Cow Calls Into Bulls

[idahohikker]

ElkNut on his podcast really talked up the strategy of cow calling gradually towards a bull that has responded to a cow call. He said the bulls expect the cow to come to the bull so it's more natural, especially for herd bulls. Anyone else had success doing this besides the pro? Thoughts?

 

[elkguide]

When I was guiding, I put 90% of the bulls in front of my clients using only cow calls. Occasionally I'd run into a bull that was hot to fight but usually, other than as a locator or to keep the hunter happy, my bugle wasn't used.

 

[cnelk]

I've went to the bull a few times, mewing along the way and stepping on sticks not being stealthy at all.

It works but the downside is that the bull most often time spots you before you see him and then the gigs up


Like elkguide, the majority of the elk I call in is using cow calls.
But what works for me in my areas may not work in/for others

 

[BrianID]

I think it is effective to move toward the bull. If the terrain allows, I will try to close the distance to the bull. If possible I'll move forward just once and then set up and call again. Occasionally I'll reposition several times while calling a bull. The closer you are to the bull, the better your odds of him coming to you.

 

[wseidel]

Last fall in NW Wyoming, I used cow calls to draw a bull by my partner. The bull was moving his cows into the timber (about 150-200 yards away) and I moved laterally on the far side of the small valley calling intermittently...always in response to his bugles telling me to get over to him "NOW". He got so angry and impatient with me that he actually left his cows to come and get this "straggler" who wouldn't come directly to him. Now bear in mind that I wasn't moving toward him, away from him or staying still - I was moving across the slope SLOWLY.

As he was crossing the small creek broadside in front of my partner - at 30 yards - he was obscured by the willows (except for his head). Long story short, he stopped and stared in my partner's direction for over a minute and then simply turned and went back to his cows - disappearing back into the timber. The bull didn't wind him but saw or sensed something he didn't like. It was quite a thrill for both of us, to say the least. This was my first experience actually "talking" with a bull...amazing!

Hope this helps...