GOT RASP?

[elk247]

A good point was brought up in the elk calling thread that some of the bugles sound "flutey." I have been using the same tube for at least 15 years and it does sound flutey. Im looking to upgrade this easily overlooked part of my kit. Technology has come around to elk calling in the last decade or so. Used to be you would see guys bugle through a radiator hose or a gallon milk jug. The tubes now have so much more resonance and make a more realistic tone in my opinion. So my question is of the newer tubes which do you guys perfer? I have seen and heard the phelps tube and like it alot. The bugling bulls tube looks like it may have a "baffle insert" to add resonance  feedback is welcome on these two tubes as well as others that work well for you guys. I will be using a diaphram call so im mostly intrested in tubes. If you dont mind, say what you use even if it is a milk jug, or a hacked up whiffleball bat.

[RadSav]

No offense to the guys that use them, but I hate the large whiffle bat type competition bugle tubes.  Most of the time I use no tube or an older Primos mini tube.  Though I was given a Primos Bullet Bugle this year and I'm not hating that tube too bad.  Might use it with a diaphragm, but haven't decided yet.

I generally carry a lot of calls when bugling - which isn't much these days as the elk in our area get pretty call shy quickly with all the guys that bugle from their trucks.  When someone in the group gets a Toutle tag that changes as we can finally get back in away from the road system.  One of the things I've found on these call shy bulls is to choose something different than the rest of the idiots driving around.  Sometimes that's breaking out an old Jones Persuader, sometimes that's using a single reed with no tube, and sometimes that means sounding like the biggest baddest angry old boy with Rasp in my soul.  I just try to be flexible with my calling and react to the situation presented.  I've even thought of adding one of my old antique curlicue calls from back in the early 80's - They worked back then 

For best rasp I have been impressed with the Duel chamber tube.  Even though I haven't gotten myself to actually carry one in the woods.  Sounds great to my ears.  And the dogs absolutely hate it    I'm just not much of a "Bulk Size" type of bugler these days.  But back in my youth I'd probably of had one of everything strapped to my pack if I thought it gave me even the slightest of an edge.  Perhaps some day I'll get drawn for an area not over run with complete morons.  If I'm not dead by then I'll probably have two or three of those big bulky tubes on my back trying to relive the success of my youth!

[elk247]

I cut my teeth on those old jones calls. I will check out the duel chamber tube. I have had a few call shy bulls in the past and I want to chuckle and grunt like I got a big pair. I completely agree with being flexable to adapt to any calling senario. Don't you know if you bugle from the truck long enough and loud enough, slam the truck door a half a dozen times you will soon have less competiton from other hunters?   

[coachcw]

often I will stick the tube in my pack and just mouth call , growling and whistling . you can make it a bit harder for them to pin point you as well . I've heard elk make all sorts of crazy bugles , on key is to not associated any human sounds Ie quad , truck , talking into the mix.

[buglebrush]

Love the Bugling Bulls Tube with a Diaphragm, but it is just a "doctored" plastic bat.     There is a tube that is awesome if you don't like Mouth Calls, but I don't want to share here.  Send me a PM if you can keep it to yourself. 

[JPhelps]

Our goal when elk calling is to sound as much like a real elk as possible.  PERIOD.  For me the resonance and bass produced by real elk can not be duplicated through small tubes or gimmicks.  Our chests and mouths are not equal to a bull elk.  Therefore we have to compensate with a large chamber like the bat.

The "Rasp" is introduced through voice inflection, lip buzzing, etc....

Use the tube that you feel makes you sound the most like a real elk


To me the most important is what I sound like 50-100 yards away.  In the video below (7:50) I move away from the camera and call.  In my opinion, I can't sound that "good" without the big tube.
Phelps Game Calls

[RadSav]

Don't you know if you bugle from the truck long enough and loud enough, slam the truck door a half a dozen times you will soon have less competiton from other hunters?   

 

I believe it is the preferred method in Russia!

[elk247]

Thanks for the responses guys. Also thanks for the pm.

[xXLojackXx]

Phelps' bugle tube is the best sounding bugle I've ever used. Grunts and chuckles sound like a Harley at idle

[JPhelps]

Phelps' bugle tube is the best sounding bugle I've ever used. Grunts and chuckles sound like a Harley at idle

I agree (no bias)!!!  The only downside is it is slightly larger than some.

[pianoman9701]

I use some of Jason's reeds with a big tube abd get great results. I also like the Primos Bull Horn for locater and immature bugles. Follow it up with a wooden Phelps cow call - awesome. We were driving a small herd crazy with those last year.

[elk247]

I will be ordering a external cow call, bugle tube, and a pleading hotty reed to go along with my other phelps calls. The great thing is having heard jason call in person I know exactily what im buying. Thanks JP!