We have been honored to have a guest blog from Mr. Michael Waddell himself. Great read for everyone so here ya go…

Whether hunting public or private land, the fundamentals of calling elk remain the same

By: Michael Waddell

We heard the bull bugle at first light and snuck into his core area. When I hit a lick on my bugle, the bull sim­ply came unglued and stormed our position like a tank, crashing through brush and small lodgepole pines like they were match­sticks. Before we could react he was in our lap and we were pinned down, myself hiding behind a camera, too afraid to even touch the tripod for fear of my shaking hands would run the footage. All I could see of my partner wedged against a stunted pine was the tip of his undrawn arrow shaking uncontrollably on the rest. Before a shot presented itself, the bull smelled a rat and disappeared as quickly as he arrived. While this experience didn’t result in a dead elk, it did hopelessly addict me to calling them.

It seems that in all walks of life, be it the animal kingdom or humans, communication is a key ingredient for all social interac­tion. However not all living things communicate to the same degree. If you ask my wife, I am sure she will tell you I lack in the communication department, in fact I am sure she believes I don’t listen to her at all, but when it comes to communicating with animals I can barely shut up. Of all the animals I love to communicate with elk rate right at the top.

By nature elk are very vocal. The uninitiated often simply think of bulls bugling, but cows, calves and bulls make all sorts of noises year around. If you encounter a larger herd of elk while you might not hear a thing from a distance, if you get close you will hear lots of subtle vocalization. Most of the time these are sounds of contentment, but depending on what’s happening the vocalization reflects it. Elk can convey contentment, danger, curiosity, or a cow in heat. Bulls for instance only bugle primar­ily in the rut, but they also communicate to establish a pecking order. After spending a considerable amount of time chasing the mighty wapiti, I’m convinced every elk in the herd knows each other by sound alone. This happens with the cows as well as the bulls and based on my evaluation somewhere in this mix is the deadly secret to calling elk archery-close.

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery

It seems that the more vocal a herd the better the odds are for success at calling them. Some cows call subtle, while others are loud-mouth ladies actively looking for a date. By listening it gives you a better opportunity to imitate the particular tones and intensity of the herd.

By calling we are automatically intruding into the social club without an invitation. The closer we can sound to a known elk, and match that intensity the better the odds are of filling a tag. Even though we may sound like an outsider to the herd, luckily for us, love crazed bulls are not looking to be intimate with just one or two cows they are looking for all the love of every cow in the world, so taking advantage of their sexual frustrations and promiscuity is what we aim to do.

It doesn’t take a world champion elk caller to trick bulls within range. By simply paying attention to the herd and under­standing simple elk rhythm, tone and more important volume when calling, a hunter can depend on an elk call to be a valuable asset to dulling broadheads.

Public Versus Private Land

Since I started hunting elk 16 years ago, on private as well as public ground, I have realize that comparing these two different types of ground are like comparing night and day and it is all about the amount of pressure each receives. Generally speaking private ground bulls are way easier to call than public ground animals, but this is not always the case. Some private land does get a lot of pressure, which can make for some pretty tough calling duels with elk that can serve you up a humble pie every time you bust out a call. While conversely some public land either through sheer remoteness or hard-to-get tags is like calling the best private land in the nation.

Hunting un-touched land and cow calling to bulls that have never heard a Hoochie Mamma would obviously be nice and it wouldn’t take long work­ing over these uneducated elk to start feeling like an elk calling pro only to be deflated the first time we went to the national forest and mixed it up with bulls so well-known by local hunters that they have knick names. However, regardless of where you hunt the basics of calling remain the same.

Start with mastering the cow call and all its various inflections. Your basic reed type calls are the easiest to learn as well as get proficient with. You will find two kinds; both are bite down reed-type of calls, one being enclosed and the other having an open reed or reeds. These calls make a very realistic sound and before your wife can run you out of the house you will master the basics.

This public land bull didn’t sound like much when he bugled, but he turned out to be a lot better of a bull when he responded to some subtlecalling and snuck into 16 yards.

I rely heavily on the cow call and think most of the time hunters are better off sticking with it over a bugle no matter where he is hunting. But learning how to make a basic bugle is important, especially for locating bulls at a distance before getting close and working him with your cow call. In addition, sometimes it is the bugle that finally provokes a dominant bull to commit, especially during the early season when bulls are still sorting out their peckin’ order.

Earning Your Public Ground PhD

Lets face it, unless you have deep pockets much of the private ground in the West is pretty much off limits, so you have to learn to hunt public land. This is not a bad thing as public ground comprises millions upon millions of acres across the West and happens to have some of the biggest bulls found anywhere. While it can be tougher than private, once you learn how to hunt it you won’t be disappointed. Over the years, one of my favorite places to hunt is the Gila National Forest, in New Mexico, and even though this is a trophy area tags are fairly obtainable through application.

In the Gila, the trophy potential is off the chart, sporting some of the biggest bulls in the country, but just because the big ones live there doesn’t mean that you automatically make one call and they come running to get in the back of your truck. These mature jokers have a PhD in avoiding hunters.

Over the last six years I have hunted this area religiously and have had the op­portunity to shoot some nice bulls all by using elk calls as an aid to close the coffin.

Notice I said, “as an aid”, meaning the call was just one thing in a bag of tricks to help smoke these monarchs. My biggest bull that came out of the Gila was a 378 P&Y bull that had earned the name Professor because he always seemed to take you to school when you applied too much pressure. However, this bull was vocal and would bugle his butt off. He also seemed to be fairly easy to find, not only by his gnarly, raspy bugle that set him apart, but frequently he could be found early in the morning in a large meadow just south of a particular water hole that always attracted a large herd.

The Professor was not the only bull in the area that had large headgear, but it was The Professor that seemed to call the shots. I had caught this bull in the open several times, but calling seemed to really make him uneasy when you were in close. The Professor however would bugle hard to distant cow calls and seem to be whole heartedly interested, but had a sixth sense when you moved in for the attack.

Finally we decided to have a caller stay behind as we worked him coming off the meadow at daybreak. By doing this we could keep him interested and bugling as we stalked in closer. The caller always was no closer than 80 yards behind me. While the caller kept him occupied, I slid within 50 yards and gave him a G5 Tekan right behind the shoulder. This hunt was really a stalk, but the call and caller had a big part to do with his demise. Once we started quartering the bull up, we found a piece of an old arrow lodged just below the backstraps, so obviously someone had him in close before and gave the Prof and education, which explained why he was so wary.

The Double Team

As this old bull showed, hunting with a partner can work extremely well. It not only puts the hunter out in front of the call, but it gives the hunter a chance to move and adjust the angle based on where the bull might be ap­proaching. Likewise, the caller has the flexibility to move as well and apply a lot of different calling techniques.

The double team plan worked again on another hunt. It had been hot and the bulls were only bugling early and late. As soon as the sun would rise the elk woods would turn in to a ghost town.

Just after daybreak on the fourth day of our hunt we heard this bull bugle. He hit it only two times, both very weak and he sounded like the littlest rag horn in the land but with no other game in town we went after him. Getting as close as pos­sible to where we thought the bugle came from I eased up and sat down by a pine stump while my buddy moved back and to my right about 40 yards. Neither of us were very optimistic about our chances. My buddy made one or maybe two very soft cow calls on a two reed diaphragm then he started raking a tree and rolled a few rocks. We sat there for possibly 10 minutes in silence, then out of nowhere appeared a wide 340 inch 6 x 6 coming directly to us, at 25 yards the bull let out a soft chuckle, looked over his surround­ing and kept walking in the direction of where the last rock had been rolled, which led him 16 steps from my pine stump. By now I was at full draw waiting for a broadside shot. When the arrow left my bow, I knew we had killed a call shy monster by keeping it low key and stay­ing patient. Needless to say, I was never convinced by the two times he had bugled earlier that he was a shooter. This was a lesson in itself. Never judge a bugle until you can see what is making the sound.

The most exciting way to bag a bull elk is to get him in close, and the best way to do that is with a call. Confidence in your call is critical, because if you’re insecure about using your call there is a good chance you will spook elk. Have confi­dence in your calling ability and become just another elk in the herd where you are hunting. Find a call that works for you and not what works for some else. Think like an elk and do as elk do. Real­ism, rhythm, and volume control can make the difference between bringin’ them in or running them over the next ridge. And remember its not always about calling, it can be just patiently listening to the sounds around you and applying minimal calls, while practicing good woodsmenship, and stalking skills that could help you put that monster on the back of the truck.

The “Professor”, Waddell’s largest bull came from the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. Public land bulls like this can be call shy and may require some double teaming with a separate caller to fool. Master the cow call and you will call in elk bow-close. Use the bugle to locate as well as seal the deal on an aggressive bull.

In North Carolina swan hunting has been a tradition and a pastime for years. Each winter as the migration occurs and birds move south thousands of tundra swans make their way to North Carolina. These swans migrate to many fields, ponds, impoundments, and refuges along the NC coast giving waterfowlers the opportunity to harvest one of these glorious birds. Each year the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission gives out 5000 permits, this year I was fortunate enough to be drawn and lucky enough to harvest my first swan.

Duck hunters are a completely different breed, whether it be sleep deprivation or hunger, nothing will stop them from accomplishing another day in the field. With little sleep, 3 am came fast on January 17th as I headed to Washington County to meet a few friends for our hunt. Once I met up with them around 5:45 we headed to a private field close to the Pocosin National Wildlife Refuge to try to fill our swan tags for the year. Arriving around 6:00 am in a bitter 9 degrees we head for the ditch to set up and await our shot at a tundra swan and maybe even a shot at a snow goose or two. We got settled in the ditch and one of the guys realized he had forgotten to put his plug in so away he runs back to the truck and made it back with 20 minutes to spare. As legal shooting time slowly got closer we had the opportunity to watch thousands upon thousands of snow geese make their morning trek across the sky. Next in line were a few swans and ducks in numbers that would make your head spin. Shortly thereafter the swans started to fly and were flying strong. Throughout the morning there was a stream of swans that seemed never ending as they continued to make their way across the sky and giving us the opportunity of filling each of our tags. By 7:30 am we had filled 2 of the 5 tags in the ditch and the swans continued to come. A single swan is headed our way, it’s my turn, I wait for him to get close enough and BOOM, down he goes. It was bitter sweet for me as it was only one shot but unreal as I held a bird many in the US will never have an opportunity to harvest. As we sit waiting to fill the last two tags we notice a snow goose closing in fast and much to our surprise in the decoys he lands. Two of us decide to sneak down the ditch and get as close as possible, as we get close we noticed he is preening himself paying us no mind. We hop out of the ditch to try and jump him and he doesn’t move, finally he jumps and we take him. In one day I harvest not only my first swan but also my first snow goose, UNREAL! By 9:30 am there had been a few misses, some guns that did not want to cooperate, more birds then you can count, and 4 of the 5 tags filled. Finally, the last tag was filled but it wasn’t over head. The swan was hit prior and we never saw him go down in the field. As we sat waiting for the one last swan we notice a swan about 600 yards out in the field and we knew it was the one that had gotten hit that we never saw drop. We gathered our things and head to the truck to drop some things off and head to the injured swan. The last swan tag was now filled and another awesome hunt to tell about for years to come. What a great way to spend a January morning. There is nothing like hunting with friends, meeting new friends, a few “firsts”, and all in all a hunt I will never forget.

Bible Study Verse
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)

Thoughts
When I think of running, I think of pronghorn antelope. Now, they can run. As the second-fastest land mammal in the world, they can hit speeds of more than 60 mph, only bested by the African cheetah.

I have known a few unethical hunters that thought a Chevy 350 could outrun them. One in particular was gaining on a herd of antelope just before he hit the prairie dog mound that put an end to the chase. After several hundred dollars of repairs and a fine for harassing wildlife, he learned that stalking was a much better method for hunting antelope.
(Ron T)

Action Point
God gave the antelope great speed and eyesight to avoid predators.

God has given us the Holy Spirit and our unique spiritual gifts. He does not want us to be ignorant of those gifts. Read I Corinthians 12:1.

By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and staying in God’s Word, we can avoid those things that would entangle and prevent us from crossing the finish line of the race He has marked out for us.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Antelope are very curious animals. If you have a chance to archery hunt antelope, you can get them into range by using a decoy. You can buy a decoy at most hunting stores, or make your own decoy by using ¼” plywood, cutting out a silhouette of an antelope, and painting it the correct colors.

Bible Study Verse
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (NIV)

Thoughts
The biggest whitetail buck I have ever seen was in Canada. We were coming into our campground one evening and glanced off to the side of the road. There stood an enormous majestic 12 + point buck just coming out of a thicket! He stood still with his chest puffed out in front – only 15 yards away. We had stopped our van, lowered the windows, and gawked. My family and I were just stunned and amazed! A few minutes went by before the big bruiser turned and jumped back into the woods.

My entire family spent the next several minutes talking about how amazing and beautiful that buck was. We were trying to figure out how a deer could grow up and not get shot in an area where so many people traveled through. It wasn’t until a couple of days later that we found the explanation. As we were driving out of the provincial park, I noticed a sign that said that the entire peninsula (about 30 miles) where our campground was located was actually a game preserve. No hunting or trapping of any kind was permissible there. This buck had grown up in an environment that was completely safe, and because of this, he was healthy and majestic!

God desires our children to be healthy and whole, so that they can serve Him well! But in order for that to happen, they have to grow up in an environment that is safe. It’s up to us to create a “safety zone” for our children in our homes. This means that we consciously have to choose to be encouragers. We cannot be the danger to our kids through the words we use around them.
(Dave M)

Action Point
Children need our affirmation, our love, and our blessing. We need to be wise in how we use our language. We have the ability to impact our children in a way that can help them be healthy and whole or we can tear them down and create fear and insecurity. It’s pretty clear what God desires of us. We just need to do it God’s way!

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Two-ways are a great tool to use while out in the wild. Most 2-ways will let you communicate with someone up to 3 miles away. If you’re by water, the frequency will get even more than that

Bible Study Verse
II Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (NIV)

Thoughts
Wahoo are known to be the fastest fish in our oceans. Friend and specialist, Capt. Scott A., suggests that they are capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph. It is a thrill when one strikes–peeling several hundred yards from your reel in seconds. However, Wahoo, like a sprinter, are only able to make one or two short bursts after that initial strike, generally giving in to anglers.

Tarpon, on the other hand, are marathoners. They take many powerful runs making acrobatic jumps, testing both tackle and angler. They will battle fisherman right up until the time they are released. They never give up.

When I gave my life to Christ, I was excited and on fire for God. However, I went through a time when I became secure and comfortable in my salvation. Through subsequent trials and tribulations, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the race was not over; in fact, it had only just begun.

Action Point
Paul witnesses to us of the importance of keeping the faith and finishing the race. Don’t let your the security of your salvation cause you to become complacent. Meet with the Lord daily through prayer–long for Him; think of your relationship with God as a long-distance marathon rather than a short sprint. Finish the race. He has a prize awaiting you.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Some say the name “Wahoo” derives from the name of the Hawaiian island, Oahu. Others suggest it is the exclamation fisherman say when one strikes–”Wahoo!”. Another name for them is Ono–probably better suited to it as it is the Hawaiian word for delicious. They are exceptional on the table.

Bible Study Verse
II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

Thoughts
You ever been in a hunting camp and asked, “What’s for dinner?” The cook looks at you and asks, “What you want?” “Well,” you reply, “what are my choices?” The cook tells you what’s on the menu for that night and you tell him what you want–what combination of foods you want to make your dinner. It could be steak and beans; or sometimes, you just throw a bunch of stuff in a pot and make some weird stew. You get to choose from what’s available to make something you like.

But, here’s the deal with God’s Word. It is not a smorgasbord. You don’t get to pick and choose the parts that you like and ignore the parts that you don’t like. It is all God’s Word. It all applies to your life and it is all true. The Bible does not only just contain truth, it is truth! God will use it to teach us, to rebuke us, to correct us, to train us, and to equip us for whatever He has planned for us to do for Him.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
Read and study God’s Word, the Bible. That’s how God grows and strengthens our faith; and it is how we learn how to live.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When you’re reading the hunting regulations for your area, remember: they all apply to you, not just the ones you like.

Bible Study Verse
Psalms 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth–praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. (NKJV)

Thoughts
This summer my husband and I went on a fishing excursion up a small creek in a heavily wooded area. We had our fly rods and were walking down a very narrow path that went in and out of the reeds, rushes and pines. I am not known for my agility and grace so, as I was walking, I made a genuine effort to keep my footing. Well, to no avail, I tripped and fell face first into the sticky earth. Thankfully, it was moist and damp, and I actually landed on a tuft of grass that was a nice shock-absorbing cushion for my cheek. I managed to save my rod from any damage, stood up with a messy face, only to look into the amused face of my dear husband.

My beloved gently wiped my face with his sleeve. Having had the pleasure of seeing me fall from the rear view, made a few remarks, which will not be documented here. After a good laugh, we walked on. The thick sticky mud remained on my clothing as evidence of the fall on my face until I could wash with soap and water.
(Sara S)

Action Point
There are times in our spiritual walk that we may find ourselves tripping and falling. What is the right response to the sin that traps and trips us?

Cry out! Repent! Do not return to the sin.
Agree with God that He is the only One who can lift us out of the mire and clay and set our feet firmly on the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ.

You will stand and you will sing a new song of praise to Him. Others will marvel at what He has done in your life and He will use it, remarkably, for His glory. Let Him wash that mud off your face.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
There are few things as tasty as fresh fish. Prior to leaving on our trip I like to mix up the dry ingredients of the batter I use to fry fish (cornmeal, flour, and seasonings) in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag. Then, when we return to camp with our catch, I put the fillets in a little milk, then in the bag to coat them, and right into the frying pan. YUM!