I need a lesson in calls

[Madstop14]

Going to hunt 1st rifle in CO this fall and am trying to get all dialed in. Feel good about my gear, my fitness, my shooting, learning some strategy and soaking up info here (my thanks to you all). I'm not sure about calls though. I'm reading that bugles won't really work all that great as the rut is basically over. Is there any truth to this?

Do I get a tube and start practicing with it, do I get cow calls and start with those, do I bother with calls at all? Could use some direction from real world experience.

 

[justinspicher]

I’ve never used a call for anything in the ten years I’ve hunted Colorado, regardless of the season. Every time I did try to use a call, I just got hunters to come in.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Hoochie mama blown every time your left foot hits the ground, seems to be the standard around here.

 

[Madstop14]

Hoochie mama blown every time your left foot hits the ground, seems to be the standard around here.

Yeah, trying not to be that guy

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Locator bugle before sunrise. Lost calf after sunrise. Other than that don't make a peep

 

[il_cop]

Definitely don't need calls.
It's a mixed bag whether or not they will talking. We've had total silence on Sept 19th and fired up bugling bulls on Halloween.

Either way, you don't need to talk back or call one in, would likely hurt more than help.
And...you'll have a rifle.

 

[Phaseolus]

Just a cow call can help stop elk for a few seconds to get your shot. Since you don't know much about calling don't bugle, 1st season isn't a great time for bugles in a pressured unit.

 

[mtnbound]

Going to hunt 1st rifle in CO this fall and am trying to get all dialed in. Feel good about my gear, my fitness, my shooting, learning some strategy and soaking up info here (my thanks to you all). I'm not sure about calls though. I'm reading that bugles won't really work all that great as the rut is basically over. Is there any truth to this?

Do I get a tube and start practicing with it, do I get cow calls and start with those, do I bother with calls at all? Could use some direction from real world experience.

Bugling, grunting, chuckling,and barking are tools in your toolbox, does it work every time no, but neither does a cow call. You don’t have to sound perfect but it’s worth the time to learn them.

 

[Wheels]

Download the ElkNut app and work on your diaphragm calling.

 

[Ross]

If you don’t learn basic elk calls, you’re missing a possible opportunity!

 

[Smithb9841]

I don’t see a reason not to, you have months to Play around learn different calls. Bring them with you if they work they do if they don’t oh well you tried.

Corey Jacobson has some good videos on YouTube to point you in the right direction on how to call.

 

[Madstop14]

Appreciate all the replies!