Newbie Question

[juglow]

First thread guys. I apologize if this is on here somewhere but I couldn't find it. I was wondering what type of calls by brand you guys recommend for a 5 day backcountry hunt. I have never called but want to buy a few and start practicing. I read that a diaphragm call is a must have. I am pretty good turkey calling so I think I would adapt quickly but would like to have some seasoned hunters advise on this and anything else for a newbie. Looking at an OTC to start in Co. to get my feet wet...

[WapitiTalk1]

Hey buddy, welcome to "the" elk forum. Yes sir, diaphram calls will give you the most realistic calls and offer great flexibility on the types of calls you are able to make with them. Brand? Elknut carries a good brand in his store as do a few sponsors here (Glacier Country Hunting Calls and Wapiti River Outdoors). Where to start on your calling? Check out Elknut's tips and clips forum area above for some really good instructional techniques for various types of elk noises (there's even one on how to use a mouth reed). Learning how to call is a process but if you start practicing now, you'll be ready to do some damage this fall. As important as your calling proficiency is the ability to interpret what you're hearing in the elk woods and perhaps, how to react or not react Start digging into the threads on the forum friend and you'll get elk information overload (which is a good thing). Good luck. RJ

[Swede]

Jeremiah: Welcome to the forum. It is good to have you here at the campfire. Feel free to join in and ask questions or make comments. I agree with what RJ just posted. Elknut and our sponsors have some great calls. One point that RJ made, I have a little different take on. That is information overload. I have reason to believe we have confused some folks, and this calling business can be more than a new hunter can effectively apply all at once. Even seasoned hunters have difficulties. My recommendation is to learn a few basic calls and how to effectively apply them. Add to your call skills as time goes on.

[Indian Summer]

Mouth diaphragms are sorta like boots. What fits one persons mouth and works best may no be the best choice for others. You'll have to try a couple to see which you prefer. Mellow Yellow and Raging Bull are a couple popular calls as is the Primos Imperial Plate. Fortunately they aren't that expensive so you can afford to find the one that suits you best.

Good luck and welcome to Elknut Forums... the premier elk hunting website.

[BrentLaBere]

I like what is said so far and would also like to add a little bit of advice. Keep it simple like swede said. It can be overwhelming to understand it all, especially in one summer. Use it as a tool, one of many, to hunt elk. You are familiar with diaphragms from turkey calling? You will understand that a soft latex call is easier to start with then and find one that fits your mouth. You might have to try a few different calls to figure this out. I am not a proficient caller, not yet anyway , and have called in most of my elk for close encounters with a reed style call.

[juglow]

Thanks guys...I really appreciate all the help. I have been a "ghost" for some time just feeding on all the knowledge here. Ive learned a lot and a big thanks to you seasoned elk chasers in sharing your knowledge. I plan on looking into the mentioned calls and possibly some videos. I do agree being overwhelmed with all the different call approaches, sounds, etc...think I even thought it a loud a few times Are there particular sounds I should focus on over others? I think the biggest thing I've learned so far is you are only effective on a heard bill within his 100yd comfort zone...so agreesiveness is not a bad thing from moving in if the conditions are right to challenges in calling...along with wallows and watering holes...like the tests.

[Swede]

I would say that one of the sounds you will use the most would be a cow sound. There are many good bite and blow calls that will do that. I am not much for the Hoochie Mama, but it will make a cow sound. A location bugle is great for reaching out and getting a response. An advertising bugle sounds like a location bugle and can have a chuckle on it. A challenge bugle is great close in, especially if you have a bull trying to call, believing you are a cow. You can also use that call if you get close and a bull has cows. Another good call to stop a bull is a nervous bark. I think if you learn just these sounds and how to make them work for you, you have enough to git-er-done.

[tdirks]

Juglo, If you do determine you would like to try a reed style call, there is one called the 'Temptress' that works very well! Don't even remember who makes it but I bought one at Cabelas.

[mongopino915]

Like others have stated, every call can be slightly (sometimes drastically) different and may not work well and it all depends on how it fits you and how much pressure is applied and air volume. Like lots of elk calling addicts, I have tried more elk call gadgets (i.e. open reeds, diaphragms, grunt tube - big and small) than I care to own. For me, can't go wrong with the any of Bugling Bull's product. You will just have try and find what works best for you.

Not saying that you need to be a world champion elk caller to call in elk but it does help tremendously to be a good elk caller. Practice away and have fun.

[Toby]

I would say that one of the sounds you will use the most would be a cow sound. There are many good bite and blow calls that will do that. I am not much for the Hoochie Mama, but it will make a cow sound. A location bugle is great for reaching out and getting a response. An advertising bugle sounds like a location bugle and can have a chuckle on it. A challenge bugle is great close in, especially if you have a bull trying to call, believing you are a cow. You can also use that call if you get close and a bull has cows. Another good call to stop a bull is a nervous bark. I think if you learn just these sounds and how to make them work for you, you have enough to git-er-done.

Swede gave a good list of basic calls that will get you going, and will call elk in for you. As others have said, get good at the basic ones and K.I.S.S. I use a mix of reeds and hand held calls, all make good sounds. The bite type bugles will work as well. Good luck.