"For all of you headed out September 1st, here is a run down of what you might expect the first week of archery season to look like.
The velvet is all stripped and the bulls are starting to rev up. In some locations, the smaller bulls are likely still grouped up together. Bigger bulls will start to peel off and begin looking for hot cows. This is the best time of year to put the cow call to use. I don't call much during archery season but when I do, I love to use a cow call during the earliest days of archery season.
My plan of action each day is to get a high point and use a location bugle to see if anything responds. Just because nothing responds does not mean there aren't any bulls in the area. The rut is still early!
This time of year I still utilize glassing. So if I strike out on getting a bull to respond vocally, I break out the glass and try to locate them that way. If you can locate a bull in the mid-morning, find a way to get yourself in closer proximity for the evening hunt. This is when you should try cow calling again and see if the bull has any desire to try to come locate you on the cow call. Stay alert! They might still come in silent in the earliest parts of archery.
Best of luck and shoot straight!"
Ethan Hale
