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.

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!

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 25:5
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. (NASV)

Thoughts
The thing that really got me hooked on trout fishing was our traditional opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania. As kids, we got more excited about that than opening gifts on Christmas morning! We would scout the best holes several days prior to the opening, and the excitement just began to mushroom.

This was not a day to sleep in. We would usually be up by 3 a.m. on the big day, getting our last minute things together for that dark ride over the mountain. At 5 a.m., we would be lined up elbow-to-elbow by our favorite fishing hole in Huntsdale, PA., with our hip boots standing up to our thighs in the stream. A shotgun would ring out and all the lines would go in at once; and immediately, the trout would explode out of the water all over the place!

There is an even bigger event to look forward to than the opening day of trout season. It is when Jesus comes to get His Bride, the Church. Many of us might be a little drowsy as we were at 3 a.m. before opening day; but if our hearts are right the excitement will be indescribable as we see our Savior’s beautiful face! (Tom H)

Action Point
Don’t sleep in. Get up early each day to seek His face through His living Word.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day

When you have a big event as we used to have in PA., pack as much stuff as possible in your car the night before. We broke more than one fly rod trying to get out the screen door of our cabin being half asleep with our arms full during those very early hours.

Bible Study Verse
Romans 6:13
Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. (NLT)

Thoughts
Tools and gadgets are part of outdoor fun. We all have a bag, a vest, a tackle box, or maybe even a garage full of them! They make outdoor times more productive and enjoyable. Going through catalogs helps get us through times of “cabin fever” between seasons.

We all know that there are specialty tools with a specific purpose and function. If we need a certain job done, we must have that particular tool to do it.

Outdoor shows feature myriad varieties of such tools. Part of the enjoyment in attending these shows is to learn about the new ones and to purchase what we need.
(Jackie M)

Action Point
Our bodies are tools. We choose if they are tools for good or tools for sinning. Certainly these influences–good or bad–may be upon ourselves or others.

God has specific functions for each of us. We are intentionally constructed for His purposes. He invites us to join Him in His work here in this world to accomplish unique things for His glory. He rewards and disciplines us for what we do, whether we choose to do good or to use our bodies for evil. Read II Corinthians 5:10.

His intent is for us to use our bodies as tools to accomplish good as He defines it. I choose to use my body for good and for His glory. Which purpose will you choose? Will you choose to use your body as a tool for good or for sinning?

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Carry the right tools when afield. A knife, a saw, fire making equipment, signaling devices, first aid kits, and other implements are needed at different times. Folding style multi-tools are made by many reliable companies. They may be carried in a sheath on a belt or in a pack. The many tasks that these tools may perform might just save a hunt or a life.

Bible Study Verse
James 1:4
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. (Amplified)

Thoughts
I had scouted the area regularly for javelina and had routinely seen a herd in the bottom of the valley. I knew there were eight. I knew where they bedded down, where they watered, and even paid attention to what they were eating. Once the season started, I sat on the mountain side for five days, waiting. Of course I did other things, too, named the clouds, reorganized my back pack, prayed, napped, read, quail called, and drew in the dirt.

Well, you get the idea: the javelina that had so readily been there during my scouting trips had failed to show during hunting season.
(Brett M)

Action Point
God desires to build patience in us. He wants us to be “mature and complete”. As this verse indicates, we are neither mature or complete if we are impatient. Patience is two-fold. He wants us to be patient with Him while praying, reading His Word, and allowing Him to guide and mold our lives. Secondly, He wants us to be patient with each other– with our spouse, our children, our boss, and even that misguided seventeen-year-old NASCAR driver on his way to work at the local burger barn who just cut you off in traffic.

Remember: He is in the seat next to you, pleased with your patience, and smiling at you, just as He was sitting on the side of the mountain with me.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day

Javelina are some of the easiest and most difficult animals to hunt. Difficult sometimes to locate due to their size, ability to blend in, and relatively large home ranges. However, when you locate them, they can be easy to stalk because of their poor eyesight. Approach slowly and down wind; watch out for other javelina in the area who may sense you.

Bible Study Verse
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NASB)

Thoughts
If we are truly yielded to His working in our hearts, our lives are like a proving ground for God’s will. Let His life permeate through your everyday experiences–at work, at home, during an outdoors adventure, or even a casual walk with good friends. The proof of God’s will and abiding presence comes out through the fruit of love which is good, acceptable and perfect. (Tom H)

Action Point
Through a simple heartfelt prayer, let God know you are yielding or giving your whole self to Him. Then you can bear the fruit of His mature and perfect love.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Keep the best, get rid of the rest. A little organizing tip for anything from fishing tackle to organizing your garage. An uncluttered life is truly a liberating thing! Warning: this tip is easier said than done.

Bible Study Verse
Luke 10:36-37
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (NIV)

Thoughts
Tonight, I had a “Good Samaritan” opportunity and almost blew it.

I had gone for a walk–not an unusual thing for me to do, usually after dark, to keep in shape, and make those mountains a little smaller. As I was walking, I noticed a homeless man dragging a handcart and carrying his things in a paper bag. He presented a typical sight: disheveled, tired, and looking for a safe place to spend the night. I was on my way to the grounds of a nearby church where I attend. There is an area for prayer in the back, a small hill, and a cross, a good place to pray and listen to God. I slowly overtook the homeless man. As I walked by, I spoke to him and he to me.

I kept going, but was compelled to turn around and go back to him. We spoke again and I walked with him for the next few blocks. He was from the area, spoke very eloquently, and had a firm handshake. When we drew near the church, he began to tell me the history of its structure and that it’s known as the “Frank Lloyd Wright” church, after its designer. We talked about the church, the community, and Jesus. He knew the church and asked me why the annual Christmas pageant had not been held the previous year. As we parted, I assured him that I would pray for him; and he asked me to pray for healing for his wrist which had been injured in a fall. We stood in the street, I held his hand and prayed. It was a privilege. It was a blessing. We then parted, I to my house and he to his lonely spot on the street. As we went our separate ways, he thanked me for walking and talking with him.

I cannot remember the last time I had been so blessed, and I had almost walked on by. (Cliff S)

Action Point
Be a neighbor whenever and to whomever God leads you.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day

It’s not a bad idea to have extra food, water, and some tools in your vehicle when going to the country. You never know; you just might meet someone who needs help–perhaps with a flat tire but without a jack, maybe with some other problem that you might help solve; or one just having a bad day and needs a “Good Samaritan” to listen to their story.

Today’s Photograph…. On the Coast (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse
II Corinthians 12:9a
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Thoughts
Backpacking with our kids on the coast of Lake Superior we were on a gorgeous yet rugged trail. Half way through our week long trip, my wife was crossing a small river when her feet slipped out from under her and she landed harshly in the middle of the freezing cold water. In the process of falling, she broke a bone in her foot – not good when you’re only half way through the trip! We were able to make a camp shortly after the fall to let her recoup a bit.

The next day, we proceeded on with the trip, but the last half wasn’t easy for her. She toughed it out, and we were able to finish in a few days. But, every step she took, the pain in her foot reminded her of her fall.
(Dave M)

Action Point
None of us like pain! We’d rather enjoy our Christian journey pain free. However, the consequence of past sins in our lives doesn’t leave us. If we have asked Christ to forgive us of our sins, they truly are gone! Praise God!

However, we still have to live with the pain of poor choices and decisions we have made in our past. Don’t let the pain become your focus. You are forgiven! Just keep walking towards Christ. It may not be the path you envisioned, but Christ will be there to welcome you with open arms. You can make it.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
If you have to take a cover off a boat lift to repair it or bring it in for the winter, remove the canopy while the boat is still on the hoist. Standing in a boat is a lot easier than going up and down ladders to get the cover off.

Bible Study Verse
II Chronicles 16:9a
For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (NASB)

Thoughts
Searching eyes are a key to consistent success in hunting and in many types of fishing. (I like to fish, but don’t claim to be a fisherman.) I have a couple of long-time hunting partners who are very adept at using their searching eyes.

I had never had the patience to just sit and glass for long periods of time until I severely injured one knee, and then the other. No longer able to make long treks in search of big game, I had to modify the way I hunt. I am thankful for what I learned from Jimmy and Andy!
(Randy E)

Action Point
The Lord has His eyes on us. He is always searching for those who demonstrate a heart that belongs to Him though their words and actions. The Message Bible paraphrases the above scripture: “God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him.”

Committment spoken and not lived is hypocrisy rooted in pride. To which the Holy Spirit in James 4:6b speaks, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” (NASB).

The humble heart belongs to the person living for Jesus Christ. This is the heart He seeks to “strongly support” and gives “grace to the humble”. Ask yourself, “What is it I want people to know most about me as a Christian?” If it is, “That I have a GREAT SAVIOR!”, you’re on the right track my friend.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Something I learned from my hunting friends is that good optics are just as important as a good firearm! So many hunters spend big bucks on a rifle and then skimp on the scope. Look for high-quality scopes, field glasses, or spotting scopes when you buy. You will never regret having done so!

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 16:23
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (NIV)

Thoughts
My husband is an outdoorsman of magnificent proportions. His comfort in the woods is a wonder to me. I grew up camping, but not hunting or fishing. When I married my game warden, I had no idea the adventure upon which I was embarking.

We had decided to take a vacation to Idaho, having heard that the fishing was superb. So, we loaded up our Bronco with float tubes, waders, fly rods, spinning rods, and camping gear and headed out from Arizona for an adventure. We had scoped out many small lakes near the Canadian border to fish. It was late spring and the rivers were dangerously swollen and wild.

One morning, I sat on the tail gate of our Bronco fastening my waders while my husband fiddled with his fly rod. We heard a crashing, clunking noise coming from the dense, dark woods. My heart began to pound as my imagination ran wild. I sat with my heart in my throat awaiting the revelation of the creature. Out walked a gangly young bull moose. He was perhaps ten yards from my husband and 20 yards from me. Terrified, I screamed, turned around, and catapulted myself through the back end of our Bronco–over the back seat, over the front driver’s seat, hit my head on the roof, then the steering wheel, and finally, came to an awkward resting place somewhere between the seat and the dash.

I gathered myself up and peeked over the front seat expecting to see my husband valiantly fighting off this ferocious herbivore. To my amazement, what I did see was both the moose and my husband staring at me with a similar puzzled and befuddled expression. My husband looked at the moose and the moose looked at him. My husband said to the moose, “Go on fella, get on out of here before she really hurts herself.” The moose, seemingly glad to comply, turned, and trotted back into the woods. As I made my way out of the vehicle, my husband walked over to inspect my bruised forehead.

“What were you thinking?” he asked (he asks me that quite often). I stated that I thought he was going to eat me!

“Eat you?” he said with a poorly concealed grin.

“Yes,” I said, “I saw on the Discovery channel–how moose attack!”

He began to laugh. “Well sure, honey, they can attack, but it must be the right context.”

“Oh, sure,” I said, “Like I know the right context!”

He then proceeded to tell me what might actually provoke a moose to attack. Let me tell you, we have had many great laughs over that one! (Sara S)

Action Point
When you are with a less experienced person in the woods, be very careful not to belittle them should they respond in a seemingly silly manner to a natural situation. It can be a great time of instruction and good-natured fun. Lessons learned in that context are not forgotten and provide great memories. Pray that your heart may be filled with Jesus’ wisdom, love, and mercy. Your lips will then follow His lead.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
An empty ice chest serves as an excellent bathtub for small children while tent camping.