elk calling for beginners

[explorerss]

Going to go on my first archery elk hunt in sept next year to idaho. Never hunted that time of year so really never needed to use a call. What would you guys recommend for calls and stuff for a newbie during the rut? I plan on getting some this winter so I can start practicing.

[Lark Bunting]

Spend some time on the Tips and Clips section here. It has some great information. Next, spend hours on youtube and search for elk sounds. That will give you a cross reference to what cows sound like, what the different bugles sound like, what a lost calf sounds like, what a nervous grunt, bark, glunk, etc. sounds like. Then as you watch more of the Tips and Clips videos you can make sense of it all.

For calls; try different calls. Some work very well for me, some don't. I prefer diaphragm calls but they are not created equally, nor do they all fit the same.

I am a new elk hunter and have spent the past 11.5 + months researching.

Check out Paul's Playbook, and Swede's tree stand book. I don't plan on hunting from a tree stand anytime soon but I really enjoyed reading his book.

Watch as many videos as you can and try to learn something new every day...that's been my mantra since I got hooked on this crazy sport last year.

https://www.youtube.com/user/huntography

[explorerss]

What would be the best all around call to get? For ease of use and makes multiple sounds.

[WapitiTalk1]

Yep, start your learning now (understanding what the various elk sounds... well, sound like and more importantly, what they mean in various situations) and start your practice sessions. As Lark mentioned, use this forum and use it often to shorten your learning curve. Ask your wife, girlfriend, best friend, etc. for Elknut's DVDs and Sound by the Elk CD for Xmas ... I can't stress how much those tools will enhance your elk tool kit. Practice, practice, practice... it takes time to become efficient with diaphrams. Elknut sells a very good brand in his store, and, there are several sponsors here that also sell quality calls (Glacier Country Calls and Wapiti River Outdoors).. they'll all do the trick. Best of luck and welcome to the additction.