Elk Calls Colorado 3rd rifle season Elk SE unit 53

[jinksy]

What types of calls should i use while hunting the 3rd rifle season Bull and cow tags? Will a bugle still work just for locating? I have never been big into calling so any tips would be great.

[Ridge Runner 76]

This is just my opinion, but having hunted alot of later season(3rd & 4th rifle) elk, I'd leave the bugle at home. Cow calls used sparingly while hiking in the timber do work. Our experience is that the elk are typically well versed that its hunting season by this time and can be pretty skittish. The little cow calling we do is just trying to send the "message" that "Hey, I'm another elk traveling through, don't mind us..." I've had mixed luck using a cow call to stop elk if they are bumped or for a shot. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Like the real experts here like Elknut1 and others have stated, elk are noisy and vocal animals. I've had some good times listening to them talk in the late seasons and even had a spike bugle at me for about 20 mins one year during a 4th season hunt. Good luck and safe hunting.

[jinksy]

This is just my opinion, but having hunted alot of later season(3rd & 4th rifle) elk, I'd leave the bugle at home. Cow calls used sparingly while hiking in the timber do work. Our experience is that the elk are typically well versed that its hunting season by this time and can be pretty skittish. The little cow calling we do is just trying to send the "message" that "Hey, I'm another elk traveling through, don't mind us..." I've had mixed luck using a cow call to stop elk if they are bumped or for a shot. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Like the real experts here like Elknut1 and others have stated, elk are noisy and vocal animals. I've had some good times listening to them talk in the late seasons and even had a spike bugle at me for about 20 mins one year during a 4th season hunt. Good luck and safe hunting.

Thank you for the info and good luck to you too!

[ElkNut1]

Yes, Bugling for location can still work late Oct for location purposes. I'd definitely have one just as much as I'd have good glass for locating elk. I'd soon leave a cow call home than the bugle. Get away from most pressure & you have a good chance of a bull giving away his location especially before light, early morning & evening. A bugle can direct you in the un-glassaball thicker country. Utilize both! Cow calls are more for close proximity & don't have the far reaching distances needed in big country. Your best sound for stopping elk is the Popping/Nervous Grunt!

ElkNut1

[Ridge Runner 76]

Yes, Bugling for location can still work late Oct for location purposes. I'd definitely have one just as much as I'd have good glass for locating elk. I'd soon leave a cow call home than the bugle. Get away from most pressure & you have a good chance of a bull giving away his location especially before light, early morning & evening. A bugle can direct you in the un-glassaball thicker country. Utilize both! Cow calls are more for close proximity & don't have the far reaching distances needed in big country. Your best sound for stopping elk is the Popping/Nervous Grunt!

ElkNut1

Mr. Elknut,

I am curious to learn here, can you provide me with some examples of successful calling scenarios in 1st and 2nd weeks of Nov? I'd be interested in hearing a new perspective. As well, not being familiar with ID, how do your seasons and hunter numbers compare to CO?