ELK HUNTING BASICS- YOUR MOVE #11

[easeup]

It is late Sept bowhunt, early AM, still dark sort of as you are having trouble zipping up the vest because its too dark without your headlamp.

It is gear check time to start the day. You are low on the hill in the oak brush with plans to work up as it gets light. Now what every elknut grad does at this time is a locator bugle....ahhuuurrgh....bang - immediate answer and close up and on the left. then another on your right and a little down. Sweet! and I don't have to go far this morning. wait! I can here them just over there. Dang it! there is at least another 25 min before I can see through my peep.
what is my move?

[itsnlkthing]

I'll take a rookie cracked at it. Back out and circle below the one below and to the right. By the time you get in position it will be light enough to see. It's early morning and the thermals will be coming down hill. If you move up to go after the one to the left, the one to the right may get your wind, bust you and blow both of them out of there.

[Swede]

Back out a ways and wait. When you move back at first light they should still be there. Knowing they were close, I would try a common cow call first when I returned.

[WapitiTalk1]

Easeup, what the heck are you bugling for while in the oak brush if it's not light enough to shoot? I've been literally ran over doing that You're trying to trick us, aren't you In your scenario the way you offered it, I would back out for 15 minutes or so (as Swede mentioned).. Geez, I hate to agree with Swede Just listen and wait.. They'll continue to sound off more than likely. Get back on your elk horse and move close to one and see if he wants to come over for dinner.

[BrentLaBere]

With the situation at hand I would try and get to the downside/downhill of the elk and put the thermals in my favor in case one was on his way in. Move quiet and slow putting yourself in position for the cow call as soon as you can see.

[Trophyhill]

I'd just sit tight until daybreak and target the bull above me. the pleading cow sound has made me a believer and so I'd give it to him at first light and try to call him down to me. if he bugles back but doesn't come in then I'd go to him looking for a fight once I got in close.

[easeup]

chapter 2- I worried myself ragged they would smell me. I waited.
I heard a couple more bugles from the uphill bull on the left and he is moving up and away from me. It is almost light enough now

help me deicide your next move.

[WapitiTalk1]

Are you hearing any cow chatter going on in the direction of the upper bull at this point?

[Mikeha33]

Have you bugled again since their first response? I wouldn't have, being to dark still, but you know the scenario, and maybe you did. If so, was there an answer?
If so, he may be herding up his cows and moving out, protecting his herd from another bull. I'd be aggressive. He's already moving away from you, so if you dont do anything, he's probably a goner. If you can close some distance, maybe a challenge bugle and some intense raking will piss him off and draw him back in.

[easeup]

I know what I did.
what would you do?

my hearing is not so good. I only know the bull uphill has tooted a little and he is moving uphill as the sky gets light.
I have been the silent church mouse waiting.

Chapter 3 - well, the decision point is now easier.
I think the lower bull smelled me and I think I heard him trot away.