Here's a sound many of us who've elk hunted for awhile have heard on a regular basis, it's known as a Nervous Grunt or Nervous Bark. Nearly 20 years ago I referred to it as A Popping Grunt, they are all the same sound.
There are times to use this sound & times to know how to React to it with decent results!
First we need to be aware of it's message when used by us or the elk!
The Nervous Grunt's message is asking for an Action! It expects a Visual or Satisfying response to something they've seen a glimpse of or heard but now wants to see this animal to be sure where it is or that it's not a threat to it.
I've had success with this sound on several bulls by Reacting once it was heard & identified. I've had equally good success by using this sound first! Like many encounters it's Situational! For Instance ----
I've done well by immediately heading straight to the bull cow calling my way to him with cover & wind in my favor.
Another thing I've done is use the Nervous Grunt to bring elk back that I've accidentally bumped out of their beds.
Too, with two of us I've left the shooter right where we heard the Grunt/Bark & retreated while cow calling as if I were leaving, this has drawn a bull right in!
I will say it's common to get into a Nervous Grunt stand off with a Cow or Bull & in most cases the elk leaves the area unscathed!
Are there tactics you've tried when this Nervous Grunt was heard or you used it first!
ElkNut/Paul
There are times to use this sound & times to know how to React to it with decent results!
First we need to be aware of it's message when used by us or the elk!
The Nervous Grunt's message is asking for an Action! It expects a Visual or Satisfying response to something they've seen a glimpse of or heard but now wants to see this animal to be sure where it is or that it's not a threat to it.
I've had success with this sound on several bulls by Reacting once it was heard & identified. I've had equally good success by using this sound first! Like many encounters it's Situational! For Instance ----
I've done well by immediately heading straight to the bull cow calling my way to him with cover & wind in my favor.
Another thing I've done is use the Nervous Grunt to bring elk back that I've accidentally bumped out of their beds.
Too, with two of us I've left the shooter right where we heard the Grunt/Bark & retreated while cow calling as if I were leaving, this has drawn a bull right in!
I will say it's common to get into a Nervous Grunt stand off with a Cow or Bull & in most cases the elk leaves the area unscathed!
Are there tactics you've tried when this Nervous Grunt was heard or you used it first!
ElkNut/Paul