Need Advice on clothing and calls

[MidMoElkNut]

What type and kind of hunting clothing do you like for bow hunting elk? Like scent control or not scent control or what do you prefer?
I'm am still learning how to call elk so what kind and type of calls does everyone like? I've tried using the diaphragm mouth calls but I cannot get them to work for some reason but maybe I have the wrong one for me too I'm not sure.....
Any advice or help I will greatly appreciate!! Thanks

[Indian Summer]

Scent free is for deer. You'll sweat profusely hunting elk so it's all about the wind. Just use clothing that doesn't restrict movement and have multiple layers so you can adjust them according to what you are doing. Uphill... even in the coldest temps will mean one light layer. Sitting on a ridgetop before first light listening for bugles will mean a windproof layer and some insulation.

As far as calls they are like boots & no doubt every individual will have their own preferences. But regardless of what you choose and feel fits you best it will take some practice. Have you used diaphragms for turkeys? What kind have you tried for elk?

[twinkieman]

Check out the Elknut Tips and Clips, Proper use of a mouth reed. There are several different companies for clothing, Sitka, Core 4 Element are just a couple.

[Swede]

Midmo, Diaphragm calls are the most versatile, but not everyone can use one. Some work better than others for me, but I can at least get by with any. If you can get them to work for you I would get a good bite and blow type. I have tried and liked the Berry Thunder bugle. I have ended up giving all 3 of mine away as others heard them and liked them. Since I don't need a bite and blow, I have gone to using only a diaphragm. Elknut also sells a bite and blow call. I have not tried it, but am sure it will get the job done for you. The benefit it has is that if and when you can use a diaphragm, it has a good grunt tube for you to work with. If you go with Elknut's bugle, you might have him recommend a diaphragm for you to try.
Get cloths that match the weather you can expect to encounter. Just make sure they are not too baggy and are not a solid color.

[Indian Summer]

One thing I'll about clothing. It is gear! A very functional part of hunting. The main ingredient I look for is polyester. Quick drying and wicks away perspiration. Spandex is #2 which is what makes for ease of movement. Cotton pants don't stretch, hold moisture and gets heavy when wet. That is the #1 material to stay away from.

I'm sure you are aware that these days there is some very expensive clothing being manufactured. Is it worth it? Yes. I can say for sure that I can hike farther and feel better at the end of the day when I wear my Sitka Gear. It is light and stretches in all directions so my movement is not restricted in any way. One thing about the pricey stuff is it is backed by solid warranties and top notch customer service. properly taken care of it can last for many years. Is it absolutely necessary? No.

I don't "buy" clothes or gear anymore. I "invest" in it. There's a difference. Investments pay off. I say the same thing about cloths, bows, optics etc: Buy the best you can afford and you won't regret it.

[msd1228]

Indian Summer more or less took the words out of my mouth as far as clothing goes. Yes, it does sting a little to drop a small fortune on top of the line duds, but as he said, its an investment, not merely a purchase. I couldn't imagine going back to humping up and down the hills all day in anything but my Sitka - it really does make that big of a difference.

With regards to calls, well, everybody's mouth is a little bit different, and a call that works wonders for one person may not be worth 2 cents to another. Feel free to check out our lineup at www.wapitiriveroutdoors.com and get in touch wither either Travis ("Wapiti" here on Elknut) or myself with any questions you may have regarding fit. We are able to make several of our reeds in both large and small frames in order to accommodate people who struggle with a particular frame size.

[MidMoElkNut]

Thanks everyone.... I've looked at the Sitka clothes but I'm afraid the sizes won't fit me very well as I am 6'6" and about 280 I normally wear a 38-40 waist and the biggest I seen in tall was a 38 which might fit but it says and reviews say they are athletic fit so I'm not sure how that would be.... I've tried mouth calls for turkeys and for elk I think they were primos but I would have to check.... the problem I have with them is I can't get them to set in my mouth properly because from what I understand they sit in the roof of your mouth and the way my teeth are it's even hard to get a smaller size to sit up against the roof of my mouth.... I'm not sure if that is the problem or I am doing it wrong all together

[Swede]

I agree about having quality gear including clothes, but not every piece I use on my hunt has to be expensive. I get by with some cotton, denim and other common pieces. I have some expensive gear too. I buy some stuff at garage sales and Mal-Wart on close out. I don't need the latest expensive fabrics to sit in my tree stand in the late summer. Equip yourself for the hunt at hand, and add as you have need, and your budget allows.
I feel remiss in not mentioning Troy at Glacier Country Calls when you look for quality calls to meet your elk hunting needs. Troy is a good guy and can certainly be helpful.

[Lefty]

One thing I'll about clothing. It is gear! A very functional part of hunting. The main ingredient I look for is polyester. Quick drying and wicks away perspiration. Spandex is #2 which is what makes for ease of movement.,....
I don't "buy" clothes or gear anymore. I "invest" in it. There's a difference. Investments pay off. I say the same thing about cloths, bows, optics etc: Buy the best you can afford and you won't regret it.

What he said

Carefull shopping and you can buy some of the higher end clothes for the right price.
I wear a cotton shorts when Im in my blind,.. otherwise everything is else is tech gear I bought on sale someplace. You dont always need name brand items, some of my poly and fleese comes from Walmart. Most of my clothing comes from cloese-outs sales from Cabelas ( in a store) or Kings. Watch some of the forums classifieds, some guys will sell clothing for "pennies on a dollar"

I believe Im in the small majority of elk hunters but I do use scent precautions and control clothing,. I have infused silver antimicrobials socks and shirt, store my gear on Zolite; dump Zolite on my blind floor ( instead of carbon) but I do not rely on it at all.
Just saw UnderArmour has made the move to Zeolite on some clothing