New to Cow Elk Hunting

[happyhuntin]

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!

[gspsonny03]

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.

[grayghost]

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

[happyhuntin]

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!!

[Baylian]

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

Good Hunting, TJ