Reading Elk Like a Pro: Herd Dynamics and Solo Strategies with Tom Schneider
Hey everyone, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast, your go-to spot for all things elk hunting. From DIY backcountry grinds to chats with the legends who've been stacking up big bulls for years, we've got the stories, tips, and tactics to fire you up for September. In this killer episode, I sit down with Tom – an absolute beast in the woods who's one of the most underrated elk slayers out there. We dive deep into his solo hunt this year where he arrows a solid herd bull in thick timber, sharing the play-by-play on how he closed the deal without a caller. Tom breaks down his evolution from chasing runners as a kid to mastering herd bull setups, reading elk behavior like a book, and turning midday lulls into prime opportunities. We talk real talk on solo strategies – from minimal bugling to let curiosity do the work, to raking, wind plays, and picking your battlefield. If you're grinding solo or just want to level up your game, this one's packed with nuggets that'll have you rethinking your next setup. Seriously, bookmark this ep and spin it a couple times – it's one of my favorites all year. Don't forget to drop a review if you're digging the show, it helps big time. And hey, we're running a massive giveaway: a Weatherby Alpine CT rifle, Maven scope, and Tricer bipod – 100% free entry, just hit up the website and toss in your email for a shot at it. Let's get after it!
Learn More from Tom
Episode Sponsors
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Episode Chapters
00:00 - Intro & Episode Tease: Cody kicks off the show, hyping the chat with Tom and why it's a must-listen for hardcore elk hunters.
03:15 - Sponsor Shoutouts: Quick hits on Tricer, Stone Glacier, and the giveaway details.
06:30 - Solo Hunting Origins: Tom shares his early days learning from his dad, chasing runners, and his first solo herd bull kill 15 years ago.
12:45 - Reading Elk Behavior: Breaking down herd bulls vs. satellites, why cows often lead the run, and using bugles to gauge intent.
19:20 - Minimal Calling Tactics: Tips on curiosity killing the cat, raking for comfort noise, and avoiding over-bugling to close the deal.
25:40 - This Year's Solo Hunt Story: The play-by-play on Tom's Idaho bull – setup, wind plays, raking exchanges, and the 20-yard shot.
33:15 - Challenges of Solo Calling: Getting shots without getting pinned, using mouth reeds to stop bulls, and directing bugles for better approaches.
39:50 - Midday Magic & Persistence: Stories of working bulls all day, bedding areas, and turning "runners" into kills once cows settle.
46:30 - Decoys & Adaptations: When and how decoys shine (or don't), plus lessons from open country vs. thick timber.
52:10 - More Bull Encounters: Tom's seven solo calls this season, reading scenarios, and a deep backcountry midday setup that almost paid off.
58:25 - Wrapping Up & Lessons Learned: Final thoughts on always improving, post-setup reviews, and intro to Tom's courses.
1:04:00 - Outro & Plugs: Cody's sign-off, giveaway reminder, and where to find more resources.
Key Takeaways
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Let Curiosity Work for You: Instead of constant bugling duels, go silent or minimal after initial contact – elk often come in closer when they're unsure of your exact location, giving you better shot opportunities without getting pinned.
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Read the Herd Dynamics: Not all "runners" are the bull fleeing; often it's the cows leading the charge. Listen to bugle types to tell if the bull's talking to you or just herding cows, and wait for midday bedding to force a confrontation.
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Persistence Pays in Midday Lulls: Don't bail after morning action quiets – stick on a herd all day, pack food/water, and capitalize on bedding areas. Bulls are more callable once cows settle, turning long chases into kills.
