Elk hunting question......

[Blaze]

I am a Michigan hunter and have finally drawn a Michigan antler less elk tag. My question is this, will a fawn bleat such as the call made by primos commonly known as the "can" work for calling cow elk? My season opens Dec. 7th and I was hoping that some of the western elk hunters or someone with more experience with elk hunting can answer my question.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I don't think so. YouTube it and see if there is video of a calf elk calling out.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Up in the Pigeon River Forest where you'll be hunting they normally just drive the two tracks looking for animals. Most of those who draw tags contact a local up there who knows where the animals are and can put you on them. I've hunted elk out in Wyoming and several other western states for 20 years and I doubt seriously that you'll call an elk with that can, although if you have animals in the area and want to stop one for a shot it might work. The best thing would be to spend a few bucks and get a cow call since your tag is really a OIL for the most part here in Michigan. The Primos Hootchie Mama or better yet the calf call they make would be the way to go and it doesn't require any practice since it merely requires you to push a rubber part to make the sound. Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Kentucky hunter]

I have the primos hoochie mama an cow girl calls both easy to use they make a baby hoochie now have not got one yet maybe what you need for this trip. If they been hunted hard they maybe not answer may go away from you

 

[libidilatimmy]

The hoochie mama calls will work for you. Youtube cow/calf elk calls like Ikeepitcold suggested and you'll notice the difference between female elk sounds and female deer sounds. I don't think a bleat would work at all on elk other than a 'shock factor' result, similar to whistling at them, possibly slowing them down if on the move, but it may just make them run faster.

 

[Timberstalker]

Hum, I guess I never tried to call a cow elk, I wouldn't have even considered that as a tactic. Good luck, I hope what ever tactic you use works, have fun!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Hum, I guess I never tried to call a cow elk, I wouldn't have even considered that as a tactic. Good luck, I hope what ever tactic you use works, have fun!

***Elk are a very social animal and cow calling can be used to bring cows and calves in, as well as to settle down ones in an area that may have got a glimpse of you or heard you moving in brush, etc. It will not make any difference though if they get a whiff of human scent. If bulls are not answering a call, cow calling will sometimes bring females in with a bull following them, especially when the rut is coming on.

 

[libidilatimmy]

Calling cows can work decently. You'll call in a cow looking for lost calf, calf looking for lost mom, or call in singles/doubles that are lost from a group. It's been my experience that the reed style, either diaphragm or hand call, work better than a hoochie mama call since you're able to induce emotion into the calling with different duration's on different notes giving you the ability to sound like more than one elk. Just keep in mind that no two elk will sound alike when calling so if you make a mistake, just keep right on rockin' to hold their attention.

 

[jjenness]

IMO I would be cautious about using any calls this time of year as most of the "calling in" time is long past. I would personally limit cow calling this time of year to only when I am trying to get an animal to stop for a shot. I would bet that the chances of you even hearing many cows talking is going to be quite low. Get to a good vantage point and glass the feeding and bedding areas, if the terrain allows for it, and then plan a stalk from there. If not I would try to find fresh sign and try to sit on a feeding or bedding area that is being frequented and wait for the elk to come to you. Good luck, hope to see some pictures soon.

 

[Timberstalker]

***Elk are a very social animal and cow calling can be used to bring cows and calves in, as well as to settle down ones in an area that may have got a glimpse of you or heard you moving in brush, etc. It will not make any difference though if they get a whiff of human scent. If bulls are not answering a call, cow calling will sometimes bring females in with a bull following them, especially when the rut is coming on.

I agree, and have had similar experiances in the fall. I never have tryed to just call in cows in December though, not sure how well that would work?? I never have tried hunting in elk in Michigan either! No matter the tactic, any elk hunting is a good time.

 

[Blaze]

Thank you for all he responses....the fawn bleat call was a thought...but I don't think I will use it. My thought was to have an option that might bring the elk in closer if by chance I saw them and wanted to bring them in a little closer in the event they were too far away. I know from turkey hunting and calling that if the birds have been hunted hard in later season the calling could actually push them further away. The elk in this area have been hunted several times already this year, and the rut is over. The elk should be herded back up and if I see one I may very well others. Thank you again for the information, I really appreciate it and if I get lucky enough to shoot one I will post a picture. This is my first time elk hunting, and it took me 29 years to finally draw a tag so I am really looking forward to the hunt.
Thank you again!

 

[Blaze]

One more question...Topgun 30-06......what did you mean by saying this was an OIL hunt?....just curious!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

One more question...Topgun 30-06......what did you mean by saying this was an OIL hunt?....just curious!

***OIL= once in a lifetime

 

[shootbrownelk]

I am a Michigan hunter and have finally drawn a Michigan antler less elk tag. My question is this, will a fawn bleat such as the call made by primos commonly known as the "can" work for calling cow elk? My season opens Dec. 7th and I was hoping that some of the western elk hunters or someone with more experience with elk hunting can answer my question.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I just shot 2 cows a week ago, from what I saw here in Wyoming...they are bunched-up and plenty spooky. I wouldn't try calling.
Things may be different in Michigan, I'd go with the advise you got earlier, try to contact a local and find out where the elk are. Sounds like it will be a fun hunt! Enjoy yourself, and good luck!

 

[Blaze]

I filled my cow tag! Thanks for all the help guys. I sound up getting a hoocha baby diaphragm call, and my granddaughter got me a hootcha baby squeeze call! We didn't use either call though...we sat the first day without seeing anything except snow, it was cold. The second day in the morning in another area we spotted a cow with two calves on private land which we couldn't hunt. They were 30 yards off road. A few hours later in another area my son," eagle eye" spotted a cow on state land up on a ridge in a cutover on state land. I shot her with my .300 RUM,after talking a couple steps she fell over sideways...after getting help from friends we got her to the check station where she was weighed and checked by biologists. Weight was 285 and age estimated at 2.5 years. This was my first elk and probably last ....in michigan anyway? Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Timberstalker]

Congrats! I hope you had a great time, the kid and grandkid too! Very cool

 

[mt-mike]

How about a picture. Some of us need to see if what you shot is really a cow elk. LOL

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Congratulations from another Michigander and great that you got the other two generations involved in your hunt as that's what it's all about---Pass It On!!!

 

[Blaze]

Thanks, I am trying to figure out how to post a pic....I know how to send via email, but not sure how to post it in this forum situation....using my wife's iPad. Lol

 

[Work2hunt]

Congrats on your elk.

I find posting a picture from an Ipad to be difficult. For some reason when you select the picture on an Ipad you do not get the 'ok"button to complete the uploading. At least when I do it that is what happens. I usually go to my regular computer to upload pictures.