I killed my first elk in SW Colorado (Mancos Area of the San Juan NF) in 2012.
This was a DIY Archery hunt with a partner on public land. First time for both of us.
We hiked in and out of the "Elk Terrain" for 4 days and didn't hear a bugle or see much sign.
On the 5th day we decided to go up on a plateau that was much flatter but not as much access.
We went about 15 minutes before hearing our first bugle.
Called in several spikes and 1 cow before the bugler finally came in to bow range.
I shot him at 34 yards for my first elk.
We split up about 60 yards apart with the shooter out front.
The elk responded very well to the calls.
We jumped a very nice 6x6 in the same area hauling my elk out.