Usually it is a madam cow who leads them around. The herd bull is usually in the rear of the herd. Satellites usually stay on the fringe or circle the herd.

Just got back from the opening week in CO and didn't get anything. According to the other guys that were there and had hunted before, it was a tough hunt. I saw 4 bulls and 6 cows the entire week and nothing responded to calling.

Liie Cajun said, it'll be an old mature cow in the lead of the herd usually, with the mature bull bringing up the rear. All the bulls will bugle about the same amount it seems like to me. When the heat of the rut is on, they can all be very vocal. About the only thing that really will make elk change elevation is heavy snow. But ya gotta remember, if they are spooked or feel heavy hunting pressure, it's nothing for them to move a mile, and that could include going up 1000' plus feet to go over a ridge/mtn.

I'm headin' back up the hills tomorrow after work to chase elk for another 3 days. WIll report back when I get home.

Good luck Howler, let us know how it turns out.

Leaving today at 5 to head up as well and wont be back til tuesday thank god it is friday.

Well, they are bugling pretty good in the mornings and last thing in the evenings. We need some cooler weather and I think they'd really get going. Seemed like more hunters in the area that I hunt this weekend than I can ever remember in the past. Black powder guys are out in force. No one in my camp had any shot opportunitys, although some elk were spotted, no one could seal the deal.