Hunting (bow) the other day in Colorado, I went to my favorite little spot where noone can be found during the week days. I did my usual stalk and call method and sat and watched a mountain lion climb on the rocks next to me for an hour. All I saw was old sign from the prior year. I figured I wouldn't see anything cause its a little early for the rut. So I picked up moving out at my "non stealth" pace. All the sudden it sounded like someone turned on a loud speaker playing a hyper estrus cow call, and antlers cracking. A whole herd was running my way in the woods. I tried to flank them and get a shot, but they were moving out. I called, but got no reaction. I didn't even exist to these things. They were so Loud, I was running and they didn't even notice me. Eventually they crossed the fence line and it was silent again. All I could think is "what the hell was that all about?" Could somebody tell me what they think, or what I could have done to end my season early? Is it safe to say the rut has begun?

I'm no expert, but you have "watched a mountain lion" and "elk run away" in the same period of time, possible they ran from the cat?

They probably got wind of the cat or a cow saw it. Or they could had got wind of you and saw the cat or whatever either way.

Just enjoy the show! My gues would be that possibly other hunters spooked them in one way or another, they stopped most calling/talking once they were on other side of fence. Did the mountain lion pursue them? I'd guess it did not! Or they'd still be running! (grin)

ElkNut1