Quick Answer
Cow calls can be effective for elk during the rut in Montana, but their success rate depends on the caller's skill and the elk's familiarity with the call.
Understanding Elk Behavior
During the rut, bull elk are highly aggressive and will often respond to cow calls, especially if they’re familiar with the sound. In Montana, the peak elk rut season typically occurs in late September and early October, and the most effective time to use cow calls is during the early morning and late evening hours when elk are most active. To increase the effectiveness of your calls, it’s essential to mimic the sounds of a cow elk in distress, such as a cow that’s been injured or separated from her herd.
Choosing the Right Call
When selecting a cow call for elk hunting, look for a call that produces a clear, high-pitched sound, such as a bugle call with a high-pitched “yeee-yeee” tone. A good cow call should be able to produce a range of sounds, from a soft, distant call to a loud, urgent one. Practice using your call in different environments and at various volumes to develop your skills and get a feel for how elk respond to different sounds.
Hunting Techniques
When using cow calls to hunt elk, it’s essential to be patient and quiet, as elk have excellent hearing and vision. Start by making soft calls in a small area and gradually increase the volume and range of your calls as you get closer to the elk. Use a call in conjunction with other hunting techniques, such as spot-and-stalk hunting or driving elk with a guide, to increase your chances of success. In Montana, it’s not uncommon for experienced hunters to use cow calls to get within 100-200 yards of a bull elk, at which point a well-placed shot can be made.
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