Solo Elk Tips

[ianpadron]

Any tips from the old trad elk killers on how to seal the deal solo?

I've run into 2 main issues that don't exist when I've got a buddy along:

1) managing a bugle, keeping an arrow nocked, and staying hidden in a good shooting lane is damn near impossible lol. Should I just stash the bugle at the last second and rely on cow calls only?

2) I've had multiple bulls hang up on me in that dreaded 40-100 yard range, and without a buddy that can drop back and act like a fleeing cow, I'm stuck in no man's land and am forced to go in hot to close the distance and end up busting the whole operation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[nevadabugle]

Cow call only or not at all if a bull is bugling. I have killed a bull by stalking the bugle only.

When cow calling get them hot and bothered and then move 40 yards in their direction and shut up. Helps cut the distance into that hangup range.

 

[mtnbound]

Any tips from the old trad elk killers on how to seal the deal solo?

I've run into 2 main issues that don't exist when I've got a buddy along:

1) managing a bugle, keeping an arrow nocked, and staying hidden in a good shooting lane is damn near impossible lol. Should I just stash the bugle at the last second and rely on cow calls only?

2) I've had multiple bulls hang up on me in that dreaded 40-100 yard range, and without a buddy that can drop back and act like a fleeing cow, I'm stuck in no man's land and am forced to go in hot to close the distance and end up busting the whole operation.

Thanks in advance!

My bugle has a string that is thrown over my head and under my arm, making it easy to reach with my right hand, and it stays out of the way. I will continue to bugle and move forward or sideways. I haven't had as much luck with cow calling compared to bugles, chuckles, grunts, and growls. When the bull hangs up, I have had some luck with barking at him to get him to show himself. I will also go quiet and make non-verbal noise to see if the bull gets curious and investigates.

 

[Tradchef]

Cow call only or not at all if a bull is bugling. I have killed a bull by stalking the bugle only.

When cow calling get them hot and bothered and then move 40 yards in their direction and shut up. Helps cut the distance into that hangup range.

This!!!! I honestly do this more than bugle on any given time.

 

[Beendare]

It's worse than managing your bugle tube.....the big problem I've had when calling is getting drawn on them without spooking.

I have had better luck with a decoy

 

[ianpadron]

It's worse than managing your bugle tube.....the big problem I've had when calling is getting drawn on them without spooking.

I have had better luck with a decoy

The hell holes I've had luck in make getting hidden pretty easy, but the flip side is they need to be close close to get it done. How do you use a decoy with your trad bow?