Elk calling, bugling, etc?

[returnofsid]

I have killed one elk, in about 1997ish, with a rifle.  This year will be my first year as an archery hunter and my first year of hunting after a 14 year break.  I have absolutely no idea what I should be looking for in elk "calling gear," or how to use any of it, but I'm more than willing to put in the time to learn!  I could use some suggestions on what I should be looking for.  My son recommended any inexpensive tube and a "3 system reed," though I'm not sure what he means by that...lol.  If it matters, my elk hunts will take place in Eastern Washington, Archery seasons.

[JPhelps]

Are you hunting spikes on the east side?

If your son means a triple reed diaphragm I will have to disagree.  A single reed is way easier to learn on and use.

Also for a beginner an external bugle may be a better option while you learn to call.

With that said if you are hunting spikes/cows on the east side I would primarily stick with cow calls.  For that, I would get a single reed diaphragm and external cow call and start practicing.

[mtncook]

Jason gave you all the advice you need.  Buy guality calls and get started. Practice is key, you don't want to let out some creepy squeak when elk are in close and you might feel anxious.

mtncook

[returnofsid]

Are you hunting spikes on the east side?

If your son means a triple reed diaphragm I will have to disagree.  A single reed is way easier to learn on and use.

Also for a beginner an external bugle may be a better option while you learn to call.

With that said if you are hunting spikes/cows on the east side I would primarily stick with cow calls.  For that, I would get a single reed diaphragm and external cow call and start practicing.

While I'd love to shoot a big bull, my chances are pretty slim...lol.  Most of the areas I'm considering allow for Any Elk or Any Bull. When you say "external cow call," I'm unsure what you're referring to.  Are they a tube type call, similar to a deer grunt tube that can be used also as a doe bleat call?

[fastdam]

You can buy videos to help you learn. You could probably learn alot just by watching you tube.   I like the "sleazy cow call" because its easy, and i like the "berrys" thunder bugle be ause it has worked well for me in the past.  When its time to hunt, in my opinion, its best to call less rather than more.

[returnofsid]

LOL I've actually been scouring Youtube and videos provided on vendor sites.

[boneaddict]

I sat and talked to 3-4 bulls for about 2 hours this weekend.  They were amazingly vocal.  Kids loved it. 

[Bullkllr]

Are you hunting spikes on the east side?

If your son means a triple reed diaphragm I will have to disagree.  A single reed is way easier to learn on and use.

Also for a beginner an external bugle may be a better option while you learn to call.

With that said if you are hunting spikes/cows on the east side I would primarily stick with cow calls.  For that, I would get a single reed diaphragm and external cow call and start practicing.

While I'd love to shoot a big bull, my chances are pretty slim...lol.  Most of the areas I'm considering allow for Any Elk or Any Bull. When you say "external cow call," I'm unsure what you're referring to.  Are they a tube type call, similar to a deer grunt tube that can be used also as a doe bleat call?

An "external" call (either cow call or bugle) comes with its own reed, so all you do is blow into it to generate a sound. Another common system is to use a in-mouth diaphram reed- works for cow sounds and bugling- often with  some kind of tube to add resonance and to direct the sound. Probably tougher to learn to use a mouth diaphram for a beginner- but it's best in the long run IMO.

[JPhelps]

An external cow call consists of a curved tone board, mylar reed and barrel.  All you have to do to use it is blow Into it while controlling the pressure from your lips/teeth.

[returnofsid]

Thanks!  I think I found exactly what you're referring to.  Looks a lot like the duck calls I used to use...lol

[Max the dog]

I will give shout out for Phelps game calls because he is to courteous to do himself. Check out his website, and buy locally made calls that work. 

[vandeman17]

I will give shout out for Phelps game calls because he is to courteous to do himself. Check out his website, and buy locally made calls that work.

  I bought one for my dad and he is a very novice caller. He takes it with him on his drives to work and he almost sounds like a cow elk now. 

[PlateauNDN]

I will give shout out for Phelps game calls because he is to courteous to do himself. Check out his website, and buy locally made calls that work.

  I bought one for my dad and he is a very novice caller. He takes it with him on his drives to work and he almost sounds like a cow elk now. 

   I did the same when I bought my 1st phelps cow call and now I have two.  I recommend phelps calls as well.

[deerhunter_98520]

I will give shout out for Phelps game calls because he is to courteous to do himself. Check out his website, and buy locally made calls that work.

  I bought one for my dad and he is a very novice caller. He takes it with him on his drives to work and he almost sounds like a cow elk now. 

   I did the same when I bought my 1st phelps cow call and now I have two.  I recommend phelps calls as well.

buy 2....u need a backup 

[FANATIC]

I just picked up a phelps call too. Very easy to use. Sounds great too!

[norsepeak]

We use Phelps calls at Rugged Class Outfitters and they work great. 

[returnofsid]

Looking at the Phelps calls, I have a question...

It was suggested that I learn to use an "External Cow Call."  On the Phelps website there doesn't appear to be much for descriptions and maybe there doesn't need to be but I'm unsure what constitutes a "Cow Call."  All of the external calls seemed to be called "Elk Calls." Are they all "Cow Calls?"  As an example, is this a Cow Call, Calf Call or Bull Elk Call?  http://phelpsgamecalls.com/products/elk/phelps-green-mountain-elk-call

[elk247]

Yes, its a wood barell with an open Mylar reed. Makes cow sounds only. Awesome call. Craftsmanship and sound are great. Phelps calls are very nice.

Edit. That call is a cow call. No bull sounds from that beauty. The rubber band is adjustable to vary the pitch so you can achieve calf sounds as well as cow. That is exactly the call you want. 

[addicted2hunting]

I will give shout out for Phelps game calls because he is to courteous to do himself. Check out his website, and buy locally made calls that work.

[turkeydancer]

I love my Phelps cow call too ! 

 No matter whether rifle, archery, or muzzy cow calls can work great .... note that 3/4's of the bulls will move away from bull calls, but not so with cow calls.

[3am]

Before buying Bugling Bull Game Calls "Full of Bull" videos 1-4 I knew knothing about calling in elk. In volume 2 there is a sequence where Rocky Jacobsen runs through all the different sounds elk use in the woods. I would watch, replay, and practice this over and over. In the videos they also breakdown each hunt and suggest what could have been done differently. Two years ago in a prime unit my brother and I were able to call in 12 bulls to within 40 yards and also called in a couple cows away from some bulls. It was the coolest hunting experience I have ever had and I credit those videos to much of it. I am sure there are other great videos on calling out there but this is what I used and proved successful. No video can replace the experience and learning spent in the field but knowing how to make the right sounds is the best place to start. Just my two cents.