Did I make the right call?

[nrocchio]

This has been one of the best hunting seasons I have ever had. It is only my second archery, but I have had a few great close encounters that I have never had with a rifle. My last encounter has had me second guessing myself. I just wanted to see if I made the right call, or if I should have reacted differently.

I was hunting my last day of a 4 day hunt. It is a really remote draw about 4 miles from my parking spot. I had been into elk every day either seeing fresh sign or within 100-200 yards of lone bulls or deer. I decided to try to find where they were getting water before heading back to the car later that afternoon. After walking along the dried creek and drainage until late afternoon. I decided to work my way back up the hillside to get my camp packed up. I was following a game trail that did not have any fresh sign, less than a half mile from my camp, when I busted a herd of around 10 cows from their bed. They crossed the trail around 50 yards in front of me, followed by one of the biggest bulls I have ever seen while hunting. They headed down the same hillside I had just climbed. I decided to throw out a few cow calls because I don't think they saw me, and I had the wind in my favor. I think they just heard me coming toward where they were bedded down and got spooked. I though about giving a challenge bugle after the cow calls, but decided I didn't want the bull to move his cows out of the area if he didn't want a fight.

I slowly followed the fresh tracks and ran into what I think is the trail they have been using to head to and from the bedding area I pushed them out of. I decided to stop tailing them and finish packing up. I plan to set up on that trail my next time out and hope they will still be in the area.

Would you have challenged the bull, or did I do the right thing? Was there another option I did not consider after spooking the herd?

[Ponyboy_jonas]

I believe you did make that right call. I most likely would of made the decision that you made. Now you lets hope you have a head start on them the next time out.

[powderhogg01]

this scenario in particular reminds of of the post elknut made just prior to the opener about going in with a game plan. There is no guarantees with anything as they are wild animals, but if the wind was in your favor and they never saw you, but just ran off it might have been a good time for a bugle. As stated in his post, often times the herd will run without knowing why, give them a reason and it might just play into your hands. I am new to calling so I could be wrong and in everything I read conservative is always a better bet.
with that said you now have a solid idea of there the elk are if they are still there, I would be going back to that spot for sure.

[Wyo67]

Interested to hear what the experienced guys have to say... Even though it's early September, I think a challenge bugle would have been the best option. All time times we've bumped a herd that size, I can't recall a cow call ever stopping them once they bust. The elk are hauling outta there, so you have nothing else to lose by challenging the bull. Be aggressive! Especially on the last day. Hope you get back there and can put the hammer to them...

[Trophyhill]

Elk in their bedroom have the advantage. You turn the tables when you know they are there. In this case you had no idea they were there until it was too late. Elk can peer through timber a good distance and see movement better than most think. You were likely heard and then seen which threatened there safety zone and they split. It happens. Doubtful anything turns them around at this point. At least you tried something. Doing nothing gets you nothing. Even if the cow calls didn't work, you gained experience and first hand knowledge. The more you put yourself in these situations, the more your odds will increase at success.

[wewarev]

I had this happen to me last week. 2 cows, 1 bull - I started a calling sequence with 2 different cow calls and a bull, trying to paint the scenario that a bull had come in and stole the two cows.
Long story short, I wasn't paying attention to where I set up and that bowl slipped in on me silently to 20 yards.
My lesson learned in that situation was I called for too long and did not slip up ahead to cut him off.

[nrocchio]

Thank you for all of the feedback. I am heading back out tonight, and will be more cautious when heading back to camp from now on. Lesson learned, the hunting isn't over until you're driving back home haha.
Thanks again. I enjoyed reading everyone's take on what happened.