I'm going to Colorado for an early season (mid Oct) rifle Elk hunt. I know this is after the rut but I didn't know if it made sense to still bring a cow call along our something like that?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

I would give you an answer here but what do I know, I just guide hunts in Colorado for a living. According to Crazyhorse you should ask your buddies your going with because they would know more than resident hunters and guides

In all seriousness, I normally have one but dont use it for "calling" elk. I'll use it to stop an animal or to get one to stand up if they are laying down and I dont have a shot.

won't hurt to have one, thou you can honk on a cow call a LONG time without attracting a cow.
to stop one for a shot as drum says is just as easy "mouth calling"
as in without a actual call, just making the same noise with your voice.
I am going to predict a split rut for the 2011 season.
moon is too early in sept for a full blown sept rut, you and everyone else will have a secondary rut near the full moon in oct.
there will be bugling bulls talking in oct.
Damn i love this "crystal ball" good luck

I have heard bull still bugling in 1st rifle, and once heard a single bugle in early November.

However, its always a good idea to a a small cow call around your neck when you are trampling around the dark timber. I like to give a chirp now and then when walking, especially if I can't help but make some noise (no snow with lots of dry grass, or old, loud, crunchy snow). Nothing scientific, I just think if I make a noise and there are animals near, if I give a quick chirp it might give them a bit of pause before automatically bolting.

I agree with MileHighShooter 100%. When I used to stumble around the timber of Colo, I always had a cow call with me. Don't overdo it but if you make some noise, give a little mew. You might be suprised to have elk mew back at you.

Never hurts to have one. I agree with Drummond; use it (cow call) to stop a moving animal, although a whistle or any unnatural sound would usually do that. I have on one occasion called in bulls during second rifle (CO). For the first two days in the Gunnison they were still in full rut. That is the exception, not the rule. Before I would use the call for anything other than stopping an animal, I would make sure I understood how and when to use one. Probably 90% of hunters that bring calls out elk hunting really have no idea of what to do with it other than blow in it and make a noise. You don't have to be an expert by any means if the peak rut is going on, but it will help a lot if you understand how and what to say to them. Once the shooting starts, and man scent is all over the mountains, you'll generally run off more elk using a call than having them come in. I've called in more bulls by not using a call and just raking a tree, than trying to call one after the peak of the rut. Besides, you have had local guys before season practicing on calling in elk....those bulls received a first class education if they were spooked. Next came the bow hunters, so by rifle season, it's a test of knowing where to find elk that are avoiding man, and lotsa luck. Several great video's are available now on calling and elk biology. Forget the "watch me kill 50 elk in 30 minutes" video's. Those are not going to give you a lot of useful information...just killing shots. Good luck.

I've had some success using a cow call well into November, mostly for cows. While on a stand, I'll let out a few cow calls every 15 minutes or so. I've had bulls and cows come to check it out and they came in silently.

Also, as I walk/stillhunt, I'll cow call as a cover to my noise.

I've heard bulls bugling during 1st rifle season as well. Hunted one year in the 2nd rifle season and I think the first day we heard a few bugles early but after that there was nothing. Bring a Cow Call

Thanks! You guys are the best.

I normally carry one when I get the chance to get back home hunting. Don't get back every year because military duties often conflict with the season.

I don't try to call in elk, but like many of the others here, I use one to cover the noise I make in heavy cover or to stop one I bust out. Don't work att the time, but they don't take up much room and are worth having handy.

For what it is worth, just about any call that accurately mimics wildlife sounds can be used for the same purpose.

I've seen and heard bulls with cows in Oct. Spikes will come in to cow calls at almost any time of the year.

I carry one for cover noises and I'll make soft cow calls just to see what's out there. Be sure to practice a lot with the call as it's really easy to bark when you should be meeewing. I agree with the split rut theory for 2011. I think Oct 2011 is gonna be interesting.

Geoff:

Good luck. That second season is tough, especially if the weather is warm. I do remember shooting a 6pt bull all by himself. I had actually gotten lost and was late meeting my brother for our evening stake-out. Once I did get my bearings, I hoofed it pretty fast. As I was walking I spotted an elk standing under a pine tree - he had been bedded but must have seen me. I simply unslung my rifle and shot him standing.

We were up last weekend. It was really hot. Bulls wouldn't even respond to a bugle. I think it's going to be a late rut this year, so I would bring it.