Quick Answer
During a full moon, it's essential to use a more subtle and patient approach, focusing on soft, gentle calls and allowing the animal to get accustomed to the sound before making any aggressive calls. A good strategy is to use a combination of low, raspy calls and high-pitched bugles, spaced out over a longer period. This approach helps to avoid startling the elk.
Moonlight Bugling Strategy
When the full moon is overhead, it’s best to start with a low, raspy call, often referred to as a “mooing” or “bucking” call. This type of call is typically made with the mouth, using the lips and tongue to produce a low, guttural sound. Start with a soft call, around 4-6 inches from your lips, and gradually increase the volume and intensity over the next 30-60 seconds.
Call Duration and Frequency
A key aspect of the moonlight bugling strategy is to keep the calls short and spaced out. Aim for 3-5 seconds of calling, followed by 15-30 seconds of silence. This allows the elk to process the sound and get accustomed to the calling before making another call. Repeat this process 3-5 times, then take a longer break of 1-2 minutes to allow the elk to move in.
Bugle Variation and Intensity
Once the elk have become accustomed to the sound, you can introduce a higher-pitched bugle. This call should be made with the mouth, using the lips to produce a sharp, piercing sound. Start with a soft bugle and gradually increase the intensity over the next 30-60 seconds. A variation of the bugle call is the “chip” call, which is a high-pitched, staccato sound often used to simulate the sound of a bull elk fighting for dominance. Use the chip call sparingly, as it can be startling to the elk.
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