Tale of the Tape - Episode #2

[WapitiTalk1]

Watch the clip and tell us what you see and hear going on. What type of bugles are you hearing? What is the bull you can see doing? Any thoughts onthe the unseen bull(s)?

Please, offer a few tale of the tape "time" specific observations. Example: "at 2:02 the herd bull throws out a warning bugle with grunts; at 3:15 the herd bull curls back his lip checking the air for estrus scent, etc." (these are just examples and do not match up with the VID). I'm just trying to keep everybody's elk brain active, including mine

[Washington Wapiti]

This is cool footage! It appears as though the visible bull is tending his harem, and trying to pick up on a hot cow, while at the same time trying to ward off other suitors that may be trying to move in. When the vid opens, there are one or two distant bugles in the background, which the visible bull answers back with a challenge bugle as a warning. No grunts or chuckles at the end, but it gets growly and aggressive. At 0:30 or 0:31 the bull catches estrus scent, until he is interrupted (0:44) by that rude guy yelling at him in the background. 1:07 he picks up scent again and continues about his business and lets out a display/advertising bugle at 1:33. At 1:46, he lets another advertising bugle rip. His mouth is open like he is checking scent, but maybe just fixing to bugle. He is answered back by another closer bull. Probably a little too close for this guy's comfort. But notice he doesn't go charging in at him. Hmmm, mental note to self about creating a challenge scenario while calling as a hunter. He goes back to searching out that hot cow and displaying. That's my take on it!

[pd]

That's a great start, Shawn. I was waiting for somebody else to pipe up, so I could agree with him

RJ: This is fantastic footage, and a great service to us all. Thank you so much.

[BrentLaBere]

Didnt we discuss this one recently?....maybe not
Most, if not all of those bugles are to his cows. Displaying dominance, gathering them and moving them out. Including some glunking if you turn it up to hear it. The hunter up the hill doesn't pose a threat to this herd bull at that distance. They are not responding accordingly.

[easeup]

awesome bull right there.
Yes sir...he's got himself a hottie there in front of him. He is just advertising how manly he his to her while he trails her. He does check to see if the responding bugle in the distance is going to interfere and he decides ..no problem and continues on with his strut.

[WapitiTalk1]

That's a great start, Shawn. I was waiting for somebody else to pipe up, so I could agree with him

RJ: This is fantastic footage, and a great service to us all. Thank you so much.

My pleasure pd. Just trying to keep the elk thoughts going. Brent, what makes you think there is a hunter up the hill? What do some of you other guys think about this sequence? Is this bull readying his cows for movement or is he telling all potential aggressors to buzz off with his vocalization? Is there a 'hot cow' here for certain or is big stinky merely checking the air for the scent of one? If you didn't have a visual on this bull, would you think he was communicating with his cows or warning the intruder(s) to stay away?

[BrentLaBere]

RJ, Sorry I didnt see your question. I will try and listen to it again and answer according to some of the bugles I had in mind. I think there is a hot cow. When they dont cooperate he in turn bugles to display. IMO.
I will need another listen

[Washington Wapiti]

That's a great start, Shawn. I was waiting for somebody else to pipe up, so I could agree with him

RJ: This is fantastic footage, and a great service to us all. Thank you so much.

Haha, that could mess you all up!
Good questions RJ! It seems to me there is a hot cow, because he gets an urgency in his step two different times as he picks up on her. To me the only bugle that seems to say "buzz off" is the very first one as the video opens. Perhaps it is just a growlier advertising bugle, and I'm interpreting that wrong. If I didn't have a visual, I would lean towards him communicating with his cows. Well, shoot, what is the word of the wise?? Don't keep us in suspense!

[Jpulle1]

I think all his bugles are to his cows. One cow must be getting close and he he seems to be rounding them up getting ready to move. The distant bugle seems far enough off not to be threatening but close enough he may just try to move his cows. He he chuckles showing excitement.
I would stay quiet and try to get close. level one or 2 of the threat may change his demeanor in a hurry.

Thank you for posting these threads

[BrentLaBere]

I think I picked it up from someone else before, to be honest with you.
But, about half way through there is a response to the herd bulls bugle. Not the first response either. It has a simple one maybe two note bugle with no intensity to it......If this is a satellite it raises some questions. Why respond with an advertising/locating bugle to a herd bull that will surly whip your but if he closes in? Why not just sneak in if you are a bull....he already has the high ground. Maybe its directed to a different bull.....but it sounds like its right after to me and too close to this one. Just a thought on it anyway. In no way am I sure on it, haha.