Calling Again

[Swede]

I have a theory on why Cnelk and Elkmtngear successfully use cow calls from their tree stand and why Swede thinks it is a bad idea. These guys each account for a lot of time and experience in tree stands, so why the difference? What do you think?
Remember we can\'t call someone\'s character or intelligence into question, so keep it clean. :lol:

 

[iccyman001]

I called my spike in last year while in a tree stand. (Cow calls)

I had planned on trying it again this year.
My strategic location will allow me to successfully do a cold call set up while looking at all locations the elk could come from. So I\'ll be able to call with zero movement and then attack if they come in.

The location is nice too because if they come in and hang up, I have this nice little water hole/mud spot that they would just be CRAZY to pass by.

No idea if it\'ll work, but I\'ll try!

 

[mtnmutt]

Does elk density have anything to do with it? Or elk density compared to hunter density?

Another possibility is perhaps a lower number of treestand hunters in CO calling than in another state? They may have become more wary of elk sounds in the trees in your state. In general, I don\'t hear of many CO treestand hunters in CO.

I have to admit, I feel a little spoiled here in CO. Even in a heavy pressure OTC CO unit, I feel I have an advantage over some other states.

Yes, there is lots of calling in my unit. I have no doubt many elk ignore my single cow mews or calf calls and then boom, this lonely bull decides to come check me out. Is the elk density a factor? Probably.

 

[Stringunner]

My theory is this. Tree stands set up in travel corridors, saddles, trails, in or near bedding areas would all be potential areas to call from, not much different than doing a cold calling set up, except that you are not as mobile if need to be.

Calling from a stand that is positioned directly in front of a water hole or wallow (which is how Swede most commonly hunts from a treestand) is not needed and can actually do more harm than good, as calling alerts other elk and animals that someone or something is already at the water.

I believe that is the primary difference

 

[Swede]

I know this thread has not been up long, but I will share my theory anyway. I certainly do not want to stop any discussion, and do not claim any special insight.
I sit at destination points where there is water, and trails all coming together near bedding grounds. It looks like Brad\'s locations don\'t have the trails coming in like the spokes on a wheel as mine do. I think Jeff and Brad are trying to increase the odds for the elk to come to where they are, while I have points where they will most likely come, if they are in the vicinity; especially if they need water.
Also, for the last 10 or so years I have noticed the elk, especially bulls coming in to the water very cautiously. They will hold back 15 or 20 minutes before moving close. They apparently have a reason to be extra cautions. They were not always that way. Bulls have always been slower about moving in, but the cows and calves used to come in on the run. Not anymore. I think they are trained. They move out quick when the pressure is on, and now days I see them get a drink from a little trickle down the draw instead of coming to the water hole and wallow. The elk just leave if they see or hear another elk.

 

[iccyman001]

The spot you described is exactly how my water hole is set up...


maybe I won\'t be calling :think:

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

What about tree stand height? I\'ve had elk pick off my exact location after calling. So closer to the ground the tree stand is the more realistic the calls sound? If I recall, Swede puts his stands at ~ 20\'?

The area Swede hunts is known for call shy elk. I\'ve experienced this personally. So could it be more about the reaction to calls instead of calling from a stand?