Bugle? Do you? and which one?

[sandythebowtotenmama]

Last yr. during bow for elk, we used the primos cowgirl 1st., primos hoochie mama 2nd, and followed with the primos bugle and we called up a 5x5 to 11 yds., but didn't have a big bull tag:(

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

There is no such thing as a perfect bugle.  It all depends on the attitude of the elk!!

[blacktail luv]

Personally I have a Abe and Sons bugle and I love the thing.  I don't think it matters so much what bugle you have but how well you use it.  I have seen two different guys blow the same bugle and get two completely different sounds.  Practice a lot with whatever you choose and it will work.  I did buy a deep timber bugle at a sportsman show because it sounded awesome when the owner of the company blew it.  the thing was a pain in the ass in my opinion so i never used it,  I am sure it only would have took practice to get good with it but I didn't stick it out. 

[Todd_ID]

The key to diaphragm calls (mouth reeds) is finding one that fits well into the roof of your mouth, between your upper molars.  Those with dental bridges and whatnot will have a tricky time.  Mastering a diaphragm calls will provide you the most versatile and adaptable calling approach with elk, not to mention turkeys and predators as well.  I use a mix of calls to keep things fresh and attempt to pique the interest of a bull looking for a certain sound.

I've spent years working and hunting with Larry D., and I can tell you that this man (Dwight Schuh as well) believes that he will get his bull each and every time he leaves camp.  His attitude and approach of calling constantly into every nook and cranny produce results most never see.  I too tend to reserve my bugling and calling until I find elk and can read the situation.  Not Larry - he calls....and calls and calls and calls.  And he calls in bulls!  One evening we met up in camp and thought neither of us drew on a bull, he'd called in five more bulls than I had.  He hunts all day and is constantly expecting to excite a bull into a response, no matter how quiet it may be on the mountain.  He never gives up.

I don't think there is a magic formula or call that will make you look like BuckLucky this fall  .  We can dream big but even the best tag in the state won't put you behind a behemoth rack.  Lots of guys eat precious tags every year.  Instead you need to study elk, master your calling, know when to push and when to back off, hunt all day, and be willing to try new things in order to tip the odds in your favor.

Good post with a ton of experience behind it!