One decoy - don't over do it - same as the calls above, less is sometimes more enticing.
Silent shooter 40-50 yards away, off of the area you expect the bull to come in, and ready to move as needed.
Agreed, he's going to circle and use the wind to see what is really there - the decoy may - or may not - be a factor in pulling him.
Some bulls are up for a fight, and will come in to fight - some will just get between you and his cows and push them away - you have to listen to what he's doing when he's bugling.
I've seen very little success in chasing a bull with cows if he's moving away as he bugles - YMMV.
If you can get him to think you're between him and his cows - he's most likely coming in to get his cows back.
I've had bulls bellow and rush the at the dominant call, and ignore the juvenile bugle, and I've it seen go the other way just as many times.
IMLE - raking a tree with a branch seems to still be good in firing a bull up to come in and see what is challenging him.
I generally prefer to locate with a bugle, and cow call to close in - I see the same thing that Timbermaster described, especially if there are wolves in the same area / drainage / valley.
Last edited by AH64guy; 09/12/23.