calling range

[wawhitey]

So I've been after a small herd that spends most of its time on private land but wanders out onto public, unpressured land. I recently got a gp's that shows land boundaries. Now I can set up very close to the private land without trespassing. These elk have an active wallow site on the private land close to the public. Now, aside from variations in wind conditions and whatnot, about how far away could I be from a herd in September and be able to call in an elk effectively? Mountainous timbered land about 4000 ft elevation. Thanks for any input.

[Trophyhill]

Great question Whitey. Wish I had an answer. A lot of variables to consider.

[slim9300]

Elk like that can be very difficult to call in. They generally seem to know exactly where the boundary line is.

Consistently? I would say around 100 yards, give or take 50 yards in either direction. But if those are your only elk in the area, I would certainly give it a shot and I wouldn't be doing it without a decoy (since you are going to have all kinds of time to setup). I have seen elk called in from a 1/4 mile away, but this is not the norm and generally only seems to work because the country is very open (meaning the caller could see the progress and wasn't impatient). Just realize that elk can take a very long time to come in (ie. investigate) when you are taking about a situation like this. I would attempt to sound like a small herd of cows with one or two in estrus. If a bull is hanging up or simply not coming in after 30 minutes or so, level 1 or maybe 2 of the threat may be a good bet. Being threatening in this situation is generally a poor decision in my experience unless I'm inside of 100 yards and the bull is saying the right things.

[WapitiTalk1]

Dean, I think Slim summed it up very well. Just curious, does this group stay 'solely' on the private land for feed, bed, water, or does their range extend at all to public land you hunt?

[wawhitey]

They stay mostly on private but wander into the public a bit. And if it makes a difference I'd be happy to even call a cow out since I've yet to pop my elk cherry. The area I hunt has lots of big game of every kind but is very low on elk. I'm just determined to get one of these local elk for my first.

[wawhitey]

So I should call like a small herd of cows, so maybe bring a friend... and set up a cow decoy? I can do that.

[wawhitey]

Do you guys think 200 yards or so is out of the question being as how I'm not just looking to call in a herd bull?

[WapitiTalk1]

200 yards is rough, particularly if it's relatively open timber. Clara cow will 'normally' not leave the group for a stranger, particularly from a distance. The bull will certainly not be leaving unless you're in his comfort zone. Have you looked at some possible travel routes from public to private land for ambush sites? A tree stand, ground blind, or decoy plan may be your best bet with this situation.

[wawhitey]

Phantom, I've spent a few seasons learning their travel routes for ambush sites outside the private land. I think I know where to try, but it would be playing the odds. I know if I sit in these spots long enough an elk is sure to come along, but I'm hoping to force the issue so the opportunity will coincide with my time off work. I'm guessing that if I can pull it off it would be a younger more eager satellite bull. I can get within a couple hundred yards of a wallow without trespassing. With that being the case would you guys try calling or just be quiet and hope to get lucky ambush style?

[Swede]

Whitey' can you find a well used trail the elk use on the public land side and can you set up there? That might work better than trying to call. Is there a place along the boundary fence where the elk find it easier than other places to cross?

[WapitiTalk1]

Are the bulls normally pretty vocal when you hunt them there? If so, then I would think you have a decent chance to pull an upstart satellite in. Again, being close to travel routes would increase your odds (as swede mentioned). Just my .02

[wawhitey]

So maybe I'll try the ambush thing on their heavy hammered trails they take onto the public and wait on the calling until the clock starts ticking. I've been doing a lot of recon and I've found some major trails. It's worth pulling a few ticks to find their sneaky routes in my book

[Wapiti]

I'm curious if the elk that use the wallow are on the private land while they visit the wallow ?

Elk will usually be found above the wallow from my experience. So if your in public land above the wallow you got it made !! I also would ambush the elk before trying to call them to you. Get in there and just hang out and spend some time there. I would use a couple cow calls every so often but don't over do it !

Hope that helps.

Trav

[wawhitey]

I'm curious if the elk that use the wallow are on the private land while they visit the wallow ?

Elk will usually be found above the wallow from my experience. So if your in public land above the wallow you got it made !! I also would ambush the elk before trying to call them to you. Get in there and just hang out and spend some time there. I would use a couple cow calls every so often but don't over do it !

Hope that helps.

Trav

The primary spot I have staked out for this year is indeed a little higher up than the private land wallow and is blanketed with elk cap and crisscrossed with trails. Never thought you guys would encourage ambush tactics over calling but my gut was telling me that's the way to go

[ElkNut1]

Dean, yes a good ambush is hard to beat when it plans out right! I've taken plenty of bulls where little to no calling was done on our part. By the same token we've taken many bulls through calling, no doubt many more from calling than ambush. The thing is, is to stay open minded when hunting elk. You want to remain versatile so you can adapt to the situation that you're presented with the days you are hunting. Ambush may be the answer one day or moment then all of a sudden calling has to be used to seal the deal, be prepared for either!

As far as to your question 200yd - 300yds away from elk is not out of the question to bring them your way as long as you can read your situation at hand? Are the elk bugling & showing signs of rutting or are they quiet slipping in towards their bedding area & how open is the country they are traveling through at the time of your encounter, these two situations can call for two different setups to give you the best odds at a shot opportunity. Too, are you after a cow, bull or any elk, knowing this can also effect your calling style. Just food for thought!

ElkNut1

[slim9300]

I'm curious if the elk that use the wallow are on the private land while they visit the wallow ?

Elk will usually be found above the wallow from my experience. So if your in public land above the wallow you got it made !! I also would ambush the elk before trying to call them to you. Get in there and just hang out and spend some time there. I would use a couple cow calls every so often but don't over do it !

Hope that helps.

Trav

The primary spot I have staked out for this year is indeed a little higher up than the private land wallow and is blanketed with elk cap and crisscrossed with trails. Never thought you guys would encourage ambush tactics over calling but my gut was telling me that's the way to go

What have been your tactics over the last few years with these elk?

[wawhitey]

My tactics have been to find out where they're at right before the season, then work calls and I have to go to Alaska right as the season starts. Not a good tactic I know

[slim9300]

My tactics have been to find out where they're at right before the season, then work calls and I have to go to Alaska right as the season starts. Not a good tactic I know

Lol. Tough way to kill elk right there.

[wawhitey]

Since we have to choose arch muzzle or modern my tactic this year is to not buy my elk tag until I know for certain which season I will have off

[slim9300]

Since we have to choose arch muzzle or modern my tactic this year is to not buy my elk tag until I know for certain which season I will have off

That's a good idea in WA. I put in for the multi-season permit every year here for both elk and deer. It's nice being able to hunt the rifle dates with my bow since it's the only time of the year Blacktail bucks are moving around. Good luck getting the 'right' season off!