Quick Answer
Elk have a preferred feeding time that can affect calling, typically within the first and last hours of daylight. Understanding this behavior can help hunters optimize their blind calling strategy. Research suggests that elk tend to be more active during these peak feeding periods.
Understanding Elk Behavior
Elk are crepuscular animals, meaning they’re most active during twilight hours, which is the period around dawn and dusk. This behavior is largely driven by their need to feed on vegetation and browse during these times. When calling elk in a blind, it’s essential to consider this feeding pattern and adjust your calling strategy accordingly.
Optimal Calling Windows
Research suggests that the first hour of daylight and the last hour before dark are the most effective times to call elk. During this period, elk are more likely to be active and responsive to calls. In terms of specific numbers, a study found that 75% of successful elk calls were made during these peak activity periods. When calling during these times, focus on making sounds that mimic a cow elk’s vocalizations, as this is more likely to attract a bull elk.
Blind Calling Techniques
When blind calling elk, it’s crucial to be strategic about the type of call you’re using and when you’re making it. A good blind calling plan involves using a combination of cow elk calls and bull elk bugles, with the cow calls made during the peak feeding periods and the bugles made during the evening hours when bulls are more likely to respond. By understanding the elk’s behavior and adapting your calling strategy accordingly, you can increase your chances of success in the blind.
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