New to Elk Hunting - New to this site

[weiroblpay]

This year will be my first elk hunt. For now, I will only hunt with a rifle which means (for my state - UT) that I will be hunting from Oct 6-18th. My understanding is that there may be a little bit of rut action still. For me, any legal bull will be a trophy. I don't need a herd bull (6x6 or larger) type, though I wouldn't pass one up.

Should I do any cow calling or bugling or is that a waste at that time of the year?


I purchased the UEH course and I'm going through it carefully learning everything I can as well as studying other materials. I've hunted mule deer since I was 12 years old (I'm currently 63) and have a lot of experience with that, but none for elk. I've waited too long to try this, but now I'm going to give it my best and see if I can fill an elk tag.

 

[Rzrbac]

Welcome aboard!

 

[cohunter14]

Yes, welcome weiroblpay!  :welcome:


Early during your season, I would think there is a chance you could locate some bulls using location bugles or cow calls. That is right during the end of the peak rut, so there should still be some activity going on. One thing that could influence if they respond or not would be the amount of pressure the area has seen prior to then. But I certainly would learn to use calls and give them a shot, especially during the early portion.

 

[Ol Arky]

:welcome:

 

[DTP]

:welcome:

Some great people around here  :upthumb:

 

[Clayman56]

Welcome! Glad to have you join! I think learning to use calls is definitely worth it, especially in the rut. You may not be able to bring in the herd bull, but there are plenty of quality satellite bulls that will respond, so it's absolutely worth your time to perfect this skill.