Best Elk Calls

[Peaks&Creeks]

Looking to practice my elk calling for the next season, kinda went without it this year but am realizing that if I'm gonna hunt the rut this year I need to get some calls and practice. What are some of your favorite calls from cow to bugle tubes?

 

[Ross]

So many options today the best calls are the ones you can become proficient with and make the call at crunch time without sounding like a duck. Check out phelps , bugling bull, and glen berry they have a good selection and many options.

 

[elkguide]

Can you use a diaphragm call? That will give you the most options. If you have never tried, I would suggest a single reed for starters. Every call manufacturer makes elk calls. I don't like the Hoochie Mama type but there are lots that swear by them. I rarely use a bugle and spend most of my time cow calling.

 

[Peaks&Creeks]

I've started using a diaphragm call and getting a little better. I bought the Primos 3 pack, forgot what it's called and it's got a single, double and triple reed, but mainly been using the single. Have any of you used the Bugling Bull Select A Bull bugle tube? It looks fairly straight forward to use, but then again it's Rocky Jacobsen demonstrating it, only the master of elk calling hahah.

 

[charvey9]

As someone who has a lot of problem with fitting diaphragm calls, would just like to add there are many of different shapes/sizes. The differences are subtle when you look at them, but make a big difference when trying to call. Getting one that fits your mouth best will give you the best results. I've tried diaphragms from at least half a dozen companies. Some don't fit at all (don't fit between my teeth, can't seal air, etc), some fit OK, but the best result for me is actually the Primos. I'm still not very good with a diaphragm call, but I keep practicing.

I like the Phelps E-Z-Estrus open reed call for cow sounds.

By far, I think the easiest bugles are the Phelps conqueror and the Royal Bugle Elk call from E.L.K. Probably not the best calls if you are trying to win a competition, but like Ross said its better to use something you know will make an elk sound in crunch time.

I am a mediocre caller at best, but it is something I have really been trying to develop the last few years and have called in elk with everything I listed above.

 

[KMT]

Buy a couple of different diaphragm calls and pick a favorite after practicing with them. They are all cheaply made. My bugle tube cost about $2. It doesn't even have a brand stamped on it. Looks like 12" of vacuum cleaner hose.

 

[wncbrewer]

I second pretty much all that's been said here. It seems like diaphragm calls are nearly as individual as boots. I've tried a bunch from bugling bull, phelps and even had joel turner make me some when I took his calling seminar. Joel's calls are too wide for my palate. At the moment I'm using the phelps single reed for my cow sounds and the orange double reed from bugling bull (I believe it's called the full rut) for my bugles because I can get really loud on it.

I've been hearing a lot of good things about the new frame that phelps is coming out with and will be picking up and handful of them st the sportsmans show in Portland next weekend.


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[Chris Roe]

My top five (in no particular order - just based on design, and use) are:
1) The Trophy Wife open reed (Chappell Guide Service- Your Top Choice in Arizona Elk Outfitters - Arizona Elk Outfitters & Guides- Arizona Elk Hunts - elk calls)
2) The Matriarch open reed (Chappell Guide Service- Your Top Choice in Arizona Elk Outfitters - Arizona Elk Outfitters & Guides- Arizona Elk Hunts - elk calls)
3) The Tag Notcher mouth diaphragm (Phelps Game Calls | Elk Deer Predator Waterfowl & Turkey Calls)
4) Primos Hyper Lip Double with Tone Converter (Primos Hunting - Speak The Language)
5) The Elk Reel - either the "Z" or "Home Run" (Reel Game Calls: Ultra Premium Game Calls)

 

[PWCGray]

elk reel

 

[PNW_outdoorssman]

Phelps are very user friendly and sound great.

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[wytx]

Sceery cow calls and The Power Bugle. With the power bugle you can get different colored bands that affect the tone of the bugle. The power bugle can sound very intimidating to smaller bulls. The size of the tube allows you to sound like a big mature animal. I have 2 and cut one tube down about 3-4 inches shorter to get a smaller sound for certain calling sets. The bite and blow cow calls can freeze up or just get too much spit in them to work properly though, carry more than one. We always use several calls between myself and spouse to vary the sound.

 

[ElkNut1]

Many newer hunters today like the idea of using mouth reeds for hands free use as well as the most realistic elk sounds that can be achieved by hunters!

When choosing a mouth reed which is best for us? Reeds come in 1/2" & 5/8" models, many hunters are unaware of this. Most hunters need a 1/2" reed to fit them best. This means if you have a normal size to narrow palate you will need a 1/2" reed, the 5/8" reed will feel too big in your mouth & you will struggle with it causing frustration. This is the most overlooked feature when choosing a mouth reed especially for newer users. Many times a reed is recommended to us to try because a buddy does very well with his. Maybe he has a large palate so he uses the wider version so we try it & hate it! (grin) Next thing you know is we feel reeds aren't for us because we assume all reeds are the same! This is the # 1 mistake, make sure to choose the right reed for you! Newer hunters should start with single reeds. If they are what you are considering then try out the Mellow Yellow & Closer mouth reed/diaphragms. These are very user friendly & in 1/2" models.

One thing to note is any hunter can use a narrow framed reed, doesn't matter if he has a wide palate or not but not anyone can use a wide 5/8" reed. If in doubt consider the 1/2" version first! Be prepared to practice 4-5 weeks before respectable sounds are achieved & repeated at will. Some wonder if they can learn to use a mouth reed? If you can brush your teeth without gagging then yes you can learn to use one!

ElkNut1

 

[bigharge]

Definitely some good info here, going to check out some new calls, any coupon codes out there for the elk nut store?

 

[Peaks&Creeks]

Thanks a lot guys, lots of very good info here. Coming from a duck and goose calling background I understand the time it takes to sound "good". This is why I decided to stay quiet the last two seasons until I got good enough. ElkNut1, do you think its a good option to get your 3 bugling bull reeds plus the mellow yellow to start with? Or just work on mastering the cow call first? I will also be getting some from Phelps, might as well try a few and pick the ones that work best for me. Thanks again everyone

 

[ElkNut1]

Here's a promo code for 10% off -- gettenoffelknut -- use exactly as shown, it applies to ElkNut Products, thanks!


I would pick up the Mellow Yellow, I think you will find as a newer user of Reeds that it will be right at the top! No need to get the 3 pack & confuse your tongue! The Mellow Yellow is the ticket, you will see! (grin) As you get good with a reed you will find that you will be able to expand your horizons & use about any reed out there. It's all about getting used to them! In case you're not familiar with mouth reed location here's some info that may reduce some frustration!


You will need to know where the reed goes! Here are a few points to consider. The reed is not clamped down by your back teeth or any teeth for that matter. Now allow the right & left corners of the vinyl tag to slightly rest against top inside front teeth. The very front of the latex or horseshoe opening should be in the proximity of the ridge or cleft of your palate, the mouth reed itself does not touch your front teeth so it's actually 3/4" or so from teeth, only the corners of the vinyl should be touching inside of top teeth or gum line. You can use center of tongue as contact point on latex for more subtle sounds as cow calling or smaller bull sounds. Tip of tongue, front or the back of tip portion can be used for louder bull sounds as lip bawls or long range location bugles.

One of the easiest sounds to perform are cow sounds, use center of tongue if so desired with light to medium pressure & say Shhhhhhh softly, by adjusting air-flow, tongue tension and or position of tongue in a forward or backward motion very slightly you will achieve the desired tone. You want to practice this first before you move on to bull sounds. Take one step at a time, conquer it, then move to the next step towards bull sounds. One note with bull sounds is you will need to add your own voice inflections into most of these sounds, the mouth reed can only be counted on for those creative higher notes & raspy aggressive sounds, it's a learning process but easily done with the proper motivation & understanding that it will take a few practice sessions to get comfortable with the reed in ones mouth. This cannot be done as a 1st timer in one or two 5-10 minute sessions. Plan on 4 weeks of persistent practice 10 minutes a day, some are quicker learner than others. (grin) Give yourself a chance & be persistent & you can succeed!

ElkNut1

 

[bigharge]

Thanks for the coupon code, just placed an order and looking forward to trying these out.