elk calls

[TLC]

for all you elk hunters, do you use any one type call more than another? is the cow elk call going to work more often than a bugle call? if thats what it is even called.

 

[Layin_It_Down]

I usually carry a variety of cow calls around my neck and in my pocket (and I always have a backup). I tend to alternate between the Carlton fighting cow call (favorite/best tone) and the primos one. A simple, single reed design, but make sure you practice these calls a lot and they come second nature. They can foul often and a bad call can ruin your day. Don't be affraid to give it some volume. The primos one has a muffler thingy on it for closer in calling. The two calls seem to work great together. The rest will just be practice and technique. The best thing to try is light calling at first. Maybe get a video that will help show you different calling styles.

As for bugles, I tend to use a double reed diaphram (sometimes with and sometimes without a tube). I use mine mostly for locating, but when you get in close with a dominate bull, the bugle can bring him running or charging in. My video I currently have for sale demonstrates just that. We took two "book" bulls last season (archery), one measuring around the 370" mark with these calling styles. On the other hand, every elk responds differently to calls. The best thing I would recommend is lots and lots of practice and getting familiar with your calls before season starts.

Remember over calling can ruining your day too. And if there is a specific call in your area that they sell a lot of, I would stay away from it. If everyone is using the same call, all they are doing is educating the elk.

Then again, some bulls don't respond well to calls and you just have to be sneaky and think like an elk. Hope all this helps.......it's a place to start anyway. I'm sure everyone has different advice, but this seems to work well for us.

Good Huntin'

 

[Baerman]

I completely agree with layin_it_down. You might also try using your cow reed in combo with a tube for a bugle. It seems to allow for more variaty. Time of year and weather will effect the elk too. listen to them and take thier lead. They all have different personalities and respond differently to the calls. I've noticed that a bugle can bring them in hot and heavy and a cow call they will come in more softly and quietly. Could just be the heard that I hunt. Happy hunting.

 

[ejcaman]

Elk Calls

I carry quite a few...but when push comes to shove..the Primos Hoochie Mamma works every time.:hump:

 

[sreekers]

I use the hoochie Mama with the best results. I like the Terminator for my bugle, and my partner, Dad, uses an old single reed. We try to spread out about 100 yards apart one doing a locator bugle, then sticking strictly to the cow calls.

 

[the nikster]

I've forgotten

I have a bugle I almost never use. When I first got it I seemed to scare them away. then I toned it down and called in 4 bulls in 1 day.
Now I use cow calls almost exclusively( I don't hunt the rut).I have several different kinds in all my pockets, hanging around my neck and in my mouth. Practice so they all do the same BASIC things with slightly different tones, volumes etc. Especially when moving through heavy cover, I like to mew every now and then cuz I'm a noisy sneaker. I regularly walk right into elk as the lay dozing.
Good luck to you.

 

[Layin_It_Down]

Good point Nikster.............. I occasionally mew while walking through thick cover too. Just remember to be on your toes. That's how I took my bull last season. We covered 100 yards in about an hour. We knew elk were in the draw, but nothing was really responding. Plus it was late morning. Once we came to a clearing, we must have been close...........a couple mews and that bugger came charging. My wife turned the camera on just in time for the shot. Great video!!! and it was my biggest bull to date.

 

[Layin_It_Down]

I've never tried the hoochie mama, but people seem to like it. That would probably be a great call to have in your arsenal. I wouldn't use it for my primary call, but it probably doesn't gum up and it's easy to use. Something to keep on your hip to coax a bull in. Another toy.......DAMN!!!.........now I gotta try one.

 

[TOM IN TENNESSEE]

Hey Todd, our buddy Brian Warner at Heirloom calls just came out with a cow elk call. Even I can mew with it! I got one and it is damn purdy too!
I don't know if Brian has it pictured yet on www.heirloomgamecalls.com but you can give him a shout at [email protected]
Tom

 

[TLC]

Tom, already ordered, and received that call from Brian. thats why I was asking the guys here about cow calls. not sure what its supposed to sound like yet, but figure if I keep watching BF's TV show, will learn soon enough.

also got the push button turkey call, the hog call, and the grunt call from him. damn that thing is low toned on the outer setting. can't wait for the fall to try that puppy out. still have a couple years to but points before I try out the elk call.

calling my set the "poor mans collection" of heirloom calls. from Brian Warner. can be ordered at www.heirloomgamecalls.com.

 

[TLC]

by the way. thanks guys for the responses. trying to get this elk stuff figured out before it gets right before the hunt. appreciate the info.

 

[tjones]

There are a lot of things that go into making a good sounding/good looking elk call or predator call. A good sounding open reed predator call while being similar to a open reed elk call does not always make a good sounding elk call. The tone board (mouth piece) is where it all starts. The length, arc,air channel depth, reed thickness and width, call body length and even the material the call body is made from all make a difference in sound.

IMO Hoochie Mamas are good sounding but always sound the same, and every hunter with one in his pocket sounds the same as the next guy. Bite reeds also sound good but moisture from your breath tend to make them stick. A guy should always have a good bite reed on his lanyard.

Open reed calls and diaphrams offer more versality and once you get the hang of them you can make a full range of cow/calf sounds. Sounds are where the rubber meets the road, a good looking call is bonus. Here is a pic or two of some open reed call. Hope this helps.

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[TOM IN TENNESSEE]

Good looking calls, tjones!
After reading your post, I dug out my Heirloom Calls open read Pred call, which I had not tried yet, and tried it. I was cow/calf calling in minutes----kinda confused the Lab asleep in the house tho...