Calling Question??

[TurkeyBowMaster]

What are some of your experiences wit calling in bulls? Are there any obstacles that need to be avoided? Will they cross from one ridge to another, or do you need to be on the same terrain feature? Can you tell by the way he is calling how hot he is and if he is going to be easy to call? I am speaking in general terms...what you normally can expect. I saw one on tv come in from over a mile. I know this is not normal, but just wondering how much effort to put into getting into the best position before calling.

[Charina]

To many questions with to many variables. So the answer is: it depends.

Setup is critical imo.

[Elkhunttoo]

The ones I've had come in from long distances are bulls that come while I'm working a closer bull.

[cohunter]

I'd say set-up is step one and most important in elk calling... Get Elknut's Playbook - it gives lots of tips about this. It doesn't matter if you're the sweetest caller in the woods, you're not going to kill an elk unless you get close and pay attention to your set-up first. Yes... there are exceptions to every rule, but you're not going to be calling elk from 300 yards away, much less a mile!

[Swede]

Turkey, I would go with a few simple calls. The calling card Rory posted is a good start. We can make calling impossibly complex to new callers, but it doesn't need to be. Learn to make a few good calls then advance from there. You can use a good bite and blow bugle and cow call to start with.
I would try starting with a location bugle. When you get a response then get as close as you can without being detected, then cow call. If the bull doesn't come but still bugles, come back at him with a raspy bugle with grunts. Cow calls work on their own at times.
You have time to read and study some calling scenarios before the season. Learn to do a few things well. Adding some realism can include things like raking or even pouring out some water to cause the bull to believe you are another bull.

[otcWill]

A general rule: the closer you get, the better chance of your calls being effective. I try to get inside 80 if not closer to 60 before I make a peep in heavy cover. Things certainly change in more open terrain. Often times at less than 80 yds it's a toss up between closing the deal silently or rolling the dice with the calls. THis you'll develop a feel for with more encounters. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and take chances. You'll shorten the learning curve dramatically

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Thanks for the advice. I know I will be using a lot of cold calling setups during quiet times. I'm pretty aggressive but I am pretty sure it is better to stop and do a cold calling sequence and wait for something to come in than just covering ground and hoping one will answer a located. Will do both but if I come across some hot sign I will definitely cold call and wait at least 30 minutes. This gives me a rest and could be productive. The anticipation is growing.

[Brendan]

I have a feeling I lucked out, but my 2014 bull was over a half mile away and 200' - 300' below me and let off a location bugle at first light. I responded and he was on a mission to find me after that...

I had several other bulls much closer who took their cows and headed off.

So, it depends....

[mongopino915]

The ones I've had come in from long distances are bulls that come while I'm working a closer bull.

If you pay attention and understand how and why other bull(s) come in from long distance when you are working a closer bull, you have just added an additional calling trick up your sleeve. It does take two callers.

The mood, tone, intensity, and movement of your calling stage is limited only by your imagination to draw bull(s) in from long distance.

Get that long distance bull (both silent and vocal) what he wants or get him curious and he will come. Just give it time and have lots of patient.