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!

 

[Hasslehoff]

Download the ElkNut app and work on your diaphragm calling.

I would second using the ElkNut app. Very helpful when first learning.

 

[bz_711]

Is this a high point limited draw unit...or OTC/Zero Point unit?

 

[Madstop14]

Its a low points draw unit. Guys I'm going with have been here before but this will be my first time there. They are mixed in the calling but none are all that experienced

 

[bz_711]

IMO opinion...high pressure units - no need to call. May night bugle or location first thing in the dark...but I believe most bull elk will be pushed away from calls by that point in the season.

But if you have fun doing it - or it gives you more confidence...go for it.
Good Luck!

 

[Hnthrdr]

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

People sleep on the hoochie mama, can confirm my buddy called in a bull in * the most heavily hunted OTC archery unit in the state with one… I almost died laughing that was what that bull wanted to hear… but sometimes it’s not THE call as much as it is when to call or not to call

 

[Cohunter22]

Leave the bugle at home, you’ll call in more hunters than elk with that most likely. Bring a cow call, and use it to stop a bull to get a shot. Other than that, glass and knowing the terrain and how the elk are using it will be your best bet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Madstop14]

Thanks all, really appreciate the advice. Keep it coming