Elk Bark

[unshodjogger]

I went to the mountains for a quick archery trip with my 7 y/o son this weekend and we had a blast with 2 very close calls. On our first one, we had a bull come across a large open space but then when he didn't see what he liked/heard, he let out the dreaded "bark". I immediately replied in kind and he never really spooked off but slowly meandered away. We weren't able to pursue and anytime I tried a call after that he would respond with the bark. My question is this, what is your go-to strategy and mindset when you hear the "bark"? Do you chalk it up as a loss and that encounter is blown? Do you keep trying to draw him back in if he didn't really spook? Would love to hear everyone's approach in this situation?

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Depends on the bark…. Lot to learn about elk language. Sounds like the bull gave you a free pass with a “show me bark” not an alert bark. A bark and clear out you’re done, a bark and wait is your free pass show me bark. All he wanted was for you to prove you were a cow.


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[BigDog00]

I would say you did what you could by barking back. Also agree with BigAntlerGetter. Sounds like he decided he didn't want to FAFO.

In that case I would probably try to keep tabs on the bull and shadow him. Maybe try to bed him and either try to stalk or call in again later on. If not, go try to find another one.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Yeah agree with Bigantler, you could have possibly tried another cow call but I doubt it would work, barking back can stall them sometimes, I’ve had it work on a cow before where i successfully barked back and she lost interest and left me alone instead of blowing the whole herd out, had many times where it hasn’t and everyone blows out

 

[unshodjogger]

Depends on the bark…. Lot to learn about elk language. Sounds like the bull gave you a free pass with a “show me bark” not an alert bark. A bark and clear out you’re done, a bark and wait is your free pass show me bark. All he wanted was for you to prove you were a cow.


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That is similar to what I was thinking it. It was early morning and I location bugled and he responded and then started coming our way. I never actually used any cow calls because he seemed apt for a brawl until he didn't. Wasn't able to follow him to bed due to having the little dude in tow but was a fun experience all the same.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

That is similar to what I was thinking it. It was early morning and I location bugled and he responded and then started coming our way. I never actually used any cow calls because he seemed apt for a brawl until he didn't. Wasn't able to follow him to bed due to having the little dude in tow but was a fun experience all the same.

A “show me bark” is a free ticket to move and get in on the bull, he is looking for movement and noise, I’ve literally almost ran into a bull when I got a show me bark he had no cares about movement and noise cause he was looking for the other animals and didn’t matter how fast it came or what.


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[unshodjogger]

A “show me bark” is a free ticket to move and get in on the bull, he is looking for movement and noise, I’ve literally almost ran into a bull when I got a show me bark he had no cares about movement and noise cause he was looking for the other animals and didn’t matter how fast it came or what.


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I wish that was an option. I was in the trees and he was out in an open hillside. I tried to sneak back and call him into the trees but he wasn't having it.

 

[Ucsdryder]

In that situation I would have barked back and moved further down the hill. Make noise so he knows you left. Then rake or something to show your frustration. If he followed into the trees the game is back on. If he moves off he’s still in the area and not spooked.

 

[svivian]

I”ll bark back and then try to move so that he is down wind of me just the same as that bull is going to try and move down wind of you.

I try to mimic the bull or be one step ahead so it thinks I’m an elk rather than a threat.

Tough either way

 

[ElkNut1]

If you have cover between you & the elk (cow or bull) get good wind which you probably already have then quickly cow call your way right to him, noise is not a factor as you go to him. This is giving him exactly what is asking for. Have an arrow nocked & keep that cover between you. Once you know your in bow range draw & step out for the shot. I've taken 3 bulls this way, one was with a longbow.

By barking back or barking back & chuckling etc. You rarely win those engagements, sure there can be an exchange but it doesn't result in a shot opportunity! In most cases that elk walks out of your life. Good luck!

ElkNut

 

[spike camp]

If I get barked at, I know that particular encounter is basically over.
Barking back or any other sound is almost always a dead end.

If the bull just zig zags away, I’d run around and try and get in front of him, or at least to the side…and then maybe try and sound like some cows.

But in a perfect scenario I’d run around and get eyes on him and not make any elk sounds because he’s likely already on edge, so id be working hard to get in a possible shot position without calling.

 

[mtnbound]

I wish that was an option. I was in the trees and he was out in an open hillside. I tried to sneak back and call him into the trees but he wasn't having it.

In that scenario, I wouldn't have barked back; there's nothing to gain, and he has won that encounter. I would go silent and move towards his potential bedding areas, and re-engage him in different terrain. If there were other bulls in the area, I might also choose to go after one of those and come back to him later if needed.

 

[unshodjogger]

In that situation I would have barked back and moved further down the hill. Make noise so he knows you left. Then rake or something to show your frustration. If he followed into the trees the game is back on. If he moves off he’s still in the area and not spooked.

O man that would've likely been a good option. Definitely was a bit torn as to what was best to do because in my experience they've always barked and took off so I was a bit caught off guard when he barked but still hung around. I was able to watch where he and his buddies went to bed but unfortunately it was a bit too far of a trek with a 7 y/o in tow. Definitely great learning experience!

 

[Ucsdryder]

O man that would've likely been a good option. Definitely was a bit torn as to what was best to do because in my experience they've always barked and took off so I was a bit caught off guard when he barked but still hung around. I was able to watch where he and his buddies went to bed but unfortunately it was a bit too far of a trek with a 7 y/o in tow. Definitely great learning experience!

2 types of barks.

1. Alarm bark. You’re cooked. He knows you’re not an elk and it’s usually followed by pounds by hooves and a cloud of dust.

2. Show me bark. He thinks your an elk but wants you to prove it.

 

[unshodjogger]

If you have cover between you & the elk (cow or bull) get good wind which you probably already have then quickly cow call your way right to him, noise is not a factor as you go to him. This is giving him exactly what is asking for. Have an arrow nocked & keep that cover between you. Once you know your in bow range draw & step out for the shot. I've taken 3 bulls this way, one was with a longbow.

By barking back or barking back & chuckling etc. You rarely win those engagements, sure there can be an exchange but it doesn't result in a shot opportunity! In most cases that elk walks out of your life. Good luck!

ElkNut

Unfortunately I didn't have any cover between myself and the elk. Otherwise I would've tried to close down like you suggested but I was pretty pinned down where I was. Once he started to wander away I did try to back up and then loop around but being as it was all an open hillside I didn't have any options on closing down and he was concerned enough to come any closer.

 

[wapitibob]

2 types of barks.

1. Alarm bark. You’re cooked. He knows you’re not an elk and it’s usually followed by pounds by hooves and a cloud of dust.

2. Show me bark. He thinks your an elk but wants you to prove it.

^^ this

I've had a bull bugle back, run in, and do the show me bark at 10 yards.