During early archery season, hot September afternoons push bulls toward active wallows.
Bulls roll around in these muddy seeps to cool off, scrape away biting flies, and coat themselves in musk. That heavy, wet mud often cakes their body until that naturally light hide looks almost jet-black. Look for fresh, stirred-up mud with a strong rut scent, mark your approach trail on your mapping tools, and set up 30 to 50 yards downwind.
From there, a light, reassuring mew can calm a cautious bull just enough to pull him out of heavy timber and into your shooting lane.