Most effective or favorite?

[Jordanskylery]

I'm sure this post has come up before but wanted to get updated thoughts!

Just wondering what are the most effective or peoples favorite elk calls (bugle, cow call, etc)? 

Also I have had some experience calling with coyotes but have never done any elk calling.  I know with certain mouth calls such as turkey or duck calls they can be very tricky to master in a short time and can scare off the animals if done poorly. 
What are some of the easier calls out there that are still very effective?

Any other must bring items for an early september archery elk hunt.... Attraction scents, cover scents, etc?

Final question.  I have a foxpro I use for predator calling and have several elk calls programmed (elk bugle, cow call, chirps).  Even though it is cumbersome has anyone used one on an elk hunt with any success?

Thanks guys, there is always great input on here! Can't wait for September!

[DoubleJ]

Don't think you can use the foxpro for elk calling

[Jordanskylery]

As far as the regs go it mentions only that you may not use an electronic call for turkey or deer.

[kckrawler]

Electronic calls are legal on elk but pretty lame in my opinion.  Grab any grunt tube and start blowing away...you'll soon find out what you like best and what works best for you...trial and error is about the only way to find the right setup 

[pianoman9701]

I've got a call into one of the enforcement guys in Oly. I've gone through the 2012 big game regs and can find nothing prohibiting the use of electronic calls for anything other than deer and turkey. WA is a "by exception" state, which means that if it's not specifically prohibited, it's legal. More to come when Mr. Carroll calls me back.

[kckrawler]

Don't know why you'd need to make a phone call, seems pretty cut and dry to me 

Page 76:
13. Using decoys and calls:
It is illegal to hunt turkey or deer with the use
or aid of electronic calls and battery powered
or other electronic devices as decoys.

[pianoman9701]

Electronic calls are legal on elk but pretty lame in my opinion.  Grab any grunt tube and start blowing away...you'll soon find out what you like best and what works best for you...trial and error is about the only way to find the right setup 

I'd have to ask the question why more lame on elk than other critters? I mean it's like those who think that the sun only sets on longbow shooters. I haven't used electronic calls myself and probably won't, but I can see an application, especially if one hunts alone.

There are plenty of debates in WA about this, baiting, use of certain hunting tools, etc. I think it's important to remember that we all have different standards when it comes to using legal hunting methods. We have those for ourselves, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone else's are no good. If you feel alright about using them, go for it.

[notellumcreek]

So we can use electronic calls on elk, but we cant use a lit notch to track an arrow better and has nothing to do with the actual hunting of the animal??? 

[pianoman9701]

So we can use electronic calls on elk, but we cant use a lit notch to track an arrow better and has nothing to do with the actual hunting of the animal??? 

Yes, that seems to be the case.

[notellumcreek]

So we can use electronic calls on elk, but we cant use a lit notch to track an arrow better and has nothing to do with the actual hunting of the animal??? 

Yes, that seems to be the case.

  Learn something new everyday. Oh well I will be playing by the rules regardless.

[Jordanskylery]

I agree with the stated above.  In my opinion most of the time these rule exceptions only are helping to get the animal into more effective and humane kill range.  I know plenty of hunters who would take a shot at 40-60 yards on an animal knowing good and well that they are not nearly proficient enough to consistently make a good clean kill at that range.

I guess I may have been a bit unclear though.  Even though I have the call I will most likely not use it as this hunt will be to tough to drag along a heavy e-caller and remote, and try to fumble with both and range and shoot the bow.

I guess my main question is what are the easiest and most effective calls for a beginning elk caller?

Sorry for the multiple topics in one post

[pianoman9701]

I agree with the stated above.  In my opinion most of the time these rule exceptions only are helping to get the animal into more effective and humane kill range.  I know plenty of hunters who would take a shot at 40-60 yards on an animal knowing good and well that they are not nearly proficient enough to consistently make a good clean kill at that range.

I guess I may have been a bit unclear though.  Even though I have the call I will most likely not use it as this hunt will be to tough to drag along a heavy e-caller and remote, and try to fumble with both and range and shoot the bow.

I guess my main question is what are the easiest and most effective calls for a beginning elk caller?

Sorry for the multiple topics in one post

Phelps makes one of the best cow calls on the market. He's a site sponsor.

[kckrawler]

Electronic calls are legal on elk but pretty lame in my opinion.  Grab any grunt tube and start blowing away...you'll soon find out what you like best and what works best for you...trial and error is about the only way to find the right setup 

I'd have to ask the question why more lame on elk than other critters? I mean it's like those who think that the sun only sets on longbow shooters. I haven't used electronic calls myself and probably won't, but I can see an application, especially if one hunts alone.

There are plenty of debates in WA about this, baiting, use of certain hunting tools, etc. I think it's important to remember that we all have different standards when it comes to using legal hunting methods. We have those for ourselves, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone else's are no good. If you feel alright about using them, go for it.

Agreed. I own a Spitfire. I ride quads. I was just voicing my opinion.

It's a pretty satisfying feeling when you're sitting in the deep timber blowing away on a piece of plastic tubing and all of the sudden, not 50 yards away, a bull screams back at you. It's just one of those things that gives you goose bumps. Maybe you get the same feeling when he screams at your foxpro, maybe not...

[CP]

Quads are pretty lame in my opinion.

[pianoman9701]

Quads are pretty lame in my opinion.

Hang on. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

[PlateauNDN]

   whhheeewwww....got here just in time before this really takes off.

[kckrawler]

There are plenty of debates in WA about this, baiting, use of certain hunting tools, etc. I think it's important to remember that we all have different standards when it comes to using legal hunting methods. We have those for ourselves, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone else's are no good. If you feel alright about using them, go for it.

Hmm... and now it's going to turn into a bitchfest over quad use?

Back to the OP's question, if you find that taking your Foxpro isn't too cumbersome, by all means, take it and blast away. If you decide you want to try bugling, I really like the Bugling Bull Game Calls. I highly recommend checking them out 

https://buglingbull.com/gamecalls/category/elk-calls/elk-calling-systems/

[Jordanskylery]

KC- thanks for the link I will check it out for sure.  I deff want to use hand or mouth calls for elk and was needing some recommendations.  The whole foxpro thing was more for curiosity, saw the calls on there and had no idea if anyone ever used them (would only be a consideration if I didn't have time to learn to mouth call).  But from what I am reading the elk calls aren't nearly as complex as duck or turkey calls.

Anyone else with recommendations on calls feel free to chime in.... lets save the ridicule and debates for a different topic, who cares what someone else uses as long as they are legal and having fun!

[pianoman9701]

There are plenty of debates in WA about this, baiting, use of certain hunting tools, etc. I think it's important to remember that we all have different standards when it comes to using legal hunting methods. We have those for ourselves, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone else's are no good. If you feel alright about using them, go for it.

Hmm... and now it's going to turn into a bitchfest over quad use? Pretty sure he was just kidding.

Back to the OP's question, if you find that taking your Foxpro isn't too cumbersome, by all means, take it and blast away. If you decide you want to try bugling, I really like the Bugling Bull Game Calls. I highly recommend checking them out 

https://buglingbull.com/gamecalls/category/elk-calls/elk-calling-systems/

[judojudd]

I can only think of a couple ways that an electronic call would give you an advantage and all of those would be if you were in a treestand. If you are still hunting, I can't imagine using a FoxPro and having any kind of success.
Then again, I still hunt with two mouth calls, a push call, a diaphragm in my mouth, and a grunt tube ready at a moments notice. The main reason I hunt elk during the rut is getting to have that verbal communication with elk. It is exhilarating to get no response on one call and then make an adjustment and have elk respond to it.
For that reason, I'd say get a diaphragm and learn to use it. I couldn't get them to work for me until I got the primos ones with the dome on them. Every person is different but for me, that made all the difference. Having that call in my mouth and having the confidence to make cow elk sounds with it gives me confidence that I can stop an elk where I need to for a shot. If you aren't able to master it by the time of your hunt, put it away during your hunt. Use a push button call (hoochiemama or the like) or a mouth call (Phelps) and it will only take you a day or two to master them.
All this talk of elk gets me crazy! Come on September! 

[deerhunter_98520]

I agree with the stated above.  In my opinion most of the time these rule exceptions only are helping to get the animal into more effective and humane kill range.  I know plenty of hunters who would take a shot at 40-60 yards on an animal knowing good and well that they are not nearly proficient enough to consistently make a good clean kill at that range.

I guess I may have been a bit unclear though.  Even though I have the call I will most likely not use it as this hunt will be to tough to drag along a heavy e-caller and remote, and try to fumble with both and range and shoot the bow.

I guess my main question is what are the easiest and most effective calls for a beginning elk caller?

Sorry for the multiple topics in one post

Phelps makes one of the best cow calls on the market. He's a site sponsor.

[rebal69972]

 

[RadSav]

In my opinion the best elk call is the one that works that day.  Buy them all   Everyone should look like a crazed turkey hunter when entering the elk woods  

That is unless you drive a big ass white diesel 4X4 Ford and hunt across the canyon from my me.  Then leave the calls at home - PLEASE

[pianoman9701]

I did get confirmation from DFW that electronic calls are legal for all big game but deer and turkeys.

[Angus]

Quads are pretty lame in my opinion.

Only when used behind gates/no motorized access areas, just my 


As for calls, when I started calling I bought a Larry D. Jones call that came with a cassette tape (yeah, it was a few years ago), I played the tape and practiced everyday for a couple months any time I drove my truck, called in a couple spikes the 1st season and have progressed pretty well from there, I now have a Primo's reed call I really like and have had good success with a Sleazy Cow call I've used for 3 years which is simple to use. Never thought about electronic calls but with all the other crap I pack I don't want anything bigger then what I'm already using.

[lagnar]

I have a bugle, but have had more luck with a cow call. I guess the times that I'm hunting, the last thing that bull wants to do is leave his cows and fight. They will sneak off and inspect a possible lost cow... I carry a high pitch/calf call and a triple reed.

"That is unless you drive a big ass white diesel 4X4 Ford and hunt across the canyon from my me.  Then leave the calls at home - PLEASE "

That big truck is prob me, sorry. Didn't see ya. ?naches?

[RadSav]

I have a bugle, but have had more luck with a cow call. I guess the times that I'm hunting, the last thing that bull wants to do is leave his cows and fight. They will sneak off and inspect a possible lost cow... I carry a high pitch/calf call and a triple reed.

"That is unless you drive a big ass white diesel 4X4 Ford and hunt across the canyon from my me.  Then leave the calls at home - PLEASE "

That big truck is prob me, sorry. Didn't see ya. ?naches?

You sound like you have at least half a functioning brain.  Must not be you  

These guys leave a trail of apples down the road.  They say it is to attract the elk to the road.  I actually think they do it so they can find their way home.

[rebal69972]

i went to cabala's today and bought a few elk calls to go along with the ones i already had. I'm pretty sure i will use an electronic call this year. i couldn't call a bull in if it was deaf, blind and drunk    yes it sounds that bad. I'm almost embarrassed to call myself a hunter. Now my neighbors, my wife and my dog hate me 

[lagnar]

I remembered another important piece of the puzzle, for weeks before the hunt while driving I have a CD of "real Elk sounds" playing while I have a cow call in my mouth.  Must sound/look funny if my windows are down but I'd swear I'm better than most at hitting the right sound in different situations. ( however, I think anyone with any type of call thinks he/she is the best at it...)

[huntnnw]

So we can use electronic calls on elk, but we cant use a lit notch to track an arrow better and has nothing to do with the actual hunting of the animal??? 

go figure 

[micdude]

I have an app on my phone that has elk calls on it so when I'm practicing I use that for reference. I also just got a Phelps call and really like it.