Calls

[Kentucky hunter]

What type of bugles are everyone using looking in to getting a new one? How many of you call during the early season or do you even call at all?

 

[Hilltop]

I use all diaphragm mouth calls with a tube for bugling... Early can work very well if you get into the right bull. Private vs public makes a big difference early. Unpressured elk will call earlier and more frequently. On public I like to gauge the bulls attitude and adjust calling accordingly.

 

[Slugz]

I use a home made one from the end of a wiffle ball bat. Double reed Carlton call. My technique from the opener here in Colorado Aug 29th till about the 7th of September is I only cow call. The animals I'm hunting are traveling the country looking for cows and diving into wallows to stay cool. Like HT said above, public land after the 1st week of September you gotta gauge them or risk the chance of pushing them away (cause they already have some cows) or you may run into the one that does not and in that case he's looking to steal some.

 

[Travisitguy]

I'll be on a Elk hunt first week in November, this is a Hair tag hunt which is nice. should I still use a bugle at times or would a cow call be best? I have one of those Primo hoochie mama cow calls.

I should add that my hunt is Eastern Oregon, Elevation ranging from 4500' to 7500' if that makes any difference

 

[Hilltop]

I'll be on a Elk hunt first week in November, this is a Hair tag hunt which is nice. should I still use a bugle at times or would a cow call be best? I have one of those Primo hoochie mama cow calls.

I should add that my hunt is Eastern Oregon, Elevation ranging from 4500' to 7500' if that makes any difference

Hair tag hunt? I have no experience with elk in that region but in general most elk are done breeding by early to mid October. Hunting that time of year generally consists of spot and stalk with very little calling success.

 

[Slugz]

What HT said above. Don't bugle it will most likely push them. Scout prior, pattern them and spot and stalk. Find their food and water in a undisturbed area.

 

[badgerbob]

Do not bugle. I think it's already been said, spot and stalk. Are you planning to shoot the first one you see or try for a bull?

 

[ore hunter]

do not bugle,,,very marginal to even cow call,,,id go silent and spot and make a move,,by November they are pretty smart on hunters.

 

[Travisitguy]

Hair tag meaning I can shoot a cow or a bull. I have every intention of holding out for a bull although you know how that goes when you get into the thick of things. I am planning on at least 1 scouting trip, hoping for 2 prior to the hunt. Also getting into contact with both BLM,FS and ODFW. I have only hunted this unit one other time 2yrs ago which I was successful harvesting a cow. Weather this year will be interesting to say the least here on the west coast so getting out early will be important.