So, going from last year to this year I stepped way up in my calling game. I tried MANY different calls out and figured if there is anyone looking at trying to get into calling I would share some of my experiences. My go to kit of what I like is kind of a mismatched set but the tones and my ability to call with them make them, at this current time my preferred setup.
This season I will be carrying:
TST Series Calls
Mistress x2
All Star x2
Mini Master x2
The're are a few other calls in the TST series that I currently don't have that I would love to try. The TST series is a small diaphragm elk call that fits very well in my mouth. Additionally with these calls I have no trouble "choking" or positioning them in my mouth to learn how to call. The Mistress is one of my favorites, it is also the one that I play with the most and can make great cow and calf sounds every time. The All Star has a wicked high bull scream to the call and has a super rich tone through my bugle, also has good cow sounds but is not quite as reedy as the mistress. The mini master is kind of an in between, I can't hit quite the high note as on the All Star on a bugle but it still has a great sound.
My bugle tube I'm using is an Elk Nut Chuckler. When I bought the tube I got the mouth piece kit which makes a good bugle but now that I am comfortable with mouth reeds I have taken off the mouthpiece. I don't have any tubes to compare with this one but it screams and makes awesome tones coming out of the tube with all 3 reeds I've been using. - I would definitely recommend this bat if your looking for a bat, I would love to try the Bull Bully and the Phelps Bats in the near future.
I will also be carrying one external reed call this season. I have a custom Phelps EZ-estrus call that I have been practicing with. I played with both the Phelps EZ estrus and and Carlton Calls Fight'N Cow but I'm choosing to go with the Phelps based on durability and ease of use as well as sound. The EZ estrus has a level of reedyness to it that I can't get out of a mouth reed.
Currently I'm keeping a full set of 3 reeds in my car and truck and the EZ estrus call hangs in my trucks mirror so I can practice wherever I go. I have been practicing about and 3-4 hours a week since January. Tonight I'm going to start going through the Elk 101 course on calling and see how much more I need to learn. I still have been struggling with lip bawling and getting personality in a chuckle.
