cow calling

[Bcon]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, and no I have not spent much time looking in other places prior to posting here, I plan to do that as well. My dad and I are headed to Wyoming for a cow elk hunt and it will be a first for both of us. I see lots of information out there about calling to bulls, but is there any ideas about the use of calls for cow hunting? I really don't know much, and readily admit that, but was at the local archery shop the other day and was looking at some of the calls they have and was thinking that when I turkey hunt, there are times that I have been able to "call in" hens (and I know I'm not turkey hunting here!) but made me wonder if that is something a guy might try with elk. In fact last year, my oldest daughter killed a big tom that was "henned up" and so I focused on the hen, eventually got her to come in, and he followed. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Just figured this would be a good place to ask.

Thanks
bcon

 

[chsdaddy]

Using an elk cow call I've called in Bulls, cows, calves, coyotes, bears and other hunters.

Seriously though elk are quite vocal and you can call cows in. When talking to Bulls though there is a reason they are looking for you. You may not be as successful with cows. I would think using it more to calm a herd down or maybe after busting a herd up may be more successful.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Elk are noisy and I don't try to be particularly quiet when I am hunting them, but I do try to not sound "human". Part of that is to use an occasional cow call whether it calls them or not. The downside can be in super heavily hunted areas the elk can get skittish to cow calls because everyone if out there blowing on one.

 

[Bonecollector]

Where in the cowboy state are you headed Bcon?
Good luck! I just came back from general region H tag (mule deer).

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, and no I have not spent much time looking in other places prior to posting here, I plan to do that as well. My dad and I are headed to Wyoming for a cow elk hunt and it will be a first for both of us. I see lots of information out there about calling to bulls, but is there any ideas about the use of calls for cow hunting? I really don't know much, and readily admit that, but was at the local archery shop the other day and was looking at some of the calls they have and was thinking that when I turkey hunt, there are times that I have been able to "call in" hens (and I know I'm not turkey hunting here!) but made me wonder if that is something a guy might try with elk. In fact last year, my oldest daughter killed a big tom that was "henned up" and so I focused on the hen, eventually got her to come in, and he followed. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Just figured this would be a good place to ask.

Thanks
bcon

 

[Hilltop]

Cow calls will absolutely call in cows. I just used one to call in my wife's cow a couple weeks ago. I like to stalk in on a herd or a likely spot for elk to bed and then set up. Give a few cow calls, break a few branches, then wait 5 minutes. I have found that using less common calls works better than whatever the majority of guys are carrying. Try to achieve a little different sound. I mentally try to think of a lost calf and the sounds it would make- almost a desperate sound.