It's really sad to read comments about guys not willing to practice their calling to the point of having confidence to use in the elkwoods. You guys are missing out on one of the most exciting features of hunting during the elk rut! You're missing out on the high energy adrenaline rush that we hunters receive in calling in both bulls & cows.
Learn how to use calling to communicate like the elk do & you will find you don't have to hunt elk like you would deer. Nothing wrong with Spot & Stalk or ambushing if the country/terrain allows it but to be a complete elk hunter you need to take advantage of every form of hunting elk that is available to us!
I've taken elk with about every weapon possible & under all types of situations but nothing beats calling in elk, it's the ultimate western challenge. Elk are very callable on OTC public lands, we do it every year with success & so can you. Yes, there's a Learning Curve but it's a fun one! (grin) Definitely entertain the thought, you'll be glad you did & you'll look at elk hunting the rut in a whole new light! Good Luck!
ElkNut/Paul
I can attest to this. In 2008, I drew my first elk tag and first archery hunt. I applied for the tag on a whim. Admittedly knowing nothing about elk. Up until then, I rifle hunted for deer.
After a couple close calls calling with only a hoochie, and spot n stalk, and going home empty, I was hooked. I immediately upon returning home, searched the web for as much information as I could find.
Enter Elknut1 and the PlayBook. This was just what the elk doctor ordered! Saying that the learning curve was cut down is an understatement. I killed 6 elk in the next 8 years from 2009. 4 cows and 2 bulls.
The last 3 years I've had a little bad luck, but not because I haven't had opportunities. I haven't called in a single cow in 3 years but probably called in 30 bulls into bow range. And called in a few for my friends who have killed, or blew the opportunity. Including 2 in October during muzzleloader.
Paul's right, if you bury your calls in the bottom of your pack, or leave them at camp, you are seriously putting limitations on your hunting skills and reducing your odds and opportunities. Once you learn Paul's material, you're a step up on the 1 dimensional Hunter.
Once you learn how to call with a mouth reed, and really gain control of your reeds, your elk confidence will be thru the roof and you very well could be the next Hunter in the 10% club. The information is there for the taking. It's up to you to grab the bull by the horns and run with it. Nothing like calling elk to you and dictating the outcome