Elk Calling Mini Series Tip #4 - Before The Shot - Skre Gear

Elk Shot Placement - Calling Mini Series

Hey guys. Tom and Thomas again from Mile High Note Game Calls. We're here with another tip this week. This one's kind of going to be more focused on calling right before the shot and calling right after your shot. Whether you're hunting with archery equipment, muzzleloader, rifle, crossbow, whatever the weapon you choose to hunt with is. One thing that we like to stress is if you're hunting in a group, in a pair, or whatever it may be, if you're the shooter then the elk is coming in for you. We always try to stop that elk for the shot. If you are at full draw and you're an archery hunter, keep the diaphragm in your mouth at that point in time when the elk is coming in. That's why I like diaphragm calls the most, just because they're hands free. I can draw my bow back, I can keep the diaphragm in my mouth, and then once that bull starts coming in - or cow, whatever it is you're after - you can stop that animal in its tracks with just one little cow mew. Just like that. And then one thing to touch on as well, if you're the one shooting, make sure you're the one stopping that bull. We've been there done that before, where I was at full draw, he stopped the bull because he thought I had a window, and I didn't have a window.

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I didn't have the same angle and I couldn't judge distance. So it's really important if you're the shooter that you gotta be the one to stop the bull. And then keep that reed in your mouth. I'll tell you one other thing, if you start to draw your bow and that bull sees you and turns to run, continue drawing your bow and then do the cow call. A lot of times he'll go jump out about another 20 yards, stop and turn broadside and you'll still get that shot at him. So the reed is so important to keep it ready at all times in your mouth. The biggest thing that we try not to do as well, you release that arrow and you see it hit the bull or the cow, you get excited and want to go see what's going on instantly, right? Just make sure to gain your composure, and right after you release that arrow and you know you made a good shot, start calling. Whether you are cow calling or bugling - excited cow calls, let out a little bugle - your goal there is to be able to stop that elk. A lot of times they don't know what happened. So when you release that arrow, you hit them, make your cow calls or bugle and if you're hunting partner's there - same thing. Have him start calling or her start calling. Just to stop them - just to calm them down. And a lot of times the bugle wasn't even necessary. You hit them with five or six cow calls and I've had elk stop all the time. Arrow went right through them and they don't even know what happened. You just stop them and then you don't have to track them, you can see right where they go down, and it's a great technique. This is another great tip from the elk woods here in Colorado. You guys have a great hunting season this year and stay tuned for more tips.