I should not have called!

[JohnFitzgerald]

We hear about calling encounters that were successful, so how about the times when we shouldn\'t have called? I\'ll start.

Came over this ridge which overlooked a big basin. Gave out the loudness contact bugle I could muster. Then I watched a nice branched bull jump at 60 yards away and go running off. If I briefly scanned my enviorment before letting out this bugle, I would have noticed him bedded down.

 

[Swede]

That is funny John. It reminds me of some of my blunders.

Several times I answered a bugle from my tree stand. Not good. I am convinced the bull was coming to water when I informed him the site was already occupied. The tragic thing is that I could not take back my call.

I have made the mistake of believing a bugle came from another hunter, only to get a major surprise when I carelessly walked too close.

 

[cnelk]

The biggest mistake people make when \'I should not have called\' is when an elk is coming in and hangs up, just
Out of range.
They can see the elk, the elk can prob see their position.
They think since the call brought the elk this far, call some more.

Wrong.

Wait.

Only call if the elk turns to leave.
Keep their interest.

If the elk stands there for 5 min, you need to sit there for 5 min silent.

 

[Tdiesel]

Ya I\'ve done that one brad have learned hopfully??? at least when Im not in the situation I have learned. The other one is dorking around with a call trying to either get it unstuck or something while eating a snack/lunch instead of being ready with a bow have had elk walk in only to not have a bow or arrow ready, one a really nice bull that still haunts my memories should have waited till one of us were ready at least.

 

[otcWill]

I honestly can\'t think of a single time I called and it was a deal breaker. That said, my first method of attack is always spot and stalk. We\'ve killed a bunch without making a peep. I always attempt to sneak within bow range without calling. If, for some reason, I don\'t think its gonna work then I call. This leads to close proximity situations which, for me, have been the key to bringing bulls in close. I do some cold calling settups. Those would be exceptions. Otherwise, my rule is: If you\'ve already spotted them, go kill one. Only call as a secondary tactic once in very close proximity. By no means do I think this is the best or only way, its just one that has worked very well for me.