September is the time of year every elk hunter looks forward to. The bugle of a bull elk is something that everyone should hear at least once in their life. For others, who have already heard the sound, are already hooked and want to hear it every year. Elk hunting during the rut is the ultimate natural adrenaline rush. If you take a new hunter out in the woods and they hear an elk bugle for the first time they often transform into an elk junkie. This is exactly what happened to me many years ago. Now I am a full blown elk junkie with symptoms like running around the house bugling and chuckling and driving my wife and the neighbors crazy, ordering every elk DVD on the market, going to the local sports store and spending my lunch money on the latest and greatest elk calls and paraphernalia, performance testing the latest elk urines, etc. Well you get the point! If you are like me, you watch, learn and listen to anyone that talks or writes about elk hunting just trying to pick up that one tip that will make your hunt that much more successful. We “Elk junkies” just can’t get enough. I have spent many Septembers chasing, videoing, calling, guiding, hunting and mainly just enjoying Elk in their magical time we call “The Rut”. The goal of writing these tips and tactics on elk hunting during the rut is to hopefully pass on one little piece of information that could help you on a future encounter with the “Big Boy”. I have learned many things just watching and observing these magnificent animals that God has created for us. I have learned many things from my elk hunting mentors and have learned also from my countless mistakes in this game of trial and error. My hope for everyone who reads this is that they might just pick up on some little thing that will help them come September.
Scouting and being familiar with the hunting area is essential to be successful on the hunt. It is very important to know the area or unit that you will be hunting. Whether you are backpacking or day hunting from the truck, knowing the lay of the land is extremely important. Maps play an integral part of the hunt. Make sure you have forest service maps, BLM maps, state land maps and any other that is on the market. It really helps to know where the animals are located but it also is important to know how to get around in your hunting area. While scouting for elk prior to the hunt it is important to note the following: A) Locate areas where grass is plentiful and not overgrazed by cattle, B) Locate old rubs from past years, C) Be familiar with all of the water sources in the area (Elk have to have water), D) Find and locate your large cow/calf groups (The bulls will show up sooner or later when the rut starts), E) Look for areas that have large portions of roadless areas, F) Locate trails and old roads that will make it easier to access your hunting grounds. Knowing these trails and old roads will come in handy when you harvest your elk and need to get it out quickly and safely.TOPO maps are an absolute must while elk hunting during the rut. TOPO maps can help you plan your attack route and give you ideas on bedding areas, feeding areas and travel corridors. I like to cross reference my TOPO map after every hunting session. For example, when I hunt elk in the morning and leave them in their beds. I like to mark the spot on my GPS. I then reference my TOPO map and it confirms their position. I look for water sources and feeding areas that are closest to the beds. This gives me an idea where the elk will probably go after they rise from their afternoon nap. TOPO maps also help me find vantage points where I might be able to glass and observe the elk.
Better to be early than late. The rut doesn’t last all year long unfortunately. So it is very important to make the most of every single day in the elk woods. Make sure that you are firing out of the sack early every morning. The worst feeling in the world is showing up to your spot and someone just beat you there. If you get to your spot way before it gets light you can listen to the bulls and figure out which direction they are heading. Make sure to stay back away from the elk so that you do not disturb them in the dark. I like to leave plenty of time in case of flat tire or some other setback. If you are extra early you can always go to plan B if necessary.The wind is the single most important factor in elk hunting. By far the wind is the single most important factor to keep in mind while elk hunting. An elk’s nose rarely ever lies to him. You must approach from downwind always. I like to plan my approach around the thermals. When you hear bulls bugling you may have to swing one way or another to play the wind right and keep it in your face at all times. I carry a squeezable wind checker with me at all times during the stalk. As I am approaching the elk I am constantly checking the wind. I go through at least six squeezable bottles a season. Remember keep the wind in your face.
Never judge a bull by his bugle. I have seen some bulls that sound big but are just raghorns. On the contrary, I have seen some great bulls that didn’t sound real big. Usually if a bull has a lot of volume he is going to be mature. Don’t mistake this for high pitch. We have all seen high pitched bulls that are small. Volume and deep guttural sounds are usually an indicator of a mature bull. It is best to always investigate each bugle so that you won’t be fooled with a big bull that doesn’t sound that great. I also listen for the “glunking sound” when I am hunting elk. I have found that big bulls typically will glunk more at their cows because they do not want to let every bull around know their position. 
When a bull is raking its antlers it is time to charge into bow range. This is a perfect time to travel towards the bull as quickly as possible. When you hear the antlers raking against the trees or bush that is when you should be moving. When the sound hesitates you should hesitate. Often times you can walk right into bow range or closer. I have been able to get close enough to touch elk when they are thrashing trees. (I would not advise touching a bull or get so close that you startle them because they can get mean when they are surprised)
A big track usually means an old bull. This seems obvious! Very rarely will a big antlered bull have a small track. Practice following bulls and look at there track until you can distinguish a big track from a small track. A huge track might be an old mature bull that is going downhill and all palmated or it might just be that 7-10 year old bull every trophy hunter is looking for. In the arid units of Arizona, you can literally follow bulls by there track. You can also check waterholes and look for big tracks. Big tracks mean Big Bulls.
If you find a fresh wallow it usually means the bull will be back. I like to look for wallows during the middle of the day. If I find a good wallow I will usually sit tight and wait for the bull to reappear. They can’t stay away from the wallow if it is super hot. Remember to look at the track that just left the wallow. Look for where the bull rolls around and where his antlers hit on the mud. If you can determine where the body is and the tips of the rack are scratching 5 feet out you have got a great bull using the wallow. Good wallows are hard to find but when you do pay attention because they will come back.
For a bull to be 400” it has to look absolutely huge. We have all heard the hunter in camp that has seen a 400” inch bull every time they go out. Well I can tell you that more than likely they have see a very nice bull but probably not a 400 incher. When you see a 400” plus bull every point should be over 20 inches. It should look absolutely huge compared to other bulls you are used to seeing. Long point is something that you must have for a bull to reach the magical 400” mark. A 400 incher usually has no weakness.
When you have shot a bull and he gives you another shot take it no matter what. Whether using a bow or rifle, when an elk gives you a second opportunity always take the shot. Elk are extremely resilient and tough animals. I always tell people shoot them as many times as you can until they fall. When they fall you don’t celebrate until you know for absolutely sure that they are down for good. I am all for saving meat but shots in the rib cage does not hurt much of the good meat. It is better to have a bull a little shot up than to have the bull get up and walk off to never see him again.
After the shot give the bull at least 30 minutes no matter how good the hit. This should be the most important bit of info in this whole article. After an archery shot no matter how good you think the hit is, you should wait at least 30 minutes before searching for your trophy. Unless the bull expires within sight and you can positively account for his death, 30 minutes is not debatable. If someone tries to coax you to check the arrow or just go a few yards you need to be firm and tell them you are going to wait at least 30 minutes. Right after the hit is a very critical time to be very quiet and listen for any noises of your trophy falling down or running off. If you hit a bull in the gut region you need a minimum of 6 hours. If you move in before that you are making a big mistake. If you had a choice to lose a little meat or lose the whole elk the decision would be easy for everyone but people don’t think of it like that and they should. Be patient after the shot and listen to the sounds around that might help you in the recovery. 
Use the bugle to locate. In my opinion, the bugle is an overrated call that most people abuse. I know a few of the best callers in the world with a bugle and they will tell you most of their calls ins come by way of their cow calling. A bugle can be very effective to get a bull to sound off at a great distance. In my opinion there are only a few guys that could blow the bugle good enough to consistently call in bulls. Think of it this way, at a distance of 200 yards can you more easily distinguish a guy with a bugle or a guy throwing out some cow calls. I think the guy with the bugle stands out every time. Now I can sense my email lighting up already with guys telling me about the bulls they call in with the bugle. In my opinion you will call in more bulls with a cow call than any other call. With that being said if you are very good with your bugle then go for it. It can sometimes be the difference in calling in the big bull or not.
Be proficient with your cow call. The cow call can be made with a diaphragm, an open reed call or a squeeze call. Whichever call you choose to use it is necessary to be very good at it. If you cannot consistent make nasally tones then keep the call in your pocket. I think all three styles of cow calls can work with extreme effectiveness. The easiest to use would be the squeeze call. The second easiest to use would be the open reed call and the hardest to master would be the diaphragm call. You may actually use all three at different times which can be effective on bulls. It is important to sound real and nasally. The sequence of calls is often times what gives the hunter away. The best teacher of course is the elk themselves. Pick up some DVD’s that are on the market and listen to the sounds the elk actually make. Try and mimic the sounds and sequence that you hear from actual cow elk not the human elk. One of the best natural elk calling CD's is one that is made by. It is the best audio CD on natural elk sounds on the market (Available at chappellandscotthunts.com). Do your best to practice all summer long and become very good at cow calling.
Have a friend listen to your elk calling and get some feedback. It is important to tell your buddy that he must be honest; if you sound bad he needs to tell you. The truth hurts sometime but you need some criticism to get better. Everyone knows what I am talking about here. If your buddy sounds terrible but thinks he is good it is your duty as his buddy to tell him politely that he needs practice. I have had people give me suggestions on my own calling and it only makes me a better caller. Make sure you tell him with a smile and the right attitude. People that don’t call well will do themselves a favor and just pocket the call. They can then rely on their stalking ability and be much more effective.
Do not cow call to loud. One of the first things that give a human elk caller away is the volume of their calls. The next thing that gives them away is their sequencing. Think finesse when you cow call and I am going to sweet talk this bull in. Not I am large and in charge and get over here. Think of it this way. If a human female started being a loud mouth and said in a loud mouth way get over here big boy. You would not be inclined to do so. On the contrary, if you heard the soft sweet voice of seduction you would be way more likely to go check her out. Obviously the last example is only for the single guys out there.
The “Buddy System” can be very effective when trying to call in that big herd bull. A very deadly tactic while elk hunting during the rut is having your buddy who is the designated elk caller about 50 yards behind the hunter. Even if the caller is not extremely good they can usually still get the bull to bugle and give his position away meanwhile allowing the hunter to slip into range. If your caller is pretty good at elk calling often times the bull will come in to investigate but hang up at 75 yards or so. If the hunter is 50 yards from the caller it makes the shot about 25 yards. It is not uncommon for the bull to walk right by the undetected hunter while he is focused on the caller’s position and give the hunter the perfect broadside shot.
The “Fadeaway” tactic while elk calling can bring the bulls in quick. I use this tactic a lot when hunting rut crazed bulls. I will cow call a few times and if the bull responds I will continue to sound available and excited. If the bull seems interested I will then set the hunter up and fade back away from the bull. This technique makes the bull think that the cow he is hearing is leaving. They often will close the distance fast hoping to catch the cow before she leaves. This is also a great technique when the bulls hang-up outside of effective bow range. I will fall back from the hunter cow calling and may actually throw in a small bull type squeal. The thought of loosing a hot cow to a small bull is usually too much for the big bull to handle and they will come your way giving the hunter his shot.
Silent stalking (No calling) can be the most effective way to harvest a trophy bull. If you are not a good caller, the most effective way to harvest a trophy elk is to use your stalking skills. Sometimes silent stalking is the best option even if you are a great elk caller. If the elk have no idea you are near it can be extremely effective to just sneak in and look for your shot opportunity. Make sure you get the wind right before you stalk in close. Some of the best elk hunters I know don’t even own an elk call.
When the temperature is hot, water is key to finding elk. When hunting rutting bulls and the temperatures soar water can be an extremely effective way to harvest a nice bull. Whether you are for or against sitting on water the point is water will be a congregating place for many herds of elk and many bulls. It often becomes the “Party place” where the elk reconvene to go about their mating ritual. Sitting a ground blind or tree stand during hot days can be a goldmine for hunters seeking to harvest a trophy bull. Remember that big herd bulls often times slip off during the day to get a good drink of water and get a quick wallow in at the water holes. A good tactic can be to chase bugles in the morning and then head to the water hole at about 9:30 and wait and see what comes in. If you haven’t done it you might be surprised.
When elk scouting look for areas that are greener than others. In Arizona, where most of my elk hunting takes place we have monsoons. These thunderstorms can hit randomly often raining three inches in one spot and two miles away maybe not a single drop. This will create a difference in good grass/feed and no feed. Elk tend to follow the summer rains. It is important to monitor summer rains and make note of it. Often times come September that is where the best bulls will be.
Be careful not to bust a trophy bull from his bed. A lot has been talked about over the years about whether to hunt the bedding grounds or not. It is important to understand that if a big bull gets bumped out of its bed he may not come back to that area. I think more importantly if you bump his cows they will be wary about returning to that spot the next day. Hunting near the bedding grounds can be extremely effective if you use the cow call properly. Lots of times you can tread lightly on the edge of the beds and call seductively and those bulls will come check you out. If you are on a giant bull the best thing would be to not disturb his pattern in anyway.
Bed the bull during midday and stay close enough to hear him when he gets up. A killer tactic is to follow a bull to his bed and get in tight to him obviously with the wind right. Wait until he gets the cows all settled and bedded down and ease even closer into range. Often times he will get up periodically to check the cows for signs of estrus and walk right into bow range.
At a water hole, let the elk put its head down and start drinking before you take the shot. If you are going to sit water for big bulls, one bit of advice I could give is to wait until the bulls settles in and starts drinking. Two things happen here. One is the noise of the bull slurping will let you draw your bow undetected, the second, is they usually relax a little when they start slurping the water. Sometimes they will drink for 1-2 minutes straight without stopping. Remember elk are the most wary when they first arrive to the water. Let the cows settle in and get comfortable before you start shaking your bow around and moving around for the shot. The cows will hose you most of the time before the bull even knows what is up.
While stalking, learn to cut bulls off using the wind. One of the most successful tactics for elk hunting has been described best one of the best big bull hunters around, Randy Ulmer; he talks about learning to cut bulls off while paralleling them. The idea is to stay out to the side of a bull so the wind is in both of your faces. Parallel the bull until you can use an angle and knife in from the side. Lots of times these bulls will walk right by you. This is an extremely deadly tactic. Sometimes it requires running around to cut the bull off. You don’t want to get ahead of the bull because he will then wind you. Stay to the side and angle in on 45 degree stints. Sometimes you will angle in but the bull will speed up giving no shot. Just repeat the process until a shot is presented.
When bulls are fighting it is time to get aggressive. When you hear bulls fighting you can literally run right at them with no worry about making noise or them smelling you. At that particular moment they are in the heat of the moment and are trying to kill each other. If you only have 100 yards to cover you can have a shot in about 15 seconds. You will know when the time is right but do not hesitate charge right to the noise of the antlers and get ready to shoot. It does not matter if the cows spook because by the time the bulls look up you are already drawn and releasing your arrow. GOOD HUNTIN'