Archery Keys To Success For New Elk Hunters: Tip 3 

Archery Keys To Success For New Elk Hunters: Tip 3 –  In case you missed it, check out our Archery Keys To Success For New Elk Hunters: Tip 2.  Elk have an incredible ability to pinpoint the exact location a call is coming from.  When you have a guide or a friend making calls to bring a bull in, the elk will be keyed into the sound.  It is important as a new hunter that once you are in position, stay still and don’t make noise.  Even the cracking of a stick can draw a bulls attention toward your position.

It is not uncommon for a bull to hang up 60,70,80 yards from where the call is coming from.  Especially if he doesnt see the animal which is making the noise. If your setup requires the bull to pass by, he needs to be fully confident that where he is going has the animal he is looking for.  They start to get very warry as they get closer to the call.

If you as the shooter is also making calls from your position it is likely that the bull coming in will hangup outside of your archery shot range, looking your direction for where the sound is coming from.  One exception to the rule of not calling from the shooters position, except to stop a bull, is as the shooter you can make a call and then move forward from that position.  Hunters who go after elk solo understand that when a bull hears a call, he will be heading in that direction.  If a solo hunter calls, the best strategy is to change position and then not to make any more calls.

When setting up in the spot you want to shoot from its important to Determine the path that the bull will be taking on his way to the caller.  If you are set up on a trail or in the natural pathway of least resistance that the bull will take, you may have him come in facing you.  Set up off of any natural pathway, or use ground debris to determine the path you think he will take.  Its not a guarantee as they are animals and they don’t always follow the script.  But pay attention to where the bull is vocalizing from, where your caller/guide is calling from, and determine where you think the bull will travel to the call.

Going with an guide or outfitter who knows the country, spent time in the field, and understands what the bulls are doing increases your opportunity and ultimately your success. Then, when you go with a guide, you’ll know the best way to set up before that bull gets to your position.  To find an outfitter that will work for you, give us a call to discuss future opportunities