Raking...... At what point?

[trophyhill]

So you've located at least 1 bull with cows and you are in his comfort zone. You rake a tree and get him to do the same. Once you get the bull to raking, when do you stop raking and progress to your next course of action? How do you let this situation "develope"? What are you looking for to dictate your next move? I've been in this situation several times only to have it fall apart rather quickly. Usually the bull is obstructed where I can't get a shot or he starts wanting to see his competition. I'm stumped on how to take this to the next level because raking is so effective.

 

[sumnerhorses]

As soon as he rakes, get moving towards him or a place you can get a shot. He won't see anything while raking. Just don't let any cows see you if they are around.

 

[Ross]

I have used raking alot through the years. Each scenario is a little different in what I choose to do next. If I get him raking and can hear him raking, then I am moving in on him. I will rake as well and then quickly advance as far as the vegetation allows. As noted, they cannot see very well or at all when raking and this may allow you to sneak in for a shot. Often times when I have gotten into a bugling and raking duel, I will rake, bugle over my shoulder and then advance quickly, preparing for the shot. This has worked several times through the years. As with all games we play with bulls, nothing is ever a certainty, but raking offers several different options for us. In my neck of the woods where the vegetation is very dense, I have gotten into raking battles as close at 10 yds, sometimes on purpose, other times just the way it worked out. I have noticed on more than a few occasions, when they are being very aggressive with the raking, versus just polishing, they come in after completing their mock battle.

 

[Weston]

I like raking, I rake more than I bugle once I'm on a bull, often I'll rake and the hunter will move in solo, with me holding back and raking. This works out quite well for me typically. I will throw in a bugle every few minutes, or as I see fit while raking. If I'm getting strong bugle response but no raking back I will typically retreat about 100 yards and bugle and cow call. while having my hunter move up if the bull rakes or hold his position until the bull commits. Sometimes this works, sometimes not. Thats what makes Elk hunting so fun! Last season we killed two 360 class bulls without bugling at all, granted we were in Arizona's famous Unit 9 and we were having bulls bugling back and fourth about as aggressively as I've ever seen. We would just try to play the wind and approach the bulls from the downwind side. We were busted a handful of times but more often than not we could sneak in without being noticed at all.