Any early October calling tips?

[YZF_88]

I got very lucky (2% odds) and drew an Oct-1-14 rifle tag in Idaho for the unit I typically bow hunt. This is something new for me (rifle hunting and early Oct hunting). Last year we picked off a herd bull on Sept 28th as he was rounding up cows (got him going and snuck in). I'm assuming the further into October I go the less rutting action I will see/hear. Any tips for tactical changes I should consider? For now I'm just going to plan on going after them just like I do in bow season.

[ElkNut1]

Jason, it doesn't change, use same tactics all of Oct you would use in Sept. -- These includes glassing from points of elevation!

ElkNut1

[YZF_88]

Sounds good. I do plan on packing my spotting scope into a spike camp on this hunt. Only decision left is wether or not to buy an achery tag too. They are almost gone. It wouldnt seem right to miss September bow hunting there.

[ElkNut1]

Putting two bulls down inside a week & packing out is a lot of work if alone & deep! (grin) If rifle hunting from OCT. 1st & on I may be more occupied with scouting like crazy looking for a better than average bull to hang my tag on than concerning myself with looking for 2. Just my thoughts! (grin) Both Glassing & Calling to locate is how you will find the elk, make the best of it & let us know how you're doing? Thanks!

ElkNut1

[YZF_88]

Well, I'd say the early October calling tips worked. Shot my first ever antlered animal with a rifle (I have a couple elk and a handful of deer with a bow). Ended up not picking up an archery tag. "Decided" to break a few toes instead.

Buddy called this bull back in on a string after he wandered away from his herd before daylight. He came back in at first light and pushed around a couple smaller bulls before I shot him. He was on the lower end of what I would have shot with this tag but between the perfect set-up and his cool 3rd on one side...he died!

[WapitiTalk1]

That's a great first bull and so full of character! Nicely done mister.

[IdahoD]

Nice bull! What unit did you draw? I drew the oct. 1-14 island park rifle bull tag a few years ago and shot my first bull. Congrats!