The Best Elk Calls: A Comprehensive Guide for Hunters

Are you an avid hunter looking for the best elk calls to up your game?

Look no further. We have done extensive research into different styles, brands of the best elk calls, and techniques so that we can provide our readers with a comprehensive guide on all things related to elk calling.

From understanding what each sound means in the language of elks, to using bugle tubes and other callers effectively – we’ve got it covered.

Learn about the history behind this unique art form as well as tips and tricks from experienced hunters who know how important having the right tools is when hunting these majestic creatures.

So don’t wait any longer; join us now as we explore everything there is to know about finding the best elk calls out there.

Types of Elk Calls

Bugle Tubes are the most popular type of elk call and are used to imitate the sound of a bull elk bugling.

They come in many shapes and sizes, but all feature an open end that is placed against your lips. To use a bugle tube, you simply blow into it while changing the pitch with your mouth.

This creates a loud, low-pitched sound that can travel for miles through dense forests and valleys. Bugle tubes are often used to locate other bulls during mating season or to challenge them when they enter your hunting area.

Mouth Calls are another popular type of elk call and require more skill than bugle tubes as they involve using both hands and mouth simultaneously.

Mouth calls consist of two pieces: one held in each hand with a small rubber reed between them which vibrates when air is blown over it creating different tones depending on how hard you blow into it. With practice, hunters can learn to create realistic sounding cow or bull elk sounds such as grunts, mews, chirps, estrus bleats and even full-blown bugles.

The various types of elk calls are essential for successful hunting and have a long history. From bugle tubes to grunt tubes, each type of call has its own unique purpose. Now let’s take a look at the history of elk calling and explore how it has changed over time.

History of Elk Calling

The history of elk calling dates back to the late 1800s, when hunters began using a variety of tools and techniques to lure elk closer. It is believed that the first person to invent an elk call was John M. Whitehead, who patented his design in 1891. Since then, many different types of calls have been developed and used by hunters all over the world.

One of the earliest forms of elk calling was bugle tubes or horns, which were made from hollowed-out tree branches or animal horns and had a mouthpiece attached at one end. Hunters would blow into these instruments to create loud bugling sounds that could be heard for miles around in order to attract elk from far away distances.

Mouth calls are another type of call that has been used since the early 1900s and involves making various noises with your lips and tongue without any additional equipment needed other than your own voice box. These calls can range from simple grunts or mews to more complex sequences such as cow/calf talk or bull bugles depending on what you’re trying to achieve with your hunt.

Grunt tubes are another type of call that has become increasingly popular among modern day hunters due to their ease-of-use in comparison to traditional methods such as bugle tubes or mouth calls. These consist simply of a plastic tube with an adjustable reed inside, which enables the user to make realistic sounding grunting noises by blowing into it.

Over time, advancements in technology have allowed for even more sophisticated ways for hunters to communicate with their prey such as electronic game caller devices which produce realistic sounding recordings instead of relying solely on manual efforts like those mentioned above. This makes it much easier for people who may not have experience using traditional methods to still be able to get results while out hunting.

The history of elk calling is rich and varied, with many different techniques used throughout the centuries. Now that we have a better understanding of how these calls have evolved over time, let’s explore the language of elk and what their various sounds mean.

Understanding Elk Sounds and Language

Elk are a species of deer native to North America and they communicate with each other through various vocalizations. Understanding elk sounds is essential for any hunter looking to be successful in the field.

Learn more about elk behavior and what they eat here.

What Do Different Elk Sounds Mean?

The most common sound made by elk is the bugle, which is used primarily during mating season as bulls compete for dominance.

Bulls will also use bugles to let cows know where they are located or when they’re feeling threatened.

Cows make a variety of mews, chirps, and whistles that can signal distress or alertness depending on the situation. Calves make high-pitched bleats that help their mothers locate them in thick brush or dense forests.

How To Interpret The Language Of Elk?

Interpreting elk language requires practice and patience but it can be done with enough time spent in the woods observing their behavior patterns and listening carefully to their calls.

By understanding what different sounds mean, you can better anticipate how an animal might react when you call out to them from your hunting spot or blind location.

Knowing when an animal is feeling threatened versus relaxed gives you valuable insight into whether it is safe to approach closer or not. Additionally, being able to recognize cow calls from bull calls will allow you to determine if there are any cows nearby before making a move on a bull target; something that could save your hunt.

Once you understand the language of elk, you can begin to practice using an elk call. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to effectively mimic the sounds of these majestic animals and attract them into your hunting area.

Using an Elk Call Effectively

When it comes to hunting elk, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is an elk call. Elk calls are used to mimic the sounds that wild elk make when communicating with each other and can be used to attract them closer for a better shot. Knowing how to use an elk call effectively is key if you want success on your hunt.

How To Blow An Elk Call?

Blowing an elk call correctly requires practice and patience.

Visual learners might find this video helpful:

Start by getting familiar with the different types of calls available, such as bugle tubes, mouth calls, or grunt tubes. Each type has its own unique sound and technique for blowing into it properly so make sure you read up on these before heading out into the field.

When using a bugle tube or grunt tube, place your lips around the reed at the end of the tube and blow gently while varying pressure from light to strong in order to create different notes and pitches.

For mouth calls, form a tight seal around the edges of the reed with your lips while pushing air through it using short bursts for high-pitched sounds or longer breaths for low-pitched ones.

FAQs in Relation to Best Elk Calls

What is the easiest to use elk call?

The easiest to use elk call is the Primos Bugling Bull Elk Call. This call is designed with a patented design that makes it easy for even novice hunters to produce realistic bugles and cow calls. It features an adjustable reed system that allows you to easily adjust the tone, volume, and pitch of your calls.

The ergonomic shape also helps ensure comfort while calling in those big bulls. With its durable construction and user-friendly design, this call will have you sounding like a pro in no time.

What is the best elk bull call?

The best elk bull call is a matter of personal preference. Some hunters prefer the traditional diaphragm call, while others opt for more modern electronic calls. The key to success with either type of call is practice and understanding the nuances of each sound they produce.

Diaphragm calls are typically made from latex or other flexible material and require blowing into them to create sounds that mimic an elk’s bugle.

Electronic calls use pre-recorded sounds that can be adjusted in volume and tone, making them easier to use but also less realistic sounding than a diaphragm call.

Make sure you understand the current regulations for the use of electronic calls in the state you are hunting, as these are illegal to use for big game in many states.

Ultimately, it’s up to you as the hunter to decide which type of call works best for your situation.

What are the top rated elk diaphragm calls?

The top rated elk diaphragm calls are the Primos Elk Hunter, the Rocky Mountain Calls Ultimate Diaphragm Call, and the Montana Decoy Company’s Bullseye.

The Primos Elk Hunter is designed to be a versatile call that can produce realistic bugles, cow calls, and calf sounds.

The Rocky Mountain Calls Ultimate Diaphragm Call is made from high-quality latex for superior sound quality and durability. It’s also small enough to fit in those little pockets on your bino harness.

Lastly, the Montana Decoy Company’s Bullseye features an innovative design that allows it to make multiple tones with just one reed. All three of these diaphragm calls have been highly praised by hunters for their realism and effectiveness in calling in elk.

What is the best easy bull elk call?

The best easy bull elk call is the BugleMate. This call is designed to mimic a real bugle and produces an accurate sound that can be heard from far away. It’s lightweight, durable, and simple to use with just one hand.

The adjustable reed system allows you to adjust the pitch of your calls for different situations, making it ideal for any hunting situation. With its realistic sound quality and ease of use, the BugleMate is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy way to get started calling in bulls.

Conclusion

Elk calling is an art form that takes practice and patience to master. It’s important to understand the different types of elk calls, their history, and how they work in order to make the most out of your hunting experience.

With a little bit of knowledge and dedication, you can become an expert caller who knows exactly which best elk calls will bring success on your next hunt.