Riddle Me This - Single Cow

[JohnFitzgerald]

Every year we call in single cows. Seems like they are just so anxious to find a herd and come running in. Yet, there's screaming bulls with herds all around that they could easily join. Why do you think the lone cows come into my calls so easily? I'm at a loss and would like to hear some theories.

jf

[Swede]

I think you sound sexier to those old spinsters.

[Elkduds]

Probably because nothing bad ever happened to them when they did so in the past. Whereas Da Bullz...

[Swede]

Elkduds: If you say things like that, you are going to give poor John an inferiority complex.

[JohnFitzgerald]

I think you sound sexier to those old spinsters.

Um.....thanks, I think.

Inferiority complex, ha to late. Already have one.

[Ridgernr]

I have called in single cows that come in like a freight train thru the brush.
I always figured it was the calf calls I throw into my herd talk.

[WapitiTalk1]

John, I've had cows come in to my calls also. I always 'guessed' it was either cows that were feeling the herding up twinge, pre estrus or a cow that perhaps had been kicked out of a herd by another. Them girls can get downright nasty in a herd setting when a few of them are in or nearing estrus and competing for the prince 's attention. Thoughts?

[JohnFitzgerald]

I like both your idea's. But one thing is still gnawing at me? Ridgernr stated, they come in like a freight train so they are very axious to join. Does anyone have experience or know for sure that cow's can get booted out of a herd? I know small bulls get sent packing all the time but why a cow?

Why they come in to calls can be explained, but what I don't understand is why with so many vocal herds nearby do they act as if they've been stranded on a desert island for 5 years.

Could it be more of a territorial issue and less of a need to join issue?

[>>>---WW---->]

Outside of what Swede said, (you didn't pull up your pant leg, did you?) here is what if have always thought.

Some how, for what ever reason, the cow got separated from the herd. She was by herself or maybe just one other elk with her. You just happened to be closer than all those bugling bulls. It has nothing to do with if you sounded better. You just happened to be the closest one to check out.

[cj5280]

In my experience, the females get kicked out of the herd if they nag too much or if they start looking like their mother.

[BRazz]

In my experience, the females get kicked out of the herd if they nag too much or if they start looking like their mother.

I just literally laughed out loud in the office... Love it!

I've called in cows too, just figured they were looking to come hang out. I admit I never really dissected those as much as my bull interactions...

[Trophyhill]

when i'm hunting elk it is just that. I've had single cows come running in to my calls and when they do that I take advantage of the situation and kill them

[ChukarNUT]

John-- your just too good at "bring sexy back" we ran into this a few times this season. one of which could have cost the shot at a bull. i assumed she was lost from a herd--only time i have noticed or maybe payed attention to cows not in a herd they were cows with a calf or two in pre-rut. after this season however, we had multiple encounters and were sort of perplexed. lost? kicked out? gender confusion? ohhhh the complexities of elk sexuality.

[mtnmutt]

What calling are you all doing to have these solo cows come in?

What part of the season does it mostly happen in?

Is there a time of day or certain situation when this mostly happens?

Opening week, after an afternoon violent noisy storm, I heard a lost cow sound behind my tent for a few minutes. I thought about going after her but it was still raining. I have no blood tracking experience. I eventually cooled my heals on hunting in the rain when a lightbulb went off in my head that maybe I should not hunt when it is raining.

I have Paul's calling all cows and I know a calf chirp can get bulls and cows to come in. I am all for getting my first elk: either cow or bull. Getting a cow is actually my preference for my first elk.

Any additional information is much appreciated.

[Swede]

John: I assume you were bugling. If that is not right, correct me please. To be honest the reason I gave a silly answer is because I have no good explanation. I have not noticed cows choosing my bugles over other bulls.

Mtnmutt. I have had cows come in at different times of the season. I have not noticed any one time is better than another. I think if I wanted a cow, I would try a calf sound. Either just a calf call, or a calf in distress call.
What puzzles me is when I have played around and tried to call in the cow I could see. I bugled and cow called one particular elk several times, and she acted like she could not hear. She kept right on grazing as if nothing was around.

[JohnFitzgerald]

For what I can recall, most called in during cold call setups while using cow sounds. Me, I pass on cows but maybe this information will help those who don't.

And honestly, this behavior has always puzzled me.

ChuckarNUT - Datz me!

Swede - I'm more than just a pretty face and a bugle.

[Ridgernr]

Same here only cow calling in known bedding areas, 2 years ago I called in a cow this way while rifle hunting in october with my son in law, he had a bull tag and it was raining/sleeting/ snowing and this cow came boiling in stopped 10 feet in front of him.

[JohnFitzgerald]

John: I assume you were bugling. If that is not correct me please. To be honest the reason I gave a silly answer is because I have no good explanation. I have not notices choosing my bugles over other bulls.

Mtnmutt. I have had cows come in at different times of the season. I have not noticed any one time is better than another. I think if I wanted a cow, I would try a calf sound. Either just a calf call, or a calf in distress call.
What puzzles me is when I have played around and tried to call in the cow I could see. I bugled and cow called one particular elk several times, and she acted like she could not hear. She kept right on grazing as if nothing was around.

Sorry Swede, I missed the last part of your comment and would like to address it. The cow continuing to graze was a good thing. You were probably using neutral sounds. But if you think about the sequence, why would she come over? Did you give her a reason too? If you were sitting in a restaurant eating dinner, what would it take for you to jump up and run over to help? Like you stated, child is distress? A fight? Someone lost and frantic to find help? Give her a reason to come in!

[Swede]

John: You make an excellent point. The cow I referred to above was quite close, and I could have shot her if I wanted to on several occasions. I have written about her before. I finally ended up shooting her late in the season. She stayed in one particular basin, so when I got desperate I went back to see her. You are correct that I gave her no real reason to come to me, but I was surprised that, so close, she still did not pay any attention to me. I was trying to be careful not to push her out of the area as she was my plan B. BTW, I know some other folks that pay no attention to my calls, but that is another story.

[Elkduds]

Swede, I had a few girlfriends like that. Never shot one, though.

[JohnFitzgerald]

Swede, I had a few girlfriends like that. Never shot one, though.

LOL!