So I’m currently in the south eastern part of region 8 looking for elk. I’ve found a spot to camp on the edges of where the road hunters will drive (and it has cell service) and I’ve hiked a little over 20k the past two days. I’ve been throwing out location bugles every half hour or so and have yet to get an answer.
I found a spot up high and got a few cow elk that were about 300 yards away interested in what was bugling from the top of the hill. I didn’t scare them off so I think my locating bugles sound ok?
I ended up backing out and finding a way into the area the cows were in the afternoon. There was lots of fresh sign from what looked like the cows and the bigger poops looked a bit older. I found a bed with a spot still wet from piss and a big wallow that looked like it hadn’t been used for a bit.
I did my best to keep the wind in my favour and even got my first whiff of what I assume is elk but I didn’t want to stink the place up so I backed out because I’m not totally sure what to do next to find that 6 point bull having not gotten any replies to my calls.
It’s my understanding that there is still a little time left in the rut, having found some cows do you think there is a bull in the area?
If so, How would you go about finding him?
What kind of calling would you be doing if any?
I’m out here until Friday but already I’m pretty pumped having found a spot away from the other hunters, seen and smelled elk. Every time I bugle it gets easier and easier and at the very least I know where I’ll be going next year for bow season. This is the closest I’ve been yet to connecting on something bigger than grouse and it’s pretty exciting.
Cheers!