elk density correlated to "call responsiveness"

[timberland]

I figured with the vast experience represented here, we could try to correlate how responsive elk are to calling when the population density is high vs. when it is low. It seemed when I was covered in elk their response to calling was muted or nonexistent. When hunting in areas with few elk, responses were consistent. I always attributed this to the social nature of elk. True?

[Swede]

I have never made that connection. Even I September there are times when elk are quite vocal, and there are times they are not.

[stringunner]

I think outside pressure (humans, predators, ranching, etc.) has more to do with "call responsiveness" than elk density numbers.

[Indian Summer]

The more elk there are the more likely I'm close enough to some to hear them but that's just the law of averages. In any one place I can't recall the density of elk having an effect. Some days are filled with talking and some aren't everywhere I've been including close to roads.

I think location is the biggest factor in what to expect. Some places the elk seem to talk more than others. One of my Wyoming spots is so much fun because the elk just never shut up. 75 miles down the road they talk but not as much. In western Washington where I spent some time they never made a sound but lived like deer.

[easeup]

I cant make that connection either. You will want to throw out my reply anyway because I probably didn't hear them reply anyway.

[Trophyhill]

I cant make that connection either. You will want to throw out my reply anyway because I probably didn't hear them reply anyway.

I was gonna buy you an elk call for next year......I think I'll get you a couple Walkers Game Ears instead

[easeup]

LOL.....I am seriously going to save some $ for the real things

[Trophyhill]

Timberland, I think your thinking is on the right track. Elk densities and bull to cow ratios are an important factor to consider for a lot of reasons. The more we know biologically about them the better our odds of finding and killing them are IMO

[timberland]

We were in the "Breaks" about ten years ago and were seeing 80-100+ elk a day. Multiple herds, lots of scattered singles and doubles, and herds of 40 and 50 with multiple bulls. It seemed that our calling was just "voices lost in the crowd". But maybe we were just poor callers.

[Indian Summer]

bull to cow ratios are an important factor

That's a whole other story.

[Washington Wapiti]

In western Washington where I spent some time they never made a sound but lived like deer.

Bingo! Our elk here, they don't talk much . . . they're more deep thinkers.