Elk Calling Plus

[Swede]

On the elk calling thread I mentioned that in addition to just making the right sounds; 1. the location from where we call, and even how we got there can be important. 2. Also supplemental sounds and visuals like decoys can be very important. So please help me hunters. What are some things you have found valuable to go with your cow call or bugle that brings elk closer so you or a shooter can close the deal?

 

[cnelk]

Be in a place where the elk can\'t locate you or your calling location
Gotta make them come looking.
When that happens, they are in your lap

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

Yep, can\'t call from a position where the elk can get a good look at you. Even if you\'re in full camo, they are still going to become alerted because they don\'t see another elk there.

Not all elk all are the same. While simple cow calls may work in one area, they may not work in others. Bring simple calling to my woods and you\'ll get bulls screaming at you all day long......then you\'ll go home with an unfilled tag. Understand what the bull said is the key to bringing them in close or allow you the hunter to get in close.

Just my 2-cents.

 

[elkmtngear]

Yep, can\'t call from a position where the elk can get a good look at you. Even if you\'re in full camo, they are still going to become alerted because they don\'t see another elk there

I agree with both Brad and John...and I would add to John\'s statement by suggesting you \"put an elk there\".

Depending on the setup, I would try to get at least 10 yards from the decoy, and put it in a \"lane\" where it would be easily noticed if a bull came in from a couple of different directions. Unless I was calling for someone else...in that case, I would get right behind it and \"become an elk\", shaking it around periodically, and raking brush/ snapping limbs behind it.

disclaimer: I would not recommend trying this at a wallow/ waterhole. Elk tend to come in cautiously to water, and it could possibly cause a bull to bug out.

 

[Glacier Country]

Elk calling is great ,and decoys help to sell where you want the elk to go, but the shooting setup is also critical to actually getting shot opportunities. So I try to sit, or stand in front of brush or a few pine trees, or wherever I think will give me the best shot opportunity when the bull comes in.
I also like to rake trees to add realism to the encounter.