Game Plan #3

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, I've done it again with my impatience. 24 September, a bit before 0930, on a nice wide bench in (insert state here). I set up and have been doing some world class cold calling (herd talk, some light raking, and an occasional scream mixed in) for about 20 minutes. Just as I motion to my buddy with a hand wave signaling "let's go", I feel eyes on my location. Turning to the right, there he is, about 50 yards away. He must have came out of an underground bunker! I still have the wind, and, both myself and buddy are set up with good cover/concealment to our backs, but barney bull probably saw my movement. What to do in this situation, if anything, to keep this adventure going and perhaps get a shot?

thCAG2WU3R.jpg (12.09 KiB) Viewed 4555 times

[navet]

If he saw me move, then I am sitting tight for a minute to let him decide to turn and run or investigate further. If he runs I would call if he stays I would prep. for a shot.

[Swede]

Did the bull see a bird fluttering, a squirrel or just a piece of a deer? Be patient and wait. Often elk will go back to what they were doing. In this case he was coming to see the elk he heard. Maybe he will believe he caught sight of them and continue coming. Now is not the time to throw in the towel. If you are somehow behind good cover you could make a cow call and convince him he saw what he came for.

[JerryYong]

He's looking for elk and might think the movement he saw is what he came for. If he doesn't see, smell or hear another elk, bird or squirrel when he thinks there should be one, he's going to get nervous and split. Doubtful to me that there would initially be any shot opportunity at all. What he needs is validation of the elk calls he heard and the movement he saw. Whoever in your party is set up furthest away from the bull should whip out their "butt" (decoy) and throw a cow call over their shoulder! Hopefully, he will get validation of the calling he heard and the movement he saw and will walk by the front man for a shot. If the decoy doesn't convince him he's out of there either way and I'd have to come up with a plan B. Another scenario for you to use your "butt" RJ!

[WapitiTalk1]

Gentlemen, I like your thought on this situation so far. I knew I got that new "butt" for a reason .

[ishy]

Holding point if solo. Hoping farthest in group reads the situation right and can create that validation if hunting with others. If I'm the farthest still holding point until his attention moves elsewhere hoping closer hunter gets an oppurtunity.

[Wyo67]

Did the bull see a bird fluttering, a squirrel or just a piece of a deer? Be patient and wait. Often elk will go back to what they were doing. In this case he was coming to see the elk he heard. Maybe he will believe he caught sight of them and continue coming. Now is not the time to throw in the towel. If you are somehow behind good cover you could make a cow call and convince him he saw what he came for.

+1

I would only add, if you've got one and it's handy give him the flash of a decoy. If he hasn't winded you, you're still in the game.

[Trophyhill]

Is this a situation where a nervous grunt should be used before the bull does it?

[easeup]

that is a nice bull. I don't want him to get away.
I've practiced a lot for a 50 yd shot. He just needs to clear up and get distracted doing something else.
Just give me a minute or so and please don't let that wind swirl around.

[Toby]

I'm going to wait and see what he does. I like Ishy's point, hoping my partner reads the situation and calls a little.

[zpd307]

I don't have anything to add... I just wanted to thank rory for posting these up. I enjoy reading everyone's game plans to a specific encounter! the pics really do help bring the entire scenario together. keep it up rory!

[Relentlessly Unforgiving]

I had this happen last year within 20 yards at full draw. The bull and I had a stare off for what seemed like forever. He slowly walk back in the direction he came from, frustrated he did not find what he was looking for. We repositioned, threw out some sweet cow talk and he couldn't resist. No shot was presented as he was even more careful with his approach. So I would suggest that all is not lost, stick with the setup even if you need to reposition a bit.

[ElkNut1]

Trophyhill, that is not a spot to use the nervous grunt, with the bull staring down your position you would only blow him out of there if you did so while he's staring. Once he turns to leave, & he will, & his back is to you or head turned use the nervous grunt in a sharp obtrusive manner in a "shocking tone" only when you know there is a shot angle opportunity. The bull can lock up quick one the sound is used so make sure he's in the open before you use the nervous grunt, draw bow before or right during the grunt, timing is important here!

ElkNut1

[Trophyhill]

Thanks for clarifying Paul! Gives me a better understanding of the who, what, when and where of this sound.