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Introduction to Elk Calls
Elk hunting is all about being in the right place at the right time, but more importantly, it’s about being able to draw elk into your range. And this is where elk calls come into play. Calling is not just about making noise; it’s about sending the right message at the right time. Whether it’s a cow call that mimics a lone female or a powerful bugle meant to challenge a dominant bull, the goal is to trigger a response from an elk. However, calling requires finesse.
Knowing when and how to call, as well as mastering the use of different elk calls, can dramatically improve your hunting or photography success. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about elk calls—from basic cow calls to advanced bugling techniques—and when to use them for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding Elk Communication
Elk are vocal creatures, and understanding their language is the first step in mastering the art of calling. Elk use a variety of sounds to communicate with each other, and each call serves a specific purpose depending on the season, age, and gender of the elk.
The Role of Bull Bugles
Bull bugles are perhaps the most iconic elk sounds, particularly during the rut. When a bull bugles, he is announcing his presence to cows and challenging other bulls in the area. A well-timed bugle can provoke a nearby bull to respond, either by bugling back or even by approaching to defend his territory. Understanding when to use bugles and how to vary their tone, volume, and intensity is critical to success.
The Purpose of Cow and Calf Calls
Cow calls are softer, more subtle sounds, often used to mimic a cow looking for companionship or signaling to a nearby bull. During the rut, bulls respond aggressively to cow calls because they signify a receptive cow. Meanwhile, calf calls, which are higher-pitched and shorter, can also attract both cows and bulls.
Types of Elk Calls
Elk calls are categorized into three primary types: cow and calf calls, bull bugles, and challenge calls. Each type has its use depending on the hunting scenario.
Cow and Calf Calls
Cow and calf calls are some of the easiest and most effective sounds to use when hunting elk. These calls mimic the sounds of female and young elk, which can draw in bulls looking for cows during the rut. These calls are also useful in non-rut periods to locate herd movements or bring in cows. Cow elk are vocal all year long.
Bull Bugles
Bull bugles are aggressive and loud. During the rut, bulls use bugles to assert dominance and attract cows. There are various styles of bugles, from high-pitched location calls to more throaty challenge bugles. The key to success is knowing when to bugle and when to stay quiet, as overcalling can scare elk away.
Challenge Bugles and Location Calls
The challenge bugle is a call used to provoke a response from another bull. These bugles are deeper and more forceful, ending with several grunts. They are used when trying to establish dominance over a rival satellite bull. Location calls, on the other hand, are typically higher-pitched and intended to pinpoint the location of another elk without issuing a direct challenge.
When and How to Use Each Call
Each elk call has its place, but understanding the timing and seasonality of the calls is critical. Whether you’re hunting in early season or post-rut, your calling strategy needs to adjust accordingly.
Early Season Strategies
In the early season, bulls are still gathering their harems and establishing territory. Soft cow calls and occasional location bugles work best during this time. Bulls may be less aggressive but are more likely to respond to the sound of a cow or a less intimidating bugle.
Rut Tactics
During the rut, bulls are fired up and ready to defend their territory and cows. This is the prime time for aggressive bugling and challenge calls. Cow calls are also highly effective, as bulls are actively seeking receptive females.
Post-Rut and Late Season Approaches
As the season moves on and the rut slows down, bulls become more wary and less vocal. Soft cow calls can still work, but bugling may become less effective. This is where subtlety comes into play—minimizing your calls and focusing on location hunting can bring better results.
Required Equipment for Elk Calling
To make effective elk calls, you’ll need the right gear. The type of call you use depends on your experience level, the specific situation, and personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of the essential calling equipment.
Mouth Diaphragms
Mouth diaphragms are versatile and widely used by experienced elk hunters. These small devices fit in your mouth and allow you to produce a variety of elk sounds, from cow calls to bugles. Diaphragm calls offer hands-free operation, making them ideal when you need to be ready for a quick shot.
External Reed Calls
External reed calls are easier to use than diaphragms and are great for beginners. They typically consist of a mouthpiece and reed that you blow into to produce cow or calf sounds. These are reliable but can limit the range of sounds you can make.
Plunger Calls
These calls are among the easiest elk calls to use, making them a favorite for beginners and hunters looking for simplicity in the field. These calls feature a push-button design that requires no mouth manipulation, allowing hunters to produce realistic cow and calf elk sounds with minimal effort and a low learning curve.
Bugle Tubes
Bugle tubes are a must for producing loud, realistic bull bugles. They amplify the sound and give you the ability to vary pitch and tone. A good bugle tube is essential for mimicking the depth and power of a bull’s bugle.
Electronic Calls
While less traditional, electronic calls are becoming more popular in elk hunting. These devices play pre-recorded elk sounds at the push of a button. While effective, they are bulky and heavy. For that reason, most hunters prefer using manual calls. Check your State and Provincial Hunting Regulations, as electronic calls could be illegal.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Elk calling is an art, but there are common mistakes that many hunters make. Avoiding these can significantly improve your chances of success.
Overcalling
One of the biggest mistakes is overcalling. Too much calling can make elk wary, especially in heavily hunted areas. It’s important to let silence do its work—sometimes, waiting patiently after a call is the best tactic.
Timing Your Calls Incorrectly
Timing is everything when calling elk. Calling too early in the day or when the elk are still far away can be counterproductive. It’s crucial to understand elk movement patterns and vocalize at the right moments to increase your chances of eliciting a response.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Callers
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to elevate your game with advanced calling techniques. These strategies focus on adding realism and complexity to your calls, which can fool even the most cautious bulls.
Call Sequencing
Call sequencing involves mimicking an entire conversation between elk. For instance, starting with a few soft cow calls followed by a bugle can simulate a cow being approached by a bull. This realism can convince a nearby bull that a rival is moving in on his territory.
Mixing Calls for Realism
Another advanced technique is mixing cow and bull sounds together, which replicates the interaction of a bull with his harem. This tactic can be especially effective during the rut when bulls are more territorial.
Common Calls Used Elk Hunters
When it comes to choosing an elk call, there are a plethora of options, each offering unique features that cater to specific needs. Some are designed for simplicity, making them perfect for beginners, while others are engineered for experienced hunters looking to fine-tune their elk-calling technique. Below is a list of commonly used elk calls based on their popularity, performance, and ease of use.
Primos Hoochie Mama™ Elk Call
The Primos Hoochie Mama™ is a favorite among elk hunters for its simplicity and effectiveness. This push-button cow call eliminates the need for mouth reeds, making it one of the easiest elk calls to use. The Hoochie Mama produces realistic cow elk sounds consistently, which is ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free experience. It’s perfect for close-range calling or when you need to calm down nervous elk.
Why It Sells:
Push-button design ensures ease of use for beginners
Reliable, consistent cow calls every time
Lightweight and easy to carry
Best For:
Hunters who prefer a foolproof, user-friendly cow call.
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls All-Star™ Diaphragm Call
The All-Star™ Diaphragm Call from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls is a top-seller for hunters who prefer using diaphragm-style calls. It’s designed with a versatile reed that can produce both cow calls and bull bugles, making it a great all-around call. The All-Star is ideal for those who want to mimic multiple elk sounds without switching between different calls.
Why It Sells:
Versatile—able to produce both cow calls and bugles
Compact design, easy to carry and use in the field
Durable, built to withstand heavy use
Best For:
Hunters who prefer a diaphragm call with the ability to create a range of sounds.
Primos Terminator™ Elk Bugle
The Primos Terminator™ Elk Bugle combines a diaphragm mouth call with a bugle tube, giving hunters the ability to create a wide array of elk sounds. The Terminator bugle is designed for ease of use with an elk-specific diaphragm that produces realistic bull bugles and grunts. It’s a comprehensive system for hunters who want the ability to reproduce elk bugles of all types and under different conditions.
Why It Sells:
Offers a complete elk bugle calling system in one package
Easy to replace reed
Compact and lightweight
Best For:
Hunters who want an elk bugle that provides versatility in the field.
Choosing the Right Elk Call for Your Hunt
Each of these elk calls has its place in the field, depending on your skill level and the type of hunt you’re planning. Whether you’re looking for the ease of a push-button call like the Hoochie Mama or the dynamic range of the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls All-Star™ Diaphragm Call, choosing the right call can make or break your elk hunting success.
It’s essential to consider the type of terrain you’re hunting, the time of year, and your ability to master the call you choose. Regardless of your preference, these calls are proven performers that can help you master the language of the elk and increase your odds of success in the field.
Conclusion: Mastering the Language of the Elk
The art of elk calling goes beyond just making noise in the woods; it’s about understanding elk behavior, communication, and timing. As elk hunters, our goal is to enter their world, speak their language, and use it to our advantage. With the right equipment, knowledge of different calls, and mastery of advanced techniques, you’ll find that calling elk becomes second nature. Success in elk hunting is often determined by your ability to think and sound like the animals you are pursuing. Practice is the key to getting better at calling!
FAQ Section
Q: What is the best call for beginners?
A: For beginners, an external reed call is easiest to use and produces consistent cow and calf calls.
Q: How often should I bugle during the rut?
A: Limit your bugles to every 10-15 minutes during the rut to avoid spooking elk. Overcalling can often make bulls hesitant to approach.
Q: What time of day is best for calling elk?
A: Early morning and late evening are the best times for calling, as elk are most active during these periods.
Q: Can electronic calls be used in all hunting areas?
A: Check local regulations, as some areas restrict the use of electronic calls during hunting seasons.
Q: How can I improve my calling skills?
A: Practice is key—spend time perfecting your calls at home, in the car (diaphragm calls), and in the field. Listening to real elk sounds can also help you mimic their vocalizations more accurately.
