Elk Rut, Calling 101? American Fork Elk?

[jgw50]

Im an east coast transplant and after seeing my first elk last year, I figured I would go out and try to call some elk last weekend. I went up to strawberry, and was there before the sun went up. I called a few times and got some answers, and even saw two cows.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice. I have zero experience, and am not hunting, so I can go anywhere. I just want to call some in and take some pics. I was thinking it could be cool to go wheeling up to mineral basin and then try up there?

Ive had some people say there is a herd up there, but I have no clue, I was wondering if anyone had any info?

I think its a limited entry area, so you wouldent be giving away any "secrets" that could hurt your hunt this year, and Im not going to shoot anything, I could even do a little scouting for you.

 

[muleskinner]

You could try the Wasatch front, but most of the close public land areas will be full of other people doing the same thing. The elk in these areas pretty much become nocturnal during the rut. I just came back from the Book Cliffs and they should be in full rut by the first of next week.

Warning elk being killed in video!

Here is a short vid of the elk we got being shot, he bugles right before he dies. I have tons of video of elk bugling and cows calling from last week.

Warning elk being killed in video!

 

[James K]

cool vid.

he dropped like a rock.

how far was the shot?

 

[muleskinner]

311 yards, I'll post up some more video's of some 1171 yard rock shots later

 

[TRNDRVR]

I was wondering if anyone had any advice.

First off, you need to buy one of these hats....

The number is optional.

Then you stand out in the woods and alternate between whistling, like you do for a dog, and your elk calling. "Here elk, elk, elk!!!
HTH. Good luck!!!

 

[jgw50]

Nice vid! I dont mine other people shooting things, just not what Im doing. That looked like a pretty nice bull too.

So, if the elk are nocturnal right now, when is the best time to go out? With the moon as full as it is right now, I might have to make a late night of it. I live in Farmington and heard someone mention a herd on the backside of farmington peak, but again, have no clue.

 

[muleskinner]

Well, thats my point. unless you want to go into a remote area, you might not have much luck (but you never know) give it a try, and let us know. I only use a bugle to locate the bulls, then you want to use a cow call. You might want to buy a calling tape and listen to it first so you don't make the wrong sound, Like a warning or alert call. Good luck.

 

[Clutch]

That was the first ELK I've seen this year!!!!

I spent 5 days two weeks ago on the north and south slope and didn't see a thing. I'm going up on skyline this weekend to do some calling. A DWR dude told me where I can some.

I'm hoping to still get a chance on the extended hunt.

 

[Meat_]

I dunno where any elk are.... here's a couple of the ones that I didn't see 4 days ago

 

[jgw50]

Yuuupp, thats what im lookin to do! I guess I'll just have to figure it out myself and get out there and find a freekin herd. I mean, how hard should a herd of horny animals that make noise that can be heard from 3 miles away be? I guess it makes it more fun.