Do you switch diaphragm calls during a calling sequence?

[TENFIVE]

Do you experienced elk hunter who consistently take animals switch from one diaphragm call to another within a calling sequence or set-up? I have a few Mellow Yellows that I use to produce passable cow sounds and I use the bugling bull diaphragm for bull sounds. I have been practicing and utilizing Elknut's various instructional tools.

I am heading to Colorado for my third elk hunt, although I didn't really have a clue on my first hunt. I have yet to notch an elk tag, but I was successful at calling a bull to within 20 yards of my buddy on the last trip. We didn't kill that bull, but that is another story and lesson learned. I used a combo of the bugling bull and the Temptress (non-diaphragm/external type call) to call in that bull along with breaking some sticks under foot.

My question is, do you switch between a diaphragm that you prefer for cow sounds to a "bull sound" diaphragm if you are doing one of the threat levels or just mixing cow and bull sounds, or do you just stick with one diaphragm for all? It seems cumbersome to switch back and forth.

Any advice is appreciated. This site is the best and really has helped to take years off of the steep learning curve for someone who does not live in elk country.

Thanks,

Jeff

[BRazz]

Good post! Took the words right out of my mouth.

I was just getting ready to order my first Glacier call(s) but am wavering because I prefer to leave one call in my mouth. Frees up hands, less chance of losing calls, easy to be prepared for a surprise moment. I'm no expert at calling but I just use one call.

[WapitiTalk1]

Good topic TENFIVE. Many of the manufacturers, including Glacier Country Hunting Calls BRazz mentioned, produce reeds (diaphrams) that make both bull and cow sounds equally well! By browsing websites and/or talking to the manufacturers themselves, you can get a solid idea of which reed will do just that. I use Berry Game Call reeds which do have models that you can produce both sounds out of, but, being an old school/stubborn kind of cat, I use a very tight reed for bull calls (Berry Red Double) and a separate reed for raspy cow sounds (Sleezy Diaphram). Yes, it's a bit of a juggling act to switch from cow to bull sounds but I've been doing it for a few days so it's not that big of a challenge. I also use a non reed cow call as you do to mix up my cow sounds a bit. To answer your question, yes, I think it plays into a hunter's favor to have a "versatile" reed that you can make all the necessary bull/cow sounds if possible. Using more than one elk sound tool works fine also but takes a bit of concentration when in elk battle to make sure you're deploying the right sound at the right time. It sounds like using the Bugling Bull reed and an external cow call worked for you just fine last year (reed in your mouth and the temptress on a lanyard around your neck ready to make some sweet cow noises); perhaps that'll end up being your go to method . Do what works for you sir.

[CurlyTail]

I switch between two diaphrams just like you. In fact, I use the exact same ones! I also have no problem with a diaphram in my mouth, and blowing a reed type call at the same time. I like the pure notes of the reed call, but the versatility and expression and volume control of a diaphram. I use both and switch back and forth so my calls do not all sound identical. I also sometimes bugle with a primos blue silicone bugle tube, then bugle again using the same tube with my diaphram call - works great and sounds like two different bulls. I thinks always sounding the same is a common mistake. Two calls not a problem for me, could be more of an issue if you are hunting solo. I am always hunting with a partner.

[TENFIVE]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will switch between the "cow" and "bull" diaphragm while mixing the reed call on a lanyard.

I will mostly be hunting with a partner, so the shooter/caller set-up should make the juggling less of an issue.

I am leaving in 9 days and can't wait. . . I am pretty much useless at work for the duration.

Good luck

[Huntrgathr]

I like to use two diaphragm calls ( usually the Bugling Bull brand - the blue one for bull sounds and the orange one for cow sounds) with the external reed call thrown in for variety. I think it really makes the distinction of two ( or more) separate elk talking to each other...

[Lefty]

Im coming from a different angle. Learning to blow a short reed goose call,.. Which was difficult because I had developed habits with other styles of goose calls.

Because of my experience blowing open reed calls for predators adjusting to reed style elk call and open reeds was easy. However I wanted to be hands free, and almost always have a call in my mouth while hunting
However learning diaphragm calls was a different story,.. again I could make predator sounds and Turkeys sounds, elk sounds were killing me
I learned to blow the Primos raised pallet plate which was easiest for me of the diaphragm calls, I easily adjusted to a dome call, and havent bought anything else since then
After becoming proficient with a raised pallet diaphragm call, just as in a short reed goose call, and many open reed game calls after becoming proficient I found I could make a wide range of sounds with most calls So I buy a multi pack and use them all,.. Yes calls are designed for specific sounds but "many" can easily be manipulated.

Ooops to your original question. No,.. If Im close to elk I tend to get a bit excited Ill switch from a diaphragm to another diaphragm or reed call I will switch to a bugle.

[elkaholic]

Depending on the sounds that I am making I will switch calls during the sequence. I've narrowed my call selection down to two different calls that I like so there isn't a whole lot of switching.

[Wyo67]

Yup. Discussed this very issue with Elknut a few weeks back. Still can't figure out why, but my best bull elk sounds are made with the Primos sonic dome single while my best reeds for cow sounds are the Bugling Bull Rockstar and Mistress.

[RooseveltObsession]

Nope. I will go with the Bugling Bull "Challenge" diaphragm for locating and advertising. Then I use the Bugling Bull "Closer" for my breeding sounds. I throw in some sounds with the Primos "Hyper Lip Single" or the "Imaka Da Bull Crazy" open reed calls for variety.

This, for me, has been a great combination!