Bildo,
I have held off on posting anything in this thread as it is not my place or time and i have no help to offer on your dad's alkali tag.
I will offer up some general advice (as I would like to turn everything into a positive).
-Good elk hunters and callers very rarely brag about their skills.
-The internet is a great resource and I always listen to what other people have to say (and later decipher what I think is true or relevant). It doesn't help you when you blow off advice and it doesnt hurt to listen without opening your mouth (sometimes a boot is the perfect fit).
-The day I quit wanting to learn stuff from other elk hunters and situations is the day I cut myself short. I have actually learned a lot from rookie hunters who have tried stuff that is out of the box and has worked. I always throw that in the bag of tricks, just in case.
-Don't come on the internet and claim to have done something you haven't. You have just lost all your credibility and it will be tough to get back.
As far as calling elk, it can be done with a hoochie mama, primos external and the terminator (in my mind thay would be equivalent to going to war with nothing but hand grenades and expecting to win). Calls are just one small aspect. The right call at the right time, setup and other factors along with quality calling is what matters.
I would say continue to research the unit, scout, practice your calling and TAKE advice from anyone willing to give it. Bye the way I hope your ol man smacks a good bull in there.
This is just my
and take it or leave it.
