What's a good mid-day call for bedded bulls?

[Toby]

There are some wooded pockets where elk bed during the middle of the day. I'd like to sneak on to the fringe of these on the downwind side and try to locate bedded bulls. What is the best call for me to get them to respond and will they likely respond with a low growl/grunt. I want to use this technique mid day instead of heading back to camp or taking a nap.

[Swede]

There are several things you can try. I like sounding like a small squawky bull. Elknut describes it on one of his DVDs. Another thing to try would be just stomping, and raking a small 2-3 inch diameter tree. Make a grunt or short bugle and rake a little more then go off to the side and wait. All you did was tell the elk in the area that another bull is around. You could also try some cow sounds.

[Trophyhill]

I've got them to respond to a cow call answering me back with a "lazy" bugle but you have to really be listening for it to hear it and to be able to tell where it came from because it's short and not very loud.They'll also sound off like this on their own. Calling them out of their beds is a different story though. Lone bulls vs herded bulls will require a different approach. I'm not accomplished enough to give you that answer.

[Toby]

My son and I got one going once with light sexy cow calls, the bull responded just like Trophyhill described. I stayed back and cow called very lightly every few minutes while my son snuck in, he was just about to shoot when a cow busted him.

Swede, I like the idea of raking then moving off to the side, I can just see one sneaking in.

[Bow4Elk]

My son and I had one that would answer us every so often around 11 AM. Took us an hour and a half to get around the basin and above him. Had to get the wind right first. When we were above him I did a spike bugle. He answered. We slept. Called again and he answered. He sounded tired. He was bedded in some dark timber. We slept. Did this 4 times and then I told my son we were going to kill that bull. We moved down the hill halfway to the bull. Then I cow called and he answered right away. Cow called and he anwered. Sent my son down another 100 yards and told him to get ready and then lightly cow call. When he was ready, he gave a light cow call. The bull started to answer and I cut him off with my spike bugle followed by a cow call. After a couple of minutes I could hear the bull coming up the hill. Walked out broadside to my son at 25 yards that was the last mistake he made. It was a nice 6X6. I love hunting mid-day bulls that will answer me. After they have rested some, they are willing to get up and see what is going on.

[welka]

See elk nut DVSs.. lost cow call. Good response rate if elk are in the area.

[Toby]

Bow4elk, greats post.

[ElkNut1]

Good stuff guys! I really like to see how patient you guys were & allowed things to develop & not force the issue on non aggressive bulls! That's being a versatile hunter. Many times a bull who shows little interest but is just vocal enough can have his interest peaked as Bow4elk demonstrated when a cow is thrown into the mix & she shows interest in him instead of the bull she was with, it can be a real game changer. Great job & congrats to your son on a fine bull! I enjoyed your detailed description!

ElkNut1