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Stealthy cats thread on bugling has me thinking about raking trees.
Last year was the first time I have tried it. We had a bull at about 100 yards below us on a finger ridge one morning. He was bugling pretty well. We could also hear him raking trees. We slipped down to a saddle about a hundred yards west of our location. We bugled and this got him bugling again. When he bugled we cut him off with a challenge bugle. When he bugled again we raked a tree. Shortly after that he went silent. After sitting there a half hour we worked our way up the ridge and down to another saddle. That is when we found the tracks. He had cows with him.
In what situations do you guys like to rake in?
I like to rake and not bugle at all.
We killed one in 2015 with raking. We had a general draw area he was in and hiked couple hours before sunrise. He would low chuckle type bugle at our cow call but wouldn't commit. So we got as close as possible then heard him light rubing trees. I then did a very light non aggressive rake a few times. In about 15 min he slowly came in. Curiosity killed that bull for sure. It was Sept 1st opening morning. Super cool experience.
Called this Colorado bull in for my hunting partner (his 1st bull elk) using a combination of raking and bugling. We closed in quietly using his bugles to keep tabs on him. Once we within 100 yards, I bugled at him. He bugled back and immediately began thrashing a tree. I did the exact same. The next time he bugled, I cut him off with a bugle and he just couldn't tolerate that. Came marching right into our setup ready to kick azz, but got the shaft instead!
You bet, use Raking every year at one time or another just as bulls do! Lots of reasons why bulls rake, I do my best to use them during specific encounters, I'm selective!
If cow calling my way to a bull that invites me over I've noticed countless times that he will start raking as I get closer in a Displaying action to encourage my approach. This has worked out well for that last needed re-position for a clear shot while he's distracted with his trying to impress this new cow!
ElkNut/Paul
I hunt solo most the time and rarely rake then. When I'm calling for someone else, I use it quite often. If a bull commits and is coming in, then I'll just keep doing what I've been doing. However, if he hangs up, then I'll hit him with everything...bugling, grunting, raking, foot stomping, etc. Anything to try to work him into a frenzy.
Also great for filling your cow tag later in the season!
I have had success calling in elk using a whiny cow with a young bull squeal then rake a tree.....
Yes, raking is another realistic way to let the elk in the area believe you are a real elk. Can be very effective by its self or in combination with calling.
Very effective, especially with team hunting, and very convincing if done behind a decoy. I'll only use it in the right situation.
We dogged my 2016 bull for about two miles until he bedded down. My partner called him away from his cows, inside 15 yards from me, by just raking and beating the ground, no vocal calling.
Best of Luck, Jeff
I could never decide-leaf rake or garden. So many variables.
I have had several successful encounters racking trees, throw rocks, make as much noise as possible. I find that in the right environment that the rock throwing seems to help bring them in.
Rake trees, thump the ground, do whatever you have to once he's upset and mad, just don't give him time to cool down...