Post rut tactics

[Texasgamehunter]

I was wondering how effective, if at all, it would be to use calls during the post rut time frame. Or would it be more beneficial to get to a good vantage point and glass, glass, glass? Once locating some elk then out a stock on them.

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[WapitiTalk1]

Elk are vocal all year round but certainly hit their vocalization peak during the period that the cows are coming into estrus. Remember, a cow can come into one, two, even three estrus cycles until they "take". Even when the acceptable calendar rut dates (early SEP thru early OCT) have passed, there are usually a few cows that are putting out the vibe which in turn will keep some of the bulls active and vocal, "pick me, pick me". That said, once early OCT rolls around, a hunter needs to just play it by ear when they head into the elk woods. I would never leave my tube and calls behind, even well into OCT, but again.... play it by ear to see if the bulls are still advertising (this can be accomplished pretty effectively by listening from vantage points after the sun sets). If you're hunting in a relatively highly pressured area, the chances are good that the elk have had encounters (perhaps multiple) with hunters as the rut rolled on... They've been there with calling close encounters and have gotten the T shirt . Of course, elevated glassing is always a good method to locate wapiti, regardless of calendar date, and the old spot-stalk or intercept game plan are time tested methods. If you're still seeing a few bulls with a herd of cows during glassing, there's a strong possibility that there may be a cow or two in the bunch that is still throwing out the vibe

[Swede]

Assuming you are asking about October and November rifle hunts: I would try some location bugles in the dark and listen for a response. As soon as you hear a bugle back, then leave immediately and come back at first light. Even if you call in the evening, the bull will still be around in the morning. You may get him to answer in the predawn too, so you can pinpoint where he is. As RJ said; the elk are not as vocal, but calling after hours may give you an advantage. I have heard bulls call April-early November. Working for the Forest Service for a career, I can't remember ever hearing one just call out December-March.
Glassing is good in some areas. It stinks in others.

[Texasgamehunter]

Awesome info. Thank you guys that is exactly what I was wondering!

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[Lefty]

,.... If you're still seeing a few bulls with a herd of cows during glassing, there's a strong possibility that there may be a cow or two in the bunch that is still throwing out the vibe

Other wise the bulls go off with maybe another bull or two some place to lick their wound, eat and drink and rest
The later the season dont look for mature bulls to be with cows and calves