Most effective or favorite?

[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