Favorite Elk Tactics?

[Airborne1]

So I am always looking for what is most effective and efficient when it comes to just about everything. So with elk hunting you see a lot of bugling trying to call in that bull that's full of rut (lets be honest its exciting and fun, but most effective?) and looking for a fight. But then you see a lot of bulls coming into those sweet cow calls.

In your experiences, have you had more luck bugling the bulls in?
Sweet talking to the bull with cow calls?
Or does the ninja approach of getting close and cutting them off work better for you?

By no means do I have as much experience as most of you but I have seen and done it all three ways and to me personally, I have found not all bulls are fighters and have actually had more bulls steer clear of conflict. So for me, getting close and cutting them off has been more productive.

 

[AGPank]

I think it depends on the situation. I’ve been trying to learn more from elknut as he is a great teacher. His techniques have really improved the quantity and quality of my encounters.

Early season bulls are driven by the instinct to breed. I had a lot of encounters last year with his slow play sequence.

Buy his app and listen to his podcasts. He has good suggestions to read the situation and listen to what the elk are saying.


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[Airborne1]

I have had his app. I wasn't looking for tips really, but was interested in what other people have found work for them. Yeah calls and slow plays and this and that but we all have some sort of "go to" when needed. That is more of what I was looking for.

 

[Catahoula]

Personally, I’ve had more encounters while cow calling. Higher percentage I’d say anyway. It is situational.

 

[Coveyleader]

Treestands are deadly in the right area.......... Deadly!

 

[Airborne1]

Treestands are deadly in the right area.......... Deadly!

I would agree, but I would think most people don't have that spot on the spot for a treestand in your DIY places.

 

[Coveyleader]

I'm 1000% percent DIY and I don't leave for camp without one. How many times have you been dogging a bull, and come across a waterhole or wallow absolutely smashed? Better yet, watching from afar and the elk are using a ridge or saddle constantly?

Many times a Treestand is almost unfair in these scenarios and I'll go through the trouble of hanging one on a week long hunt.

 

[Airborne1]

I'm 1000% percent DIY and I don't leave for camp without one. How many times have you been dogging a bull, and come across a waterhole or wallow absolutely smashed? Better yet, watching from afar and the elk are using a ridge or saddle constantly?

Many times a Treestand is almost unfair in these scenarios and I'll go through the trouble of hanging one on a week long hunt.

I have found some saddles that got constant use, and there were a couple times I wish I would have taken a climber with me. This year I think I am going to take one and in that instance I find that sweet spot I will use it. So once you find your spot, you'll sit it until it pays off, or give it a couple days and move on?

 

[cnelk]

Tree stand hunting for elk is fun

 

[Scoutman]

We have had luck doing everything talked about. Killed elk with cow calls, bugles, treestands. Elk to me every one is different, like a turkey. You learn from every encounter, experience you have. My hunting buddy and I have killed 7 cows and 7 bulls since 05, in the same OTC unit in Colorado. The most important thing we have had in our favor is TIME, we have learned the unit and have many areas to go regardless of people and we go out for as long as we can, usually 2 weeks. I'm older know and it gets a little harder prep wise every year, but elk with a bow is my crack! Good luck.

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[cnelk]

 

[Coveyleader]

I have found some saddles that got constant use, and there were a couple times I wish I would have taken a climber with me. This year I think I am going to take one and in that instance I find that sweet spot I will use it. So once you find your spot, you'll sit it until it pays off, or give it a couple days and move on?

I'd give it a couple days for sure. Depending on the area of course, but elk will use the same saddles and waterholes daily, or every couple days if not messed with. I'd rather shoot one from the ground, but if putting an elk on the ground is your main goal, a treestand in the right place is lights out.

 

[5MilesBack]

You make it sound like it's an either/or with only cow calls or challenge bugles at your disposal. There's a whole lot of in-between options in there.

 

[Airborne1]

You make it sound like it's an either/or with only cow calls or challenge bugles at your disposal. There's a whole lot of in-between options in there.

Definitely not what I was aiming for. Peoples preferred tactics is what I was aiming for.


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[Swede]

I have not found an area that elk are located where I haven't found a good place to hang a tree stand. Often it is at a spring where several trails meet. Sometimes it is at the junction of several trails or in a well used saddle. The sign on the ground should be a good indicator, or check a place with your trail camera. Wallows are not a main attraction as they are hit so sporadically, but they add to a good spot.
I have found tree stands to be the most consistent tool for killing elk in otc units. The great part is that with a little map research and scouting, a rookie can be very effective from a tree.

 

[Howard Mee]

I have a buddy who has killed... a dozen? or more bulls from tree stand here in NW MT. One hit the magical 400" mark.

I mostly rut hunt. Archery only. I've literally never seen a bull during rifle season.
Most of my tactics are pretty standard. Bugle to locate. Try to sneak in quiet if I can, but otherwise, lots of bugling. My biggest tip would be to learn the "pace" of the elk. I'm very aggressive. Cut the distance. Get in close. But I have to remember that elk are in a different mind set. They're just living life. I have rarely rarely very rarely had them come in screaming crazy trying to kill me. They usually saunter in. So... once you're in striking distance, SLOW DOWN. Breathe. Chill out and let the hunt happen. My 2 cents.

 

[5MilesBack]

Definitely not what I was aiming for. Peoples preferred tactics is what I was aiming for.

If we shared those, they wouldn't be a secret anymore.......and everyone would be using them. No thanks.

 

[Beendare]

The thing that you won't hear from the guys selling you calling programs is;

It doesn't always work. ...and in high pressure OTC units calling can be elk repellent.

I'm not saying don't call....its my preferred strategy....but just be aware there is no one perfect strategy.

Improving your hunting skills is one thing a guy can do; Stalking, reading sign, reading topography, calling- all helps

______

 

[trophyhill]

I'm still learning and trying new things and trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. A couple years ago in a heavily hunted OTC unit, I called in 16 bulls cow calling, bugling, and a couple other select sounds. If a guy limits himself, then he's limiting his opportunities......

 

[Indian Summer]

If there’s one thing better than knowing where elk were it’s being where they are about to be. I guess a tree stand would fit that bill but I love a change of scenery so being mobile is more fun for me. Locate by calling or glassing then put the move on them and ambush. That’s killed many a bull for me. I’m pretty sneaky and I know my area really well. Knowing an area like the back of your hand and where the elk travel and hang out is priceless. It minimizes the guesswork when you locate elk.