Wapiti Talk “It’s Your Move”, Episode #3

[WapitiTalk1]

Date: 28 August, 2015
Hunt/Tag: A Mountain State archery elk; cow or 3 point mimimum tag
Hunter status: Good physical shape; proficient with archery gear out to 45 yards; possesses proper clothing/boots for the terrain and weather; has studied and can recognize most elk noises, and, can make the following elk calls/sounds (locator bugle, cow mews and calf chirps, nervous or popping grunt, challenge bugle, and is pretty decent with chuckles). Hunter also understands and can make effective non-verbal elk noises (brush/tree raking, ground stomping, twig snapping). Hunter is also proficient with map/compass and has a working GPS
Timeline: Day 2 of your 10 day hunt; you’re solo hunting today


It is 3:00 PM on your second day of hunting. It is hot and dry. You are alone moving slowly down a well worn game trail, that has numerous elk tracks on it and crossing up and down from both sides, and, a few piles of fresh poop. There is a huge rock outcroping to your right about 10 yards away (somewhat parallelling the trail you're on). To your left is a dry draw about 40 yards out. The draw leads down to the main canyon floor ahead. The area you are in is timbered with some scattered brush. Visibility is good in front of you and to the left for 100-200 yards in places. The wind is gentle upslope. As you come to a bench about 250 yards from the main canyon floor, you hear something strange. The trail you are on has a bend to the right about 20 yards ahead. It is not far around that bend that the sound is coming from. Is that someone chopping or hitting a rock or tree? Is it a hunter building something? All of a sudden, as you sneak forward you hear a bugle. You move to your right closer to the rock out crop and squat in front of some brush. Now what do you do?

[Tigger]

First thing that came to mind is that you have an incredible opportunity to finally photograph Sasquatch!

Where is the bugle coming from?

[WapitiTalk1]

The bugle you hear appears to be coming from the same general area you believe you heard the ruckus coming from.

[CurlyTail]

I think you are hearing two bulls fighting. Nock an arrow, and stalk closer. Remain silent.

[Swede]

Its obvious that there is at least one bull around the rocky point. I think Curly is about right, and there is no cut and dried answer. I would nock an arrow and make a nervous grunt. I want a bull to step out while I am in the brush just waiting.

[ElkNut1]

I have good wind with it going up the mountain so no issues there at present. That bull you hear is right near his bedding area, he most likely just got up & is having a nibble & possibly quenching his thirst nearby, he's now feeling urges of the rut & is raking possibly some controlled stomping & thrashing at the ground moving rocks or whatever may be on the ground in front of him. Cows could be around so I have to watch like a hawk as I continue to slip in silently towards the sounds. If I am in or very near bowrange I will nock an arrow but I will not call & give away my presence, instead move very slowly in his direction. If noisy walking I will wait for him to rake & move as he's occupied. Once in bowrange & no shot I will wait patiently until one arises. If need be I may have a rock or short stick to toss in a direction I need him to go towards once he's occupied to get him to step out. Calling would be my last resort unless it's a sound as the nervous grunt to stop him in a window for the shot. -- This is a great spot to be in as the bull is in no hurry to go anywhere at 3 O'clock. Patience is key here for me!

ElkNut1

[Swede]

Paul, and others I don't want to divert from RJ's original question, but would it make a difference if you were familiar with that area, and knew there was a wallow where the bull was at?

[ElkNut1]

My only concern is I hear a Swiiiish, thump as I get closer & see swede fist pumping from his treestand! (big grin) Other than that I wouldn't treat the encounter any different, I'd still approach on high alert as I slip into bowrange. Calling could give me up & throw a wrench into things that doesn't need any fixing! (grin) There's plenty of situations I do call in, this just isn't one of them!

ElkNut1