question about hunting cow elk after the rut

[Dr_flash]

This year i have a fourth rifle season cow tag in Colorado GMU 61. I've had a question that i wanted to ask on here about using calls for cows. Would it be worth while to have a cow call with me during this season, possibly making a lost calf sound, or use the regathering call if i spook them. There is a lot of info on bulls, but i never can find anything about hunting cows and i'd like to get everyones thoughts, not just for fourth rifle season (which this year i am most interested in), but in general. What would everyone do?

Thanks
Jeremy

[ElkNut1]

If you were hunting the rut then yes you will find a lot more use for cow elk sounds as Re-gathering whines, separated to lost cow or calf sounds as well as Estrus Buzz, all have their time & place.

These can be used anytime of year as it's normal year around elk talk by all elk including bulls. For you late hunts I'd be much more concerned with hours of glassing from elevated positions where elk will travel & I could see comings & goings or migrating. Calling would be lower on the list for location but could be higher on the list once in close enough once found to seal the deal for a shot! Listen to the Podcast "Calling All Cows" on Soundcloud, there's more info there. It will be under ElkNut. Or try this!
https://soundcloud.com/stream

ElkNut1

[ABQ_Chica]

Thanks, Jeremy and Paul. I was wondering the same thing since I have a mid-November cow elk hunt. This podcast was very helpful, especially regarding terrain tips, specific elk-talk strategies, and staying out of sight.

Along those lines, I have another question: If I locate and get ahead of elk while minding the wind, would a portable (<1 minute to set up/take down) two-sided blind be helpful? Or would it be a disadvantage or just unnecessary weight? I will likely be hunting with a bow instead of rifle, so will need to get in fairly close range. And the hunt will be mostly in thick timber, so glassing may not be an option.

Thanks! And good luck, Jeremy!

[ElkNut1]

Personally I wouldn't tote a blind around with me for a "just in case" situation. Too many things crop up & re-positioning seems to be needed on most encounters. Putting up a portable blind of any sorts can be burdensome & unnecessary. I do agree that much of elk country isn't glassable so hunting heavy timber is a must, this is the best country to get in close to them or call them over to you, a blind is not needed here but a decent setup is! Getting in a good spot so you can draw without them seeing you before they get to your shooting lane is key here. This is no matter if it's an ambush or calling situation. You may have to re-direct their travel if not coming where you need them by casting our calling left, right or behind you, also have a stone or something the size of a baseball you can chuck in the direction you need them to concentrate on if not coming close enough or your way. Do not let them see you toss it though.

ElkNut1

[Huntrgathr]

Have you hunted this season in your area before ? I can't say I've hunted CO but In Idaho, elk have started to herd up and migrate. Calling at large groups of cows doesn't usually yield a shot op and blows your cover in my experience. I've called in seperated cow and calf pairs before but usually the calf. Intercepting moving herds tends to work best in the right terrain. Your blind is not a bad idea if you can identify a key migrational staging area or saddle type pass - a bottleneck. But with a rifle you should be able to just find a sniper nest and leave the weight of the blind. Spot and stalk or sit and ambush are our go-to methods in the late season. Decoys have helped when stalking but with a rifle probably not necessary. Good luck !

[Dr_flash]

thanks for the response Paul. Ive been out a while replacing the clutch, throw-out bearing, etc... on my truck each night after work so i havnt had much time to practice and internet scouting. I will listen to the podcast when i get some time. I really appreciate the help. Hopefully soon i can get back into my learning mode for this years elk trip

Jeremy

[ABQ_Chica]

Thanks for all the responses and info. I'll leave the blind at home.

I've gotten some good intel about my unit from hunting partners who've hunted it before. The elk there usually don't herd up until December or January, so in mid-Nov (when my hunt is), it should be possible to locate some cow/calf pairs.

When I scout later this month and in Sept., I'll also look for aspen stands and other spots where good feed might still exist later in fall, as well as travel routes, saddles, and other ambush sites.

Good luck, everyone!