Great story! Not trying to be a kiss ass, but it seems like most of that wouldn't be possible without your understanding of elk vocalization and behavior. I know that this is what you are best known for, but I still gotta say good job on being such a student of these animals. That kind of dedication is very admirable.
Gerard, nice thing is anyone can become a student! (grin) We do our best to apply the sounds elk use as a source of communication back to them. It's really not hard, just a matter of understanding their language to a degree. Sometimes it's tough but with enough encounters with elk over many years of hunting & studying them you start to get a good feel for the messages being sent by them through both their Intensity & Cadence of sounds. It is a lot of fun trying to figure it out then applying it! (grin) Thanks & good luck sir!