Movie Review, Elknut Forum Style..... #2

[WapitiTalk1]

Part 2 of our movie reviews observing and discussing elk behavior and language. Just like the first one, let's do it like this to keep it on track:

1. Pick a spot in the VID and report what you see/hear. Please identify the timeframe, i.e., 1:04 thru 1:12 and tell us what you see and hear. Write what you feel is happening in that particular time frame (vocalization interpretation, body language, considering both verbal and non-verbal elk communication).

2. Respond to somebody's observation/analysis with an agree, don't agree, and perhaps some follow on comments if you'd like.

Who's first to be a film critic for clip number 2?

[Tigger]

Here is my read and please point out my errors!

in general, this is a herd bull keeping his cows close. I hear presumably satellites trying to call cows. I also hear glunking (I think) in combo with the bull checking the air for a cow in estrus. I am guessing there is one in estrus or very close.

Specifically, at the 0:55 there is a standing bull. Oh, you want more? He is thinking. About what? He is trying to figure out the mind of a female and realizing he has no chance!

Sorry for the digression....So I am fairly new to this, but the real question is how do we use this to our advantage. I would start off with a cow call, but my gut tells me he isn't actively trying to court new cows, he is thinking about the one in estrus. Other bulls are active. I think he is prime to be taken if you can sneak in close considering the wind and convince him you are a threat to the cow in estrus. Too far away and he will take the herd away. Get in his kitchen and first try a estrus buzz, if that doesn't work, rake and give a few chuckles followed by a bugle calling his cows to me.

Another way to go if the conditions aren't right for the herd bull is to try and target one of those satellites with a plaintive cow call and estrus buzzes. Call yourself right in to him.