A question about external cow calls if I may.

[olympushunt]

Hey sportsfans, I have a question about which cow call (external reed type) is your flavorite. Now I'm sure I could do a thread search and find out but I'm lazy and would rather just start a new one. I have in the past been very anti-external reed calls since I have blown 2 bulls out with them. I had a Sceery and I will NOT try that one again. It was a fairly consistent call and not difficult to get a good sound out of it. To me it sounded great but those elk I called didn't like it. I'm not a fan of the squeeze type either as it seems everyone toots on those. Currently I just use the in the mouth diaphrams but I do think the external ones make a very good sound.
The external mouth reeds to me seem more challenging to get a consistent every time sound. I seem to hit a few sour notes at first before getting that sweet sound. That is hardly ideal. Part of it is a lack of practice on my part.....ok maybe more than part of it.
Swede bought me a Glacier High Heel Hottie a few seasons ago that I like but it fell out of my pocket somewhere along the line. I liked it but needed more time with it. Before buying another I thought I would poll the masses to see if I need to buy other types too.
Anyway, what are the brands and types ya'll like??? I am all ears.

[CurlyTail]

My personal favorites after trying most:

Carlton Fighting Cow - loud, realistic cows sounds great for locating Bulls and calling in rutting Bulls

Primos Hyper Lip Double with tone converter - tone converter simulates cow vocalizations made with the mouth closed (nasally), highly realistic reproductions of cow sounds, take off the tone converter to get louder sounds. Easy to blow.

[Swede]

My favorite external reed cow call is the old Larry D. Jones cow call. I don't think it sounds better than any other cow call, but it is easy to use, and I wear it as a necklace. It is handy and weighs nothing. I can't say I have every scared anything with it. I also use it often when I have shot an elk that I want to slow down or stop. It seems to help--sometimes.

[WapitiTalk1]

I've had good luck with the old Carlton Bull Hooker. Easy to use after just a bit of practice; I use it to mix up my sounds a bit while using my Berry cow diaphragm.

carltons_bull_hooker_cow_call_1204878_2.jpg (26.72 KiB) Viewed 22158 times

[T.B.]

Much like Olympushunt I've accumulated at sack full of external cow calls and I'm not satisfied with any of them. Looks like I have a couple more to try.

[olympushunt]

Thanks for the input guys! I am really going to put out a better effort at my cow calling abilities this year. I have already started getting back in shape and I am going to start shooting soon. Some bull is in big trouble this fall! I appreciate the votes for calls. Like with anything...I will need to practice a LOT so I don't hit that sour note I have in the past on the first blow. "Ummmmm.....sorry Mr 6 point, can I redo that?" lol That and I tend to load them with spit so I need to work on that.
I'd like to gather 4 or 5 of these calls and play with them.

[Swede]

I do not want to hijack the thread, but I have not noticed that a bad calls scare off elk. I suppose there is a limit to anything, but I still remember trying to get an old diaphragm to work for me. I was sitting near the break below Spike Hole, in some bushes. I spent about 10-15 minutes adjusting the diaphragm, and the best description I could come up with was it sounded like a buzzard gagging. That diaphragm was old. No problem for the bull that came in right on top of me. I am sure we were about equally surprised when we saw each other. Nobody got hurt either.

[WapitiTalk1]

Hmm, gagging buzzard call, who makes that one? Ya, once the latex gets too loose on the calls, they go south pretty quickly. Gagging buzzard call, LOL.

[Elkhunttoo]

I agree with the first call not coming out right on those calls at times. But I also have never to my knowledge ran one off with it.

This is a question I've kinda been mowing over too. I like my i maka da bull crazy call and my Carlton fighting cow... 2 years ago in late February early march I was in Walmart and they had there blow out sells and I bought almost every call they had. Among them was bone collector "bootie call" I was never really a fan of the sound so I had hardly ever used it. This year I drew on a rifle bull hunt and threw it in my bag just because. come November 8th hiking up a canyon I thought elk were in but not seeing much sign I pulled out the call... within a couple of minutes my hunt was over with a bull done...it's made me wonder if the elk would of reacted like they did with any "mew" I made right there or was it the sound produced by the call. I'm wondering if what I think sounds good sometimes is deferent then what the elk want to hear. I have had success with lots of different ones...

So, in all of my rambling I guess is what I'm thinking is maybe it doesn't matter what call we like but it's having a verity and practicing with them to get the sounds we want.

[Heartwood]

Bugling Bull Game calls Who's YRR Daddy, Carlton Fighting Cow and Long Ranger (they often come in a two pack). We have called dozens and dozens of bulls with these calls. Another that I'm sure sounds great would be the Matriarch by Bugling Bull , it has a wood barrel for better tone. There are many others not mentioned that also sound good. If you occasionally hit a bad sounding call, just keep going like nothing happened and nobody will even notice. I have noticed that when any reed gets wet it is more likely to misfire so dry the reed if in doubt. I do agree the external reed calls offer a tone and sound that are very realistic. One memorable mistake that I made this past season was when I was using an external reed and a mouth reed on the same bull. I had started this bull with an external reed call and did not want to switch to cow calls on my mouth reed. When it came time to challenge him I cow called once on the external and when he bugled, I could not switch fast enough to my mouth reed. From then on I made sure to stick with my mouth reed for all calls when challenging bulls. Much easier to respond quickly with the mouth reed and hands free to boot.

[olympushunt]

Elkhunttoo, that is a good question if it was THAT particular call or any one would have worked. I'm thinking you should mail me that call so I can do more testing for you. lol

Heartwood, so what happened as far as why was it bad that you could not change calls out quick enough??? I like learning from mistakes....especially others....no offense sir.

I also wonder if like a guitar or fishing lure, although each was made identical they sound just a bit different and one might have a sweeter sound just enough different to be a winner.

Man, I am no English major but that last sentence sounds horribly constructed. Oh well you all get what I am saying....I think.

[ElkNut1]

Cow calls do not chase bulls or cows off regardless of brand, it's the hunters miss use that is the cause!

Using any call at the wrong time can lead to failure. Also calling to elk that you can see can be a big mistake. Then there's times when you call & elk ask you to come over or show yourself & you weren't aware that's what was being said & you do nothing, it's things as this that can send elk the other way, it's not the call!

Of course not being winded or seen is of utmost importance!

ElkNut1

[Wyo67]

Haven't seen it mention yet, so I'll throw out the Temptress by Bugling Bull. It has worked for me well in the past and continued to bring them in this past year. I also used it in mid-November to stop a cow for my son to get a shot during rifle season. I also like the Matriarch by Bugling Bull, although it has excellent sound and tone (IMO), I do have a problem with the reed sticking. It's the only external call that does that. Don't know if it's because it's wooden or not...

I also usually have the Carlton Fightn' Cow Call and a couple of the Primos calls in my backpack. If they are not hitting on one, I'll switch up and try another.

[DBLGBL]

A vote for the Phelps EZ Estrous although I usually carry a couple primos and Carlson as well.


2gbl

[saddlesore]

I have a Sceery and a Carlton call. Both seem to work. I agree with Paul that the problem is not the sound, but when and how you use it.
The old Cow Talk plastic call with rubber bands is one of the best. Elk don't read all the literature of what a cow call should sound like. Sit and listen to a herd moving thru the timber and you will hear many different variations. Even a gagging buzzard. I suspect when someone says this or that call doesn't work,it is because they used it wrong

[six]

This is my go to external call. Only wish it had a lanyard.

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[olympushunt]

Thank you all for your replies to which call you find to your liking. That's what I was looking for. With respect it is time for me to get out my ruler and hand slap....lol. Swede, your gaggin buzzard diaphragm is a nice story but off topic. You admitted as much. Silly dad. We have all heard those stories of a guy whistling a piece of ribbon or blowing in a spent rifle cartridge that some bull came in blowing snot and tearing it up. When a bull is all jacked up, farting might work. lol...sorry to be crude. I make a lot of fishing analogies. I fish a ton for coho salmon and they can be the most frustrating fish. I have perfected a cut plug herring and when the bite is ON it really doesn't matter. I could troll a cut plug dirty diaper and get fish. But when they are lock jawed...different ball game. Anyway, now I am off topic. Elknut, again with respect, I think the point that use of a call in the inappropriate setting is sub-optimal isn't what I was going for. That horse is about the consistency of tapioca pudding. I am not looking for enlightenment (with this post) on when to use it or knowing what it being said. I have a ton to learn there and it's very very important but I was simply asking which calls people gravitate towards due to the external reeds efficacy and easy of use. For example....brand X makes a sweet realistic sound but is temperamental and loads with spit easily. Brand Z makes an "Ok" sound but wears out quickly...etc.
I realize too that just because we humans think it sounds very good doesn't necessarily mean an elk will. But again...maybe for another thread is the confidence we carry into the woods with our favorite calls. I think having confidence in what we do and what we use is very very important. Again...that wasn't what I was after. So....sorry for the long winded reply, but thank you all for your shout out to which calls you like. I am hearing some consistent answers to particular calls from this thread and from a guy I know who calls in A LOT of elk. I definitely have some lightening of my wallet to go do now. THANKS GUYS!

[ElkNut1]

No problem sir, I was just trying to help you resolve the issue you had with your present cow call, additional cow calls is not the answer. Have a great day!

ElkNut1

[ishy]

One more good one that hasn't made the list yet is Woods Wise Hyper Hot. It has more flexibility than most others I've tried.

[saddlesore]

This is my go to external call. Only wish it had a lanyard.

th[3].jpg

Six. I drilled a1/8 " hole in the top of mine and added a leather boot string.

Sadly though if you have dentures or caps on your front teeth,they get hard to use

[Swede]

Think of the different cow calls as different voices. To make an analogy I would say the variety of cow calls is like a room full of women and girls. Which one sounds the best is totally a matter of personal preference. To supplement Elknut's and Saddlesore's point with this analogy I will add; what the women or girls are saying is what is important.
I have talked to a few people that love the Hoochie Mama. I have heard a lot of jokes about the Hoochie Mama. People have said my Jones cow call does not sound good. The negative comments have not dissuaded me in the least. It does not matter. I don't care for the Cow Talk cow call. It pinches my lip at times if I keep it in my mouth awhile. Still it works for a lot of people. Pick a call that you will use.
Oly: Didn't you turn the bull you killed at Spike with just your voice? How good was that call?

[olympushunt]

No problem sir, I was just trying to help you resolve the issue you had with your present cow call, additional cow calls is not the answer. Have a great day!

ElkNut1

You always make good points Paul. I'm quite sure you would make any cow call perform well.....heck you probably could out produce 99% of us with just your mouth!
This thread has definitely been helpful on a number of fronts. I really don't have a good external and was wanting to buy one. I just have used the in the mouth diaphragms. My old sceery seemed like a good sounding call but it had it's flaws. Maybe it was not the calls flaws it loaded with spit and the reed would stick but was the spit blower instead. lol That and it sounds "tinney" to me. I like the Glacier call I had also, but I lost it and before I bought another I figured I would pool the vast knowledge here and I got exactly what I was hoping for....a lot of guys giving a shout out to their call of choice. Shoot...some I haven't even heard of so that's awesome. I got to thinking about what types people like after hearing a buddy use an external and dannnnng it sounded so good I wanted to get shot!

[olympushunt]

Think of the different cow calls as different voices. To make an analogy I would say the variety of cow calls is like a room full of women and girls. Which one sounds the best is totally a matter of personal preference. To supplement Elknut's and Saddlesore's point with this analogy I will add; what the women or girls are saying is what is important.
I have talked to a few people that love the Hoochie Mama. I have heard a lot of jokes about the Hoochie Mama. People have said my Jones cow call does not sound good. The negative comments have not dissuaded me in the least. It does not matter. I don't care for the Cow Talk cow call. It pinches my lip at times if I keep it in my mouth awhile. Still it works for a lot of people. Pick a call that you will use.
Oly: Didn't you turn the bull you killed at Spike with just your voice? How good was that call?

Sweeeeede....again...not debating the application of the call. I'm not debating as to the importance of what is being said either! Man you are hard to steer in the direction I want you to go. Stubborn ol mule aren't ya. lol!!! Yes...that bull I killed was so horny even though he was dead on his feet he still wanted a piece of tail! I'm sure I could of belched and turned him. Reminds me of a big blacktail buck I came across years ago. He was so in love that he was looking at me and my truck with glassy eyes. Normally you wouldn't stand a chance of him sticking around driving up on him. It was hilarious! I really didn't like the way he was looking at me....he had that "You sure have a perdy mouth on you boy" look about him. Didn't like that one bit.
Swede, you said "Pick a call you will use." That's what I am doing with the help of ya'll. Dang I like this forum! I have some calls to go buy now.

[>>>---WW---->]

I've said it many times before and I'll say it again!

"The very best call is the one that works best for you".......

This also goes for the best bow, best arrowhead, best shotgun, or any other best thing. Everything else is just a matter of others personal opinion. So find what seems to work best for you and go with it.

[olympushunt]

I've said it many times before and I'll say it again!

"The very best call is the one that works best for you".......

This also goes for the best bow, best arrowhead, best shotgun, or any other best thing. Everything else is just a matter of others personal opinion. So find what seems to work best for you and go with it.

Very sound advice. I think some calls work better (especially diaphragms) in some mouths due to various reasons. The other important part of what you are saying (I think) is having confidence.

[stringunner]

My go to is primos cow girl. Actually keep two in my pocket incase one gets slobbery when I see the bull coming and I always have an extra unopened/unused one in the truck. Second one is primos lead cow. These two produce two completely different tones and I carry them both all the time. Like you though, I primarily just use a reed. The cow girl has been used on 4 of my elk kills might be why I like it.

I have two sceery, a woods wise hyper hot, a Steve Chappell hyper hot, a hoochie momma (yeah I admit it, though it never leaves home these days) and a primos external reed similar to woods wise hyper hot. But the cow girl and lead cow are all I carry besides reeds.

My dad has a cow girl and the cow talk pictured above. Has used those two to help bring in several elk including a big Wyoming bull I messed up on at 11 feet and then called him back in for me to shoot at 9 yards.

There you go Oly more options!

[olympushunt]

My go to is primos cow girl. Actually keep two in my pocket incase one gets slobbery when I see the bull coming

And why would one get slobbery when a massive 6x6 comes strolling in?????????

[CurlyTail]

The Bugling Bull Matriarch by Steve Chappell cow call is a dandy. I forgot to mention that one, and it is excellent.

[olympushunt]

Thanks Jim! Dang...I'm going to be poor but I am looking forward to trying these calls out to see which one works best in my arsenal. Thanks everyone for all the votes you guys cast! All you guys are awesome!
Team work!!!!

[stringunner]

The Bugling Bull Matriarch by Steve Chappell cow call is a dandy. I forgot to mention that one, and it is excellent.

That's the Steve Chappell one I have too. It's a good call. But it's expensive I think for a call. Just my 2 cents.

[Heartwood]

Olympushunt,

To answer your question, when challenging a bull one needs to be able to respond quickly once the bull bugles to cut him off with your own bugle. I had done this successfully many times before but this time I was trying to use the external call to cow call and my mouth reed to bugle. I was not quick enough to manipulate the calls and make it happen quickly. I'm better off just using the mouth reed only, in a challenge or "Threat " type scenario. Other times I prefer to use both calls in the same setup. By the way, It is nice to finally be able to spend some time on the forum again,like many of you, I had been very busy after hunting September. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend around 18 days in the field chasing elk. Had many encounters of the elk kind and some exciting call ins'. Got to see my daughter shoot her first bull (see meat pole) and I shot a meat bull the day before her kill. So we had a lot of packing to do in just a few days. Had some good success in using the breeding sequence also.

[olympushunt]

Ok...I'm pickin up what you are layin down. That makes sense. They do seem to get irritated with being cut off and I could see that being a hindrance.
Thanks for the explanation. I have always liked the in the mouth diaphragms because of the versatility. I just have really been liking the sounds I'm hearing from some of the external reeds. Nice bull btw! Hopefully someday I will get my daughters into some as well!