there is a very slight chance i may be getting a cow elk tag for this season out here in CO. assuming i could get somewhat proficient at calling between now and then, can you call in cows? or is it better to just pattern them and stand hunt?

I actually got my bull last year because I called in a cow. I was still hunting along a steep canyon in the dark timber in the snow and looked up and saw what I thought was an elk looking down at me from about 125 yards. I slowly pulled up my binoculars and sure enough it was a lone cow staring down at me. I froze and the stalemate lasted about 5 minutes. She must have seen me move and knew something wasn't right. She wasn't about to give in and I could feel her gaze run right through me so I figured what the heck and hit the hoochi mama I had in my pocket.She started to come down towards me and then I saw another cow which was behind her and then another. I hunkered down and soon there were about a dozen cows that bailed over the ridge and were spread out all along the ridge just above me and headed my way. Knowing there had to be a bull in the bunch I just waited. I could see a spike and then more cows and then I could see a shooter bull. I had cows all around me and the bull was following them, but about 50 yards behind. One of the first cows spotted me or sensed something was wrong and froze. The whole herd picked up on it and the bull stopped. My heart sank because the bull wasn't going to give me a shot and I figured they were all about to bolt since they were all looking my way. I tried the call again and all the cows just started to continue down the canyon past me. The bull followed until he met up with a chunk of lead that ended his day and made mine. Good luck on the hunt. Nothing quite like elk hunting for his Easterner.If you don't draw a cow tag try second season bull over the counter. Great hunting and a super chance to score.

depends upon the season...cows will come in to a call...but not nearly as much as during rut activity where they are bunching up...

Additionally, keep in mind any call, does two things...tells others something is in the area, and secondarily, if not done well, sends a message of where NOT to be...

done well, it just blends right in, and not a big deal...

with cows, you can use calf call more effectively to get them to chat up...but then see above...

I have been very successful on calling cows in. You just need to learn their language and this comes by videos and elk calling cds. My camp including myself have taken several cows by calling them in. I have found that its works very well making yourself sound like a lost cow or lost calf. I can almost call in a cow every time out getting the situation to work out in a harvest is adifferent story. So I recomend schooling yourself by elk videos and elk calling cds an things should work out.