How to kill a spike or cow?

[Missouri CK]

I'm going on a combo elk/deer hunt this August and I'll have a cow/spike tag in my pocket.  I've hunted elk before but I've never had an encounter with a spike.  I've listened to the Elk Nut CD's on calling cows.  He suggest using the lost cow call and excited cow calls.

What do you guys think? Spot and stalk? Do you call much? Waterholes? Do you ever bugle?

I want some tips from those of you who have done this before.

Thanks,

Chris

[monterey]

Spike is the most likely to come to a cow in heat call.

[sagebrush]

Cow calls work pretty good on spikes because they are young. It also depends on how many other people are calling. If there are too many people calling then I would put the call away because it will just scare them away.Elk are very sensitive to people. I like to hunt where there is no one else but that is pretty hard to do if you don't get quite far from the roads. Gary

[PAPA BEAR]

if you bugle to a spike he'll do one of two things...sneak,peek and maybe walk in but most likely he'll be a powder keg of scared little elk.or he'll come running through faster than a cheetah after a gazelle.once in a while they will stop though.best thing imo is a spike call by sceery i think.i thought it sounded way to high but it brought the spikes right in.using a light calf like mew in distress brings them in just out of curosity.

[PAPA BEAR]

for cows i use a cow call and just work my way into them if you can...sometimes you get lucky and talk just right to them and they will come to you.but remember to call with the wind in your favor when an elk does come.the primos hoochie momma works great for directing an elk where you want it

[Brian Krebs]

elkherder is right. I would add that TWO hoochie mommas works well. Hold one behind your back and the other in front of you; and set it on calf calls. That way the calf sounds lost; or that there is more than one calf.

Either way; spikes are out to prove that they are smart. They sneak into elk bugles to watch but not get involved. They sneak towards calf elk and cow elk just to see what is going on.

If they come to a bugle on the run- expect them to stop for a second and tear off fast. Most times spikes will not shed their velvet until well after the older bulls do; and I have a dropped spike antler that still has strips of velvet left on it.

 They are sexually immature; routed off by the bigger bulls; wanting to be independent; but still wanting the security of being in a herd.

 They can be harder to get a shot at than a big bull or old cow.

 And as my Swedish friend Erik said: "their made of candy !!".

[Gatekeeper]

Originally posted by elkherder:
best thing imo is a spike call by sceery i think.i thought it sounded way to high but it brought the spikes right in.

I'm No trying to be a smarta$$     I'm interested in what you are saying here so I need to know... what is a “sceery”?

[Shaun]

I'm very interested too, headed to UT to chase cows & spikes in August.

[Charlie Lamb]

Tom/Shaun... Sceery is a call brand name.

[Gatekeeper]

Oh thanks. I’ve never heard of it…obviously.    

[PAPA BEAR]

skeery is a brand name...most proshops carry it...cabelas etc...its a bite down call that is somewhat effective imo...the spike call is also made by skeery i believe. google skeery elk calls.....larry

[PAPA BEAR]

speell check....sceery

[PAPA BEAR]

spikes are probably the toughest elk to kill because they are always on edge and ready to bolt at the slightest whim.i too use two hoochie mommas at one time..i tie leather lanyards to my left and right belt loops and tie to the call so i can just drop one and switch to the other or be ready fast to shoot or prepare for a shot..........larry

[Tracks]

From my experience, spikes will come right into the call.  They don't "hang up" like the bigger bulls do.  Create herd sounds with a lot of cow talk and a spike might just walk right into your lap.  I have had numerous spikes come in to less than 10 yards, but they usually come in silently and you don't always notice them until they are within bow range.  If you are hoping to tag a spike, I recommend sitting in one spot and calling for a while before moving (once you get close to the elk that is).

[Gatekeeper]

 Good stuff keep it coming.  

[Kingwouldbe]

In August there not bugling yet, calf or cow call only, I love to spot and stalk, try and glass a herd, then move ahead of them with the wind in your favor, also water hole's are good.

Elk make a lot of noise so you can get away with a little.

Elk like to move to the dark timber after day light. if you glass and can find them, they may do the same thing the next day.

I like 10x42 for glassing, oh! and pick a spot, a vary small spot.    

[PAPA BEAR]

tracks is correct...spikes are sneeky little guys and will sneek in as quiet as a mouse.i googled sceery and i dont think they are the ones who make spike calls.i will ask my hunting buddy carl what brand it is that he has then pass it on.

[Missouri CK]

These were great suggestions so I'm going to bump this back up to see if I can get any more helpful hints.

Thanks,

Chris

[steadman]

Chris, Todd and I will call them to ya        I am told that Tracy is good with a call as well. The water hole thing works great for the time of year that you will be out here. Especially if it stays this hot. See you out here in a few weeks!

[ksbowman]

Ryan, Are you going to be there too?

  Ben