New to Cow Elk Hunting
 

I drew a late season cow elk tag in Nevada. Since I have never hunted cow elk, I am curious about the use of calls for cows. I have heard of hunters using calls for cows, but I am curious to get input on whether you guys have found calls to be effective, and if so, what kind of calls work best?
Thanks!

I suppose that it depends on how late in the season you are talking. I have called in cows during September bow hunts during the rut. I would imagine that if you was to use a calf bleat while hunting you might bring in a cow that's curious about an injured calf, or maybe even another cow call. They are a herd animal and do have a tendency to seek out their own. Heck I've even had them come into a bull call, so I suppose anything is possible.

There are a great number of cow Elk calls on the market. Probably one of the easier calls to use is something like the Primos squeeze type "Hoochie Mama." Others, like the bite/pinch type calls require some practice to get uniform sounds. Diaphram calls are usually the most difficult to master and I would avoid them until you have a month or more to get comfortable with it. As gsp mentioned, Elk like Deer are very curious animals. Watch your scent/wind number one; know your rifles limitations and your shooting skills and you should get meat in the freezer if all goes well. Best of luck and good hunting, grayghost

Thanks for the info--the season runs from December 5th to January 6th. I definitely will keep the scent and range at the top of my priority list--this hunt is the chance for my "trifecta," I drew an antelope, mule deer and cow elk tag this year (in Nevada no less!)--antelope and mulie are in the freezer, just need the elk to get us through until next season :)
Thanks again!!

What happened?
 

Did you get a cow? Give us some details if you did?

Good Hunting, TJ