hunting Cow Elk with a Bow

[Bigtmiller]

I am really new to Elk hunting. Shot my first ever bull this year with a rifle in Wyoming. I want to go back and bow hunt the same spot. Trouble is it will take several years to draw a bull tag again. So if I went for a cow instead, I can get a OTC cow tag. What are the strategies for hunting cows with a bow. Spot and Stalk only?

Thank you

 

[idahohikker]

Some people use lost cow mews and claim it can be pretty successful. I think you could bugle, locate a herd, and stalk in carefully. There should be lots of eyes but lots of targets. Also, get in front of them while they're feeding and it will be easier.

 

[elkduds]

Cow and calf calls may bring them in, and will cover your approach as long as the wind is right. I have had cows and calves check me out when I used cow talk.

 

[5MilesBack]

I prefer to go to them. Locate the herd bull and you'll find the cows.

 

[cnelk]

Put up a tree stand near a bedding area.
Make a few cow calls every once in awhile.
The curious cows will come and check you out.

Calling elk tree stand - YouTube

This calf came in but mama hung back in a different stand than the one above

Calf elk_tree stand - YouTube

Give it a try!

 

[wytx]

No OTC for non residents but additional cow /calf tags are available in lots of areas. Cows are legal on a general tag during archery season, most areas.
Cow calls are the way to go, learn to use different types of calls i.e. bite and blow, diaphragms etc.