Bridger Mountain Hunting in Bozeman, MT. - Help Please

[SWMontana1]

I have been elk hunting in various locations in the Bridgers all this season; Olsen Creek, Brackett Creek, Stone Creek, and Jackson Creek. I have heard quite a few bulls bugling, typically in the morning and it turns off in the evenings. I am having a tough time telling where/how far they are away. I know they typically tuck themselves away on private land up there... any positive words out there?

The past few evenings it has been dead silent, is the rut over up there? Should this weekend and following weekends be any good? Hope someone has a little insight on the Bridgers as I am quite frustrated.

Thanks!

(Anyone know any information about Pine Creek up in the Bridgers? Elk ever been seen/heard/taken up there? Any info is greatly appreciated!)

 

[mdunc8]

It's supposed to be brutally hot this weekend, which isn't going to help matters. I've heard them bugling well into October so you've got plenty of time. I'm no expert elk hunter, so I don't have a whole lot to offer. Just keep at it. Eventually it'll work out.

 

[Lawnboy]

any positive words out there?

Take me to these bugling elk and I will help you. The rut isn't over and even on hot days when a cows in heat nothings going to stop the bugling. Bugling elk can be hot and cold. I left 3 bulls bugling in the morning and took my son back after school to see if we could get on one and didn't hear a peep either.

Stay persistent and call me to go along.

 

[Carrion Carrier]

While the peak rut activity might be starting to wind down your chances at a bull are still very good. Anticipate bulls coming in silently. The Bridgers are a great place to score. Keep at it.

 

[DreaminofMT6X6s]

Regardless of them not bugling, doesn't mean they aren't there either. I'd stay out for the entire day into the evening and up to sunset. Any downtime you have out there (you'll have a lot) work the tight timber slowly where you think you've been hearing them. The elk are still there they are just bedded and quiet. Keep at it, the elk aren't gone just going through various phases.

 

[SWMontana1]

Thanks for the advice! Actually had a small 3x3 bull come in completely silent last night (only heard the 'twang' of the fence to know something was coming in), less than 10 yards away. Decided not to pull, still a bit early to be taking one that small.... So you think I should spend the entire day out this weekend even with the weather in the 80s? In the theory I like the idea of working the timber slowly and quietly; however, the dry arrowhead leaves pose a problem as they are the loudest thing I have ever encountered...

QUESTION: If the bulls are being silent, how often do you use a cow call? Do you keep using it even without a bugle response? Do you cow call when you are stalking around or walking up in the morning? Heard a lot of different things.... I am pretty new at this so any advice is much appreciated!!

I am thankful for any advice!

Thanks!

 

[mtlion]

Thanks for the advice! Actually had a small 3x3 bull come in completely silent last night (only heard the 'twang' of the fence to know something was coming in), less than 10 yards away. Decided not to pull, still a bit early to be taking one that small.... So you think I should spend the entire day out this weekend even with the weather in the 80s? In the theory I like the idea of working the timber slowly and quietly; however, the dry arrowhead leaves pose a problem as they are the loudest thing I have ever encountered...

QUESTION: If the bulls are being silent, how often do you use a cow call? Do you keep using it even without a bugle response? Do you cow call when you are stalking around or walking up in the morning? Heard a lot of different things.... I am pretty new at this so any advice is much appreciated!!

I am thankful for any advice!

Thanks!

My advice is if you are new to it don't be passing any legal bull

 

[belly-deep]

My advice is if you are new to it don't be passing any legal bull

Might be the best advice given so far.

 

[MHMT]

My advice is if you are new to it don't be passing any legal bull

It's probably hard to shoot a little one when you can drive the highway and see the massive bull hanging out on private land just below the forest

 

[SWMontana1]

My advice is if you are new to it don't be passing any legal bull

New to archery, even though I have lived here my entire life... definitely not new to elk hunting and taking bulls :hump:

Cow calling is what I am struggling with I think.... any advice? How often do you cow call, not much? keep calling when you hear no bugles?? Cow call in the middle of the day?

Really stumped on the cow calling.....

any insight is appreciated!