Do you really need calls?

[fieldking#1]

I've heard people who use calls in a hunt, and I've heard people who do not use calls in a hunt.  For elk do you really need calls to hunt an elk?

[deerhunter_98520]

IMO you don't "need" them but they just increase your chances if you know how and when to use them

[TommyH]

They allow you to fool or keep the elk thinking there might be another elk around instead of a hunter. I am not hitting the elk woods without a few of them!

[Jonathan_S]

I never nee anything.

   Of course you don't need them.  Neither do you need binoculars, good boots, camo, GPS, map, sharp knives, range finder, or first aid kit. 

Are they all things I bring? 

Yep

[JLS]

Given the size and weight of a few diaphragm calls, I can't see why anyone wouldn't take them.

[RadSav]

In general season areas in Washington state I find our group uses calls very little.  And we have a great success rate!  But the excitement level of calling in a bull is pretty hard to beat.

[swwaoutdoorsman]

Increases your odds by 50% during the rut IMO. Whether they're used to call a bull in or just to locate, they help tremendously. 95% of the time when I hunt elk I can't see further than 40 yds. So the "spot" in spot and stalk is not an option. Calling helps make it a "hear and stalk" situation. Just remember when calling very rarely is it a primos video where the bull marches right in. It does happen but not regularly. Most of the time I locate then get aggressive, get good wind and close the distance.  When the distance in closed within 100 yds let out a couple estrus calls and see if the bull will present a shot. good luck. Just saying that's what works for me. If your successful with other techniques don't fix it if it ain't broken 

[MIKEXRAY]

When a cow calls to see what is making that noise it sure is nice to answer. Bull elk a must obviously,  cow or spike it helps .
I have also had cows come running to a bugle, only has happened when I was bull hunting. I definitely don't call much without a bull tag.

[Craig]

calls sure help to at least locate the elk. I like a little bit of bugling and mostly cow call. I know I have scared a bull away with to much bugling.