around you.

But my best choice on this particular bull would to be to take a good look at the trees and landmarks. Back off make a half circle around the bad boy and stick him while he's still on the ground relaxed. Every situation is different I've had many of bulls give me the slip too. Sometimes you out fox the fox.

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GOOD!!!
Jason.....I really wasn't looking for cut and dry.Just scenario answers.So you had it right.
I've been in similer situations while muzzleloading....But that's muzzleloading. I went to a seminar the other night and the speaker was Chris Rowe from Primos. I've heard alot of speakers but THIS guy knows his ..............Stuff........Anyway he had talked about decoys and I was hoping someone would say that they use them and add some details???? I would also agree that noise................The right kind is not a hinderance but an extra tool to use.
So keep it coming .............I leave next Thurs. and at least talking about it helps me through the night[:o][:o][:o][:o]
GLOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HuntElk4Fun.....................That's toooooo Funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

cherokee outfitters, I have a question for you. First off I want to say I don't think one method or idea is better than another, so here goes. I have bow hunted since 89, during that time I have hunted and called in elk for myself and for friends and family. When calling in elk for myself I know that they will come in head on and that is a horrible shot. But I have also learned that if I and others have patience sooner or later the elk will turn, or they will move around to my right or left. Either way I will have a broadside shot or quartering away. When the shot I like presents itself I give a sharp grunt or quick high pitch cow call. This has always locked up elk dead in their tracks for me. It allows me draw my bow and shoot while they look at the moving bush with weird looks. But on the other hand when I have tried to move off to my left or right so I can have a broadside shot when they show up. They will spot that and either stop and stare forever or turn around and leave. When moving I don't call because when I am moving I don'twant them to pinpoint me and catch me off guard. Also I can't hear them either calling softly or walking towards me when I am moving. When I move I plan it out in advance andtry to pick good shooting lanes to move to and do it quickly maybe on the run. Once there I will stomp the ground and rub the tree while callingbut I will not move much more than a couple feet. So my question to you is how do you do it when you are alone? How do you call then move without getting caught with your pants down? I have moved with the decoy in my hand along with cow callsand that does work awesome! I have moved out into the open and then back into the timber only to have elk follow me. When calling forothers I set them up and tell them to not move but I zig zag and jay hook to bring a bull into them. Anyway I would love to hear your ideas and adviceon this subject.

glob3006, I have not been to Chris Rowe's seminar but I would like to. I have been to Jim Horn's seminar as well as several others from Primos. Chad Shearer(outfitter, guide and RMEF world calling Pro Champ) gives a excellent seminar, not sure who he works for except the RMEF?So doesthe gang from Hunters Specialties,Wayne Carlton, All Moris, JR Keller, andDan Witmus.I have notbeen to Paul's (ELK NUT) seminar but I have spent enough time on thephone with him to know he gives a good one.Same goes for Michael Batease,(Bugling Bull game calls Pro Staff),again I have not been to one of his seminars but from the time spent on the phone talking to himI know he and Rocky give a excellent program. I am lucky to be friends with many of these guys and have spent a lot of time talking onthe phone and even been invited over to their houses. I have learned they are no different than you or me and they all love to huntand call ELK! They are all very dedicated hunters and elk callers and they also learn from other hunters as well. I have said it before and I'll say it again education is the exchange of idea's and talking and learning to as many people as possible itone key to success!

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Ok here is what I would do.

I would put my 60 yds pin right on his forehead and let her FLYYY!!!!.
Naw just kidding.:D:D

This is my kind of hunting,elk in the timber.This bull is not very excited.He heard something but look he is in the thick timber and twigs and small branches break all the time.You have two choices or maybe three.One is this bull is beded down,you can wait for him to stand up and try a 60 yds shot.Two you can back out and circle below him and THEN put up a decoy and try calling him.Now for three.You are in the timber where cover is relativly all around you.I would take my pack off slowly,pick a path through the trees with least amout of ground trash and branches.Wait for this bull to turn his head,he will after a while,or go back to dozen.As he moves his head or sleeps creap up 5-6 yds at a time.stay close to the ground and always with some break-up cover between you(might have to move at a angle with the wind)just in case he picks up his head and looks at you,keep your head down and try not to make eye contact with him.Glance now and then to see his demeanor.After and few 6 yard moves,try and get at least 12 yds on him,20 would be better.Settle in next to a tree and wait him out,he will eventualy stand and offer a shot.This a high risk move and you stand a chance of getting busted,but I have used this with elk with and a rifle to get with 20 or so yards before making a shot.I have never killed a elk with a bow,as this is going to be my first year at it.I have killed plenty with a rifle.
Now Senario number 2 should work good,cause he is just bedded for the after noon,I would slip back 80 yds and put up a cow elk decoy(I have bought 2 after watch elknuts videos.The full elk and the elk rear end by Montana decoys)I would set up the rear end one and move 10-20 yds to the left or right.Spray a little cow in heat on a tree next to her and start with a cow in estrus call and get him up and moving,then start with a few cow/calf calls,and then back to the cow in heat.If he's alone and a hedro-sexual bull(like cows-not bulls:D:D)
he should be coming in like a freight train,when you hear him coming in quit calling,maybe give him one last shot fom a hoochie mama and get ready.
That my opinon,thats what I would try.I will see if it works come September.
BBJ

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So it looks like a decoy would be worth the$$$?? Especially if one were hunting alone.
Seriously guys these are the type of situationhunting tips that can help someone tagout. Not just get them through a hunt.
Good stuff!!
Bill

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IdahoElk

I also don't call when moving. Alot of times myself I have waited for a bull to turn broadside so I could have a broadside shot. Last years hunt I was caught in the middle of an open spot while trying to move up and to the side where the bull was bugling from. He came straight and did it fast. My plan was to offset where he thought I was. Those elk can really pin point sound. Anyway he came in fast and locked up on me about 16yards away. I had to wait for him to turn before I could take the shot. When I heard this bull bugle I busted butt up the side to try to get between him and his cows and it worked. Trying to stalk fast is nottaeasy task but it does get the blood pumping.

I'm not one for %100 calling all the time. I like to call enough to locate the bull on a mountain side and stalk on the bull. I usually let the situation determin calls, decoys, and how much to push and when to come back tommorow. I just started using some scents the last few years and to me it seems to be working. I was working a bull over last year and it got too dark I just sat down for a while to let the darkness cover my exit I had cow elk come in on me not more than 5yards away and I unbelievably walk right through the middle of them. I'm still smilin. (Wildlife Research ElkFire).

Okay you asked how I set up a decoy on a bull, call him and move. First you have to have good terrain such as a knoll, bench, small ravine, or alot of thick trees. What I've done in the past (50/50 chance of getting busted) is catch a bull unaware of your presence but low chance of stalking right up to him. I set up the decoy where the bull can see it when I start callin. Usually only cow calls. Then if the bull starts to come I'll use what terrain I can and slip off at a 45 degree angle at the bull. Alot of times when you peek over or around you have to find the bull's location again. I only move a total of about 10 to 15 yards as fast and quiet as possible. When I have the bull in view I wait for the bull to lock up on the cow. If things go bad I will call again from where I'm at and the bull usually calms down and turns slowly. But I've had bulls bust me by sound and I come up looking right into his eyes. Hunts over for that bull.

I've never had someone call for me I tend to like to do it myself alone. But I've called them in for clients. What you said about splitting the hunters apart is in my experience right on the money for best chances for a shot. When I call I rake trees and kick rocks around acting aggressive. But the main thing I do is call with the same tones the bulls are using right then. I sound just like the bull that's callin. Whatever he's saying to me I say to him. Even on a nervous bull this seems to work acting as nervous as him most of the time he'll open up after a while and come to investigate. Decoys a awesome for distracting the elk while you get it together. I've had bulls cross open parks to come to the decoy I set on the edge of the trees.

I'm not a perfect caller but elk don't always make perfect bugles. So probally not much help but I let the situation dictate the amount of calls and which ones. Situation also is when I decide to move or not move. But the one thing I can almost guarantee is if you can cut off a bull or get in between him and his cows and let that call rip loud and tear apart the mountain side is that bull is coming in and he's coming in mad and fast.

RE: Hunting scenario...Elk w/Pic
 

As far as a hunting situation goes, that bull is not alarmed or feels there's a possible threat! I don't feel he was bedded either. That bull has the demeanor of a bull looking for another elk! (caller) Outside of the picture taken in Yellowstone and he sees the camera-man, that bull has come in & knows he's close enough that he should be seeing it too! To make any sound at all & give away your position when he's looking in your vicinity would be a common but huge mistake!

Many want to sound like an elk but look like a bush when elk are sooooo close, but yet still to far away. He doesn't see the elk he's looking for so there's a good chance if he hasn't seen you move that he'll keep coming seeing he's made it that far. Patience is a virture here!!!! Let him come!!

If the bull turns to leave instead of coming closer because a red flag is raised, DO NOT CALL!!!! Let him get out of sight, he won't go far. Parrelel him with the wind in your favor, don't follow directly behind him. Re-setup, don't use the same call, switch to a different toned cow call for instance, and re-work him with new sounds such as one cow & calf and whines & moans from spike to raggie youngster. No need to get aggressive & overcall, you already know he's in earshot, there's a very good chance he'll come in quiet to check you out! Once again be patient & willing to hold tight for 30min. 9 times out of 10 he'll show-up!

Cherokee---I enjoyed your post there on your use of decoy! I use the same method when hunting alone or with two at times when I know the bull is coming to give elk sounds then hook around & shut-up within bowrange of my last calling. But I've never used a decoy in that situation to give him a visual where I last called, but can see it's effectivness in your description. -- Do you have any problem with finding your decoy later if you have to keep moving in order to work the bull because of his lack of cooperation?? <grin> Good Post!!-------ElkNut1

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This appears to be a 4-5yr old bull searching for something. This is not a herd bull, so cow numbers will be small if at all. Watch your wind, it is a big deal here! Do you have a lane for him to get to you? If yes, put your head down and quietly cow call to left or right to get him to turn his head in that direction and watch his reaction. If he stretches his neck out and makes any vocalization other than a bark, he will probably come to you. Might not be fast, but he will come to you, but don't call again. If you don't have a lane, you better find one quick, because he will be moving on. If he is talking, answer him by all means, but make it sound like you are a ways away so he will want to move. DON"T pour it on be subtle, cause you could blow this deal easy. This is a bull looking to steal some cows, I would work him.
Gselkhunter

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Just another reminder ElkNut is the man. That makes perfect sense, think like the Elk and combine it with the situation. Great stuff on what to do when he turns and walks off. I'd bet 99/100 hunters in here would have fired back a soft cow mew.

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HuntElk4Fun, I couldn't agree more!

cherokee outfitters, I like do like your ideas, I admit I do call a lot, maybe too much. But I tooalso try to let the elk determinine the situation of what I am saying to them. AlsoIguess I didn't guess ask a clear question because I don't have a problem moving with a decoy in hand. I like it when I am moving with a decoy and most of the time Ican geta elk to follow me into the timer for a close shot.Its moving andtrying to sneek closer undetectedwith no decoythat I do have problems with. I guess I am just too big and clumsy!:D

gselkhunter, man its good to hear from you, haven't seen you around in awhile, hope all is well.

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Elknut1 I haven't lost one yet the possiblilty is there. Also you really don't want a bull your not going to shoot walk up to the decoy to sniff it out. Educates them real fast.

Idaho, I hear ya on the clumsy part I used to be a cat even on a fast stalk now i'm an older lion waiting out the ambush. haha . I get too laughing at myself sometimes when its late in the day and the feet are dragging and bumping into stuff. It's humorus when a man gets mad at his own feet not responding to the brain.