The Elk Nut System

Years ago, we recorded what has become the most downloaded elk hunting podcast episode of all time—a master class with none other than Paul "ElkNut" Medel. This episode wasn’t just popular; it became a treasure trove of knowledge for elk hunters everywhere. Listeners told us they played it over and over, soaking up Paul’s insights on elk behavior, vocalizations, and advanced calling strategies.

But we knew it could be even more impactful. So, we’ve taken the essence of that legendary episode and brought it back in blog form—refined, structured, and ready to take your elk hunting to the next level. This is more than a recap; it’s a step-by-step breakdown of The Elk Nut System—a proven method to find, approach, and harvest elk using advanced calling techniques.

Paul’s teachings have helped thousands of hunters unlock the secrets of elk language and achieve success in the field. Now it’s your turn. Whether you’re new to calling or looking to hone your skills, this guide is designed to help you develop a systematic approach to elk hunting, one that brings confidence and consistency to your time in the woods.

Let’s dive into The Elk Nut System, where we’ll lay out exactly how to master the art of elk calling, close the distance, and fill your tag.

The Elk Nut System

1. The Foundation: Understanding Elk Communication

To master elk calling, you must first understand why elk vocalize and what their calls mean. Elk don’t call randomly—they are purposeful and situational in their communication.

Key Call Categories:

1. Cow and Calf Communication

   • Mews & Chirps: Standard communication sounds used to maintain herd cohesion or reassure calves.
   • Estrus Whines: A sexually charged call from a cow in heat to attract bulls.

2. Bull Communication

   • Location Bugle: A locating call from a bull, often in search of cows or other bulls.
   • Challenge Bugle: A dominance display, asserting territory or challenging another bull.
   • Chuckles & Grunts: Low-toned, close-range sounds showing frustration or dominance.

3. Emotion in Calls

   • Paul emphasizes that emotion in elk calls reflects their intent. Learn to identify and replicate the tone and urgency to convey confidence and authenticity.

2. Locate: The Search Phase

This phase centers on finding elk, even when they’re not vocal or visible.

The Location Bugle

• The bread-and-butter of finding elk.
• Start at ridges, high points, or benches. Bugle down into drainages and across slopes.
• Use a non-aggressive, mid-range location bugle to elicit a response.
• Wait and listen for up to 5 minutes before moving. Bulls often respond softly or delay their reply.

When Bulls Don't Respond

• Try cow mews: A string of soft, casual cow sounds may coax a bull into revealing himself.
• Use "cold calling" setups: Employ light cow calls and soft bugles to draw a nearby, silent elk to investigate.

3. Approach: Closing the Distance

Once a bull responds, it’s time to close the gap. Your goal is to get within 100–150 yards while minimizing noise and keeping cover between you and the elk.

Reading the Bull's Response

• Aggressive Bugle: Indicates a hot bull ready to defend cows or territory. Approach carefully but confidently.
• Soft Chuckle or Grunt: Suggests the bull is close and possibly curious. Slow your approach and remain silent or use minimal cow calls.

The Wind

• Paul stresses: The wind is everything. Always approach with the wind in your face or crosswind.

Set Up for the Kill

• Position yourself with shooting lanes. Don’t stand directly in the open—stay behind a tree or brush to break your outline.
• Ensure the elk will come to your location with good shooting angles.

4. Engage: Triggering the Bull’s Instincts

The goal in this phase is to bring the bull into range by manipulating its emotions: curiosity, aggression, or breeding drive.

Scenario-Based Calling

Paul emphasizes that calling strategy changes based on the bull’s mood and situation. Choose your approach:

1. Challenge Scenario (Aggressive Bulls)

   • Use a challenge bugle after the bull bugles to assert dominance.
   • Add chuckles to escalate the intensity, mimicking a rival bull.
   • Be ready to call aggressively and close in for a shot. These bulls often approach quickly.

2. Breeding Scenario

   • Use cow mews and estrus whines to simulate a cow in heat.
   • Pair cow calls with soft grunts or raking trees to mimic a bull tending a hot cow.
   • Bulls can’t resist the idea of a cow in estrus—this tactic can pull a bull from 200+ yards away.

3. Cold-Calling Setup

   • In areas without immediate elk activity, simulate a herd by combining mews, estrus sounds, and soft bugles.
   • Stay patient and set up for 20–30 minutes. Bulls often sneak in quietly to investigate.

5. Seal the Deal: Final Approach & Execution

Once the elk is coming in, patience and precision are key.

Stay Quiet

• Avoid overcalling as the bull approaches.
• Many elk hang up 60–80 yards away, looking for the source of the calls. Avoid movement and stay ready.

The Moment of Truth

• If the bull doesn’t commit to closing the gap, use soft cow calls or subtle bull grunts to coax him closer.
• When the elk offers a shot opportunity, draw smoothly and aim for a lethal zone (preferably broadside or quartering away).

6. Post-Hunt: Analyze and Adapt

Every hunt is a learning experience. Paul stresses the importance of reviewing:

• What worked during the encounter.
• How the bull responded to calls and movements.
• Any missed opportunities or adjustments you could make for next time.

Key Features of The Elk Nut System

1. Emotion-Based Calling: Recreate the urgency, intensity, and realism of elk communication.
2. Scenario-Driven Strategy: Match your calling technique to the specific behavior and mood of the elk.
3. Patience and Precision: Balance aggressive tactics with periods of silence to keep bulls curious and committed.
4. Real-Time Adaptation: Be ready to change your calls or position based on elk responses.
   
   

   Elk hunting isn’t just a pursuit—it’s an art, a discipline, and a challenge that tests your skills, patience, and perseverance. By following The Elk Nut System, you now have a proven framework to elevate your calling and hunting techniques. From understanding elk behavior to executing strategic calls and closing the distance, this system equips you with the tools needed to consistently find and harvest elk.

   But mastering elk hunting doesn’t happen overnight. True success comes from combining knowledge with experience in the field. If you’re serious about taking your elk hunting to the next level, we invite you to dive even deeper with our Elk Hunt 201 Course.

   This course is designed to complement and expand on the principles outlined here, helping you develop a personalized elk hunting system tailored to your strengths and hunting style. With in-depth modules on calling, setup strategies, e-scouting, and real-world decision-making, Elk Hunt 201 is the ultimate resource for hunters ready to move beyond the basics and into advanced tactics.

   Through practical lessons, detailed examples, and expert insights, you’ll learn how to:

   • Master elk vocalizations and understand their intent.
   • Adapt your calling strategy to different phases of the season.
   • Choose optimal setups and manage tricky situations, like hung-up bulls.
   • Build confidence in your ability to handle any elk encounter.

   Whether you’re a weekend warrior or dreaming of going full-time, Elk Hunt 201 gives you the knowledge and confidence to create your own system for success.

   Don’t leave your next hunt to chance—join the hundreds of hunters who’ve already used this course to build a repeatable, effective elk hunting system. Together, we can help you bridge the gap between where you are now and the hunter you aspire to become.

   Get Started Today

   Take control of your elk hunting journey. Enroll in Elk Hunt 201 now and start building your system for success in the field. Click here to learn more and begin your transformation into a confident, capable elk hunter!

   The elk woods are calling—are you ready to answer?