Can calling elk work in heavily timbered areas?

Choosing the Right Location

When calling elk in heavily timbered areas, it’s essential to focus on a few key locations. Typically, a good starting point is to find a spot with a natural funnel, such as a ridgeline or a narrow valley, where elk are likely to move through. Consider using the “drop zone” strategy, where you position yourself at a spot where an elk might drop off a ridge or out of a timbered area.

Calling Technique

For heavily timbered areas, it’s best to use a more subtle calling approach. This can include soft, high-pitched bugles or a series of 3-4 short, loud notes, followed by a longer, softer bugle. Use a call that can be easily heard by a cow elk in a dense thicket, but not so loud that it alerts any nearby bulls. Aim for a calling range of 100-150 yards and keep your calls short and sweet, with 3-5 minutes of calling per spot.