How agressive do you get on a bugleing bull?

[WonderDuck]

I heard a bull bugle at least once every morning last year in a drainage area I was hunting in Colorado.

My thinking was I didn't want to get too close and bump him out of the country.

Talking with a young guide from Wyoming he said I should have been more aggressive and went into thick stuff after him.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Too experience the full episode you need to get in their face and have the up close interaction, nothing like it!

 

[billsansom]

After locating a bull, I let the bull set the tempo. If more than one bull is bugling, or the bugler you just heard seems to be sitting tight, I'd suggest moving in close as you can before you do any calling.  Then let the scene develop - if you are hearing several bugles and maybe cow calls you are likely into a bunch with circling satelite bulls, cows on alert, and calves too, not to mention one pissed off herd bull.... he's your target.


My book titled "Not Looking To Die" has a chapter titled "Half & Half" that describes a scene just like the one I just mentioned.  Another chapter titled "Moment of Truth" describes a similiar scene.  My book is available by title from Amazonbooks.com.  The book contains 25 chapters all a story in themselves.  Good luck friend.

 

[COLOelkman]

I've tried being aggressive at times but probably just picked the wrong bull as I've not had any come in fired up.  I've usually tried the wimpy bugle to see if I can find one that's looking to come in and kick butt but that also hasn't worked.  I will be trying more aggressive bugling this year too but I will probably wait till they are fired up as I'm hunting an area with a lot of bulls this year.

 

[montanaelk31]

Agree with all that has been said. Most important---get as close as possible. If u bump them so be it.  They weren't gonna respond from a distance anyway. Can't be afraid to spook them if you want to kill them.
Regarding bugling- I do 2 bugles. Locater bugle and challenge bugle. I never try to sound like a weak bugling spike or whatever. I try to sound like the baddest elk in the woods. I don't win them all..but I never stop getting in their face. Most will make an aggressive move at you

 

[turbo1967]

being more aggressive has worked way better for me get close , aggressive bugling, soft cow calls if your using a cow call an aggressive cow call is more of an alarm, and rack some trees and brush make some noise you want to piss him off.

 

[bow_dozer]

Same bugling as montanaelk31 mentioned. Challenge that bull, if he's is fired up start hammering trees and raking. This will bring him in if hes ready to dance

 

[DIRK DURHAM]

Close the gap, bugle aggressively. Take the game to THE BULL.


It's pretty hard to start a fight with another dude talkin like a wimp. Get tough, aggressive, and talk some serious elk trash!

 

[IDHUNTER]

How are you going to kill something if you're afraid to get close to it?  Cant shoot it from across the canyon.  Cut the distance as quickly and quietly as you can and once you get him talking again sound like you're going to kick his butt and see what happens.  If you bust him out of there then go find another one, it's not the only elk in the country. 

 

[Chris Sloan]

Where yoy call from can be just as important too. Elk can pinpoint sound and just because your invisible in camo, they still know they should see s elk where that soynd came from. Use that to your advantage.

 

[Elkoholic505]

Before getting aggressive with the calling sequence you need to move into his comfort zone. If he has cows, locate move into within 100 yards before calling again. Once in his comfort zone, imitate that you are to steal his ladies.

 

[BrentLaBere]

Pitch Tone and Intensity. I have been taught that by some really good callers. It all depends on the bull and what he is doing, that will dictate how aggressive I will be with calling. Either way though, after locating an elk, you need to get in close without calling. Get into the red zone, comfort zone, 100 yards, whatever name you want to give it (as close as possible). Give the bull what he wants or in some cases doesnt want, a challenger. Chris made a good point if calling solo, move after the call. They can pinpoint your location so if you know he is coming in, you need to adjust and then shut up. Make him look for you.
Good way to start out is with cow calls, non aggressive and escalate from there if you need to.

 

[Dustin Curran]

I normally let the animal decide. Either way if your methods aren't working then don't be afraid to switch them up.

 

[loopmtz]

I think you get aggressive with every bull that is sounding off. I think trying to get them in to a fight and make things happen always out weighs waiting and hoping you find them later.