The most important thing is to find a call that you are comfortable with and confident in. This is regardless of what everyone else uses. We all have different shaped palates and apply pressure differently so this isn't a one call fits all. Thankfully there are enough call makers covering the spectrum there is almost always something that will work.
Start with the tip of your tongue down in the pocket behind your bottom teeth. Imagine trying to push your front teeth out at the roots. You should feel your tongue flex. This is what you will use to apply pressure to the latex.
Position of the call depends on the shape and depth of the palate. The flat frames (like mine) typically sit a little farther back in the mouth while the domes and palate plates sit a little farther forward for most. Another trick is with my calls is they require less pressure and imagine the air going straight out the front. With the palate plate and domed call they need more pressure and force up.
Next I always recommend learning to cow call first. Regardless of what you want to do (rip big bugles) take the time to learn to cow call. First just how to make noise, then how to make the high to low tones and then how to control the break over and eventually out the entire cow call together. More pressure will give the high note and less will allow the call to break over. Don't get lazy and drop the pressure all at once. Ease out.
For Bulls it is the opposite. Start relaxed and continue to apply more pressure to go up the octaves. You will need to learn how to balance pressure and air volume to dial in the call. Once you get a standard 3-5 note bugle down you can experiment with adding voice, growls and ultimately grunts and chuckles.
It takes a commitment by most and very few guys will get good without a lot of practice but fortunately there is still plenty of time to get good for this year.
