Elk calling set-ups for bugling bulls can be, at best, very unpredictable. Bulls exposed to less hunting pressure may just walk straight to the call across openings offering multiple shot opportunities while more pressured bulls/satellite bulls may play the wind or skirt just out of range of the hunter using every piece of cover to their advantage. In my 20+ years of guiding elk in my home state of Arizona, I have had far more failures than successes when it comes to working bulls into shooting distance. Here are a few tips that I try to utilize each time when setting up on a bull.
What to think about when setting up.
- Get in as tight as you can on the bull. This is usually 150 yds or less. This is so the bull can both hear you and often bulls only want to travel short distance to look for the cow.
- Remember to set up in front of the caller 30-40 yds if possible. Bulls traveling alone or just getting out of their beds in the afternoon are great calling opportunities that up your chances to calling a bull in successfully.
"Wind is King!"
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If you do not have the wind in your favor do not set up for a call in. Period. So many hunters fail to carry and use products to detect wind direction resulting in not being able to get close to elk or know where your scent line is when calling bulls in.
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Use the cover to set up. Make the bull come looking for you. If you have set up with an opening that is 75 yds wide more often than not the bull will walk up to the edge not seeing cows and hang up to the call. Set up in front of cover to break up your outline and stay in the shadows. Partial shadows should be noted and stay as still as possible.
Position Yourself for success.
- Also remember to position yourself and move with the bugle or sounds; like elk walking or sticks breaking to minimize movement when the bull steps out. Very seldom can you draw back successfully when the bull can see you. If possible, draw as the bull comes in with his view obstructed and then judge the bull prior to shooting. The timing of your draw quite often is what will make or break your set up.
Always remember to...
- Be patient, keep a positive attitude and enjoy the chances you have to hunt these incredible animals. Good luck and shoot straight!
-Mike Hancock
CoOwner-Burnt Timber Outfitters of Arizona
