Just bought a Hoochie Momma cow call from Premos, and would like to use it on my rifle elk hunt in mid October. The question is, how many of you would recommend the use of calls after the rut? Any past experiences you would like to share? Would I be wasting my time, and instead should scout and stalk for the elk. If I should use it, what setting should I use, cow, esterus, lost, etc...

Thanks for the help,

Robert

Cows are vocal year round, actually bulls are too, just much more so during the rut. You can cow call anytime, just don't go through making estrus calls every five minutes. I have heard bulls bugling full force in late October, so if your going in mid October the rut may or may not be about finished.

Elk are noisy critters. I always carry several types of cow calls with me but mainly only use them while moving locations. I've found that you don't have to worry about making noise while walking near like when deer hunting. I just cow call every so often while walking. Scent is your biggest enemy. I highly recommend http://www.kishelscents.com/. I use these scents and have had bulls walk right to me. They really work well and scents will carry alot further than a call will.

The Hoochie momma is a great call. I have had elk stop in their track when you use it. I actually use a piece of rope and a safety pin to hook it to the outside of my jacket/vest. that way you can have it quickly available to get them to stop for the shot.....especially if you are stalking around and jump some....just give it a squeeze and they will probably stop. from what I was told, you can use it any time of the year. When I go in October, the bulls are still usually bugling pretty good.

A herd of elk I tracked down last year were bugling in mid November- just goes to show you never know if they'll be bugling or not. Might as well take the cow call- it stops them if you want to take a shot anyways.