Using Calling Techniques to Hunt Elk: Best Practices

Few experiences in hunting compare to the electrifying sound of a bull elk bugling across a mountain valley. Effective elk calling can turn a distant echo into a close encounter — but it takes practice, timing, and understanding elk behavior to make it happen.

This guide covers the best practices for elk calling, including how to use different types of calls, read elk vocalizations, and apply the right techniques based on the season and situation.

When you’re ready to test your skills in world-class elk country, find vetted outfitters and guided elk hunts through Find A Hunt — your trusted source for premium big-game hunting adventures.

Understanding Elk Vocalizations

Elk are social animals that communicate constantly through vocalizations. Each sound has meaning — whether it’s dominance, curiosity, or herd coordination. Knowing what those sounds mean and when to use them is the foundation of effective calling.

Common Elk Calls and Their Purposes

Understanding the context of these calls — not just the sounds — is what separates beginners from skilled elk callers.

Types of Elk Calls and How to Use Them

There are three primary types of elk calls used by hunters, each with distinct strengths and learning curves.

1. Diaphragm (Mouth) Calls

• Pros: Hands-free operation, realistic tone variety, perfect for close encounters.

• Cons: Takes practice to master airflow and tongue pressure.

• Best For: Experienced callers or hunters needing both hands free for shooting.

Pro Tip: Start with single- or double-reed calls for cow sounds, then advance to triple-reed models for bugles and aggressive calls.

2. External Reed (Open Reed) Calls

• Pros: Easy to use; produce clear mews and estrus whines.

• Cons: Not hands-free; can freeze up in cold weather.

• Best For: Beginners and midrange cow calling.

Pro Tip: Practice cadence — not just pitch. Real cow elk make short, inconsistent mews, not long, drawn-out calls.

3. Bugle Tubes

• Pros: Amplify diaphragm or reed calls to carry across long distances.

• Cons: Bulky to carry and easy to overuse.

• Best For: Locating bulls or imitating a dominant challenger.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-bugle — sometimes silence and cow calls seal the deal better than constant bugling.

Seasonal Elk Calling Strategies

Elk behavior changes dramatically throughout the season. Adjust your calling strategy to match their mindset.

Early Season (Late August – Early September)

• Bulls are establishing dominance and gathering cows.

• Use location bugles to find herds.

• Respond to soft cow calls with mews or light chuckles — bulls are curious, not yet aggressive.

Peak Rut (Mid–Late September)

• Bulls are vocal and territorial.

• Use challenge bugles to provoke responses and estrus whines to draw bulls in.

• Cow calls and bugle combos mimic a herd and often trigger rut-crazed bulls to approach.

Post-Rut (October)

• Bulls become quieter and cautious after heavy pressure.

• Switch to subtle cow calls and light mews.

• Focus on food sources and cover transitions — use calling sparingly.

Late Season (November–December)

• Calling is minimal; elk are regrouping.

• Use light cow talk only to reassure or stop moving animals for a shot.

Advanced Calling Techniques

1. The Location Bugle

Use long, non-aggressive bugles to locate bulls across drainages. Wait for responses and move closer before calling again.

Tip: Bulls often respond quietly — listen for faint bugles or stick cracks after your call.

2. The Challenge Bugle

When a bull bugles back aggressively, mimic his tone and emotion. Add chuckles or glunks (deep, guttural notes) to sound like a dominant rival.

Tip: Be patient — over-aggression can make satellite bulls retreat.

3. Cow-Calling Sequences

Blend mews, chirps, and estrus whines to sound like a small group of cows. Ideal for luring bulls or calming nervous herds.

Tip: Use multiple calls or alternate tones to imitate several animals.

4. The Silent Approach

If a bull goes quiet, don’t push with more calls. Move closer quietly, then use soft cow calls or raking antlers to suggest a relaxed herd.

Tip: Silence often kills — bulls sometimes slip in silently to check things out.

Reading Elk Reactions

The best callers listen more than they call. Reading a bull’s behavior and tone is key:

• Aggressive, repeated bugles: He’s ready to fight — challenge him.

• Short or half-hearted bugles: He’s interested but cautious — use cow calls to coax.

• No response after strong bugles: Move closer or back off for a while — you may be too close or upwind.

Elk Calling Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcalling: Elk can quickly identify unnatural patterns or volume.

• Ignoring wind direction: Your scent, not your sound, often decides success.

• Using the wrong tone: Cow calls too loud or bugles too frequent sound fake.

• Calling without movement: Elk expect to see another elk — use terrain or decoys to add realism.

Gear for Elk Calling Success

Must-Have Items:

• 2–3 diaphragm calls (different tones)

• Bugle tube

• External cow call (backup)

• Wind checker

• Compact decoy or cow silhouette (optional)

• Rangefinder and binoculars

• Waterproof storage for calls (keep reeds dry and clean)

Pro Tip: Rotate diaphragm calls regularly — saliva and moisture wear out reeds quickly.

Safety and Ethics

• Always identify your target before calling aggressively — other hunters may respond.

• Avoid crowding other hunters’ setups.

• Respect non-target wildlife and seasonal restrictions in certain units.

• Practice calls in the off-season to minimize disturbance during the hunt.

Why Book a Guided Elk Hunt

A guided elk hunt accelerates your learning curve and puts you in prime elk country. Experienced guides know:

• Local herd patterns and calling responses unique to the region.

• When to bugle, when to whisper, and when to stay silent.

• How to position hunters and callers for optimal shot opportunities.

When you’re ready for a professional elk-hunting experience, compare outfitters and book your hunt through Find A Hunt — your trusted source for expert-guided big-game adventures.

FAQs About Elk Calling

What’s the best call for beginners?
Start with an external reed cow call — easy to use and effective all season.

How often should I call when hunting elk?
Every 10–15 minutes is a good rhythm. Too frequent calling can alert elk that something isn’t right.

Should I bugle or cow call first?
Use cow calls first to gauge response. Bugle only when bulls are active or aggressive.

Do elk get call-shy?
Yes — heavily hunted areas create call-wary bulls. Use softer calls and natural setups to stay convincing.

When’s the best time to practice calling?
Year-round, but especially in summer. Record yourself and compare to real elk sounds for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Mastering elk calling takes time, patience, and situational awareness — but it’s also one of the most thrilling experiences in hunting. When you can communicate naturally with elk and draw a bugling bull into bow range, you’ve truly joined the conversation.

For those looking to hone their skills and hunt in prime elk country, book your next guided elk hunt through Find A Hunt — your trusted marketplace for world-class outfitters and unforgettable encounters in the mountains.