Chuckle Question

[toasty tiger]

I have a question regarding chuckling. The scenario is that I have a herd bull that has answered me with a cow call and raking. He is 50-60 yards out and locking up on his comfort zone. Would cow calling and then throwing a chuckle in and acting like I am retreating from the Bull be a possibility to get him to come in closer? Kind of a I got your cow now lets get out of here move? I have already bugled trying to pull his cows so he knows I am there. At what point do elk stop trying to get their cow back?

[Trophyhill]

You are within 50-60 yards and you want to sound like you're leaving his uncomfort zone? The threat is leaving so why would he want to follow? Get in his face and challenge when you're this close. Raking won't hurt unless he comes running in and you're caught with your stick in your hand if he's a true herd/dominant bull he will respond if you are this close!

[toasty tiger]

thanks for the response. That makes sense. Over the past few months I have figured out that these buggers make more sounds than any animal I have yet to deal with. My wife asked me last night why I kept listening to those elk again. I had to be honest and tell her that it was almost easier for me to learn spanish than to get a good grasp on all these sounds .

[ElkNut1]

Nick, keep it simple, there's only a few sounds to learn to use yourself & a few additional ones you need to understand when hearing them from the elk themselves! The most common ones are the ones to key in on! This is very doable! (grin)

As far as your question goes, if 50-60 yds from a bull & you've cow called & he's asking you to come on over with his response & raking, then do so! He fully expects you to come his way! Give 2-3 excited whines/mews then shut it down & go right to him keeping the wind in your favor & cover on your approach, if you snap a twig on your approach don't worry about it just go at him he'll think it's the cow coming! As soon as you get to 35yds-40yds nock an arrow & look for a shot opportunity as he rakes. He's displaying for this new cow by doing this & encouraging her (you) to come on over. I would not bugle this bull if I could go to him instead & give him what he's asking for!

Now if there isn't sufficient cover but wind is in your favor & he cannot see where your cow sounds are coming from at the 50-60yd distance & there's no shot but you need him to move & come to you & the scenario is the same start raking a tree/brush & light stomping & toss in 2-3 bull pants aprox 20-30 seconds after he responds to your last cow calling. Start there, this should persuade him to look for this intruder bull by coming closer to size up his competition. Be patient, he could come in slow or he could come in fast!

ElkNut1