Using Calling Techniques to Hunt Elk: Reviews and Tips

Using Calling Techniques to Hunt Elk: Reviews and Tips

Calling is one of the most powerful tools in your elk-hunting toolbox. When done correctly, it can bring a bull into range, change his behaviour, and tip the odds in your favour. But effective calling isn’t just blasting a bugle and hoping—it’s about timing, emotion, gear, terrain, and reading the animal. This guide breaks down how to call with purpose, what works, and what mistakes to avoid.

1. Understand What the Calls Mean & When to Use Them

At its core, elk calling triggers a bull’s emotional responses—primarily breeding or aggression/fight. Elk101+1

• Cow/Calf calls: Mimicking a cow or calf in estrus (or lonely) draws in bulls looking to breed or check the herd. Elk101+1

• Bugles/Challenge calls: Imitating a rival bull, a challenge call stirs dominance, rage, or territorial response. Elk101

• Rakes, grunts, squeals: Add to realism; for instance, a bull raking trees signifies territory marking and aggression.

• Timing / Season matters: Early season bulls behave differently than peak-rut bulls. What works one week may fail the next. YouTube+1

Review point: One article states that trying to reply to what the elk says is less effective than controlling the conversation—i.e., decide whether you are a cow needing a bull, or a rival bull needing a fight. Elk101+1

2. Gear & Review of Call Types

Your choice of call gear and how you use it matters. Here are types and what reviews say:

• External calls (e.g., squeeze-bulb or reed tube outside the mouth): Easy for beginners, good cow/calf sounds. Slayer Calls+1

• Internal (diaphragm) calls: Hands-free, more realistic, but steeper learning curve. “One size does not fit all” when matching palate. Slayer Calls

• Bugle tubes: Add depth and carry. When paired with a diaphragm or external call, they give more “real” bull sound. Slayer Calls

• Reviews from users: On forums, hunters say quality matters—“buy a few different reeds and find the one that fits your mouth.” Reddit

Tip: Invest time in training the call—practice at home, on hikes, record yourself, mimic sound cues. The call gear is only as good as your execution.

3. Placement, Wind & Approach Strategy

Calling works best when you’re in the right place, with wind/scent controlled. Some key points:

• Get close before you call: Many guides stress that being within 100–150 yards gives you much better chance. YouTube+1

• Use terrain: Approaching uphill or downhill changes how sound travels; if you call from a ridge top, a bull below may see your silhouette. Petersen's Hunting

• Wind & thermals matter: Bulls can smell you before hearing you. Always be downwind, especially before you call. Petersen's Hunting

• Timing your calling sequence: Calling too early or too loud can warn the bull. Often starting softly, then increasing, then pausing gives better results. Elk101

• Shot preparation: While calling, ensure you have a good shooting lane, safe backdrop, and a plan for exit/pack-out. Don’t call then scramble for gear.

4. Season-Specific Calling Strategies

Different phases of the season demand different tactics:

• Early Season: Bulls may still be on satellite-type behaviour; cow calls and gentle bugles draw in curious younger bulls. YouTube+1

• Pre-Rut & Peak Rut: Bulls hold herds; challenge calls or aggressive bugles may trigger a territorial response. One video shows “shadowing the herd” and using harsh bugles. YouTube

• Post-Rut: Bulls may be tired, dispersed; softer calls may work, but success is harder.

• Midday vs Early/Late: Some tactics like “Midday Madness” use decoys or calling during slower hours to catch bulls when they move. AEI Guide and Outfitter

Tip: Be flexible. If one sequence isn’t working, change your call type (cow → bugle) or your rhythm. Listen to the elk before you call.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcalling: Too many, loud, repetitive calls tell the bull something is wrong.

• Ignoring the bull’s behaviour: If he responds but then hangs up, you may need to adjust call type or your movement.

• Poor gear match: Using a call you can’t control or that doesn’t fit your mouth means your sound will betray you.

• Bad placement: Calling from exposed or upwind position, or without a good shot lane.

• Not scouting: Calling into unknown terrain without knowing likely travel routes or where bulls are bedded reduces success.

6. Final Thoughts

Calling elk is a high-reward strategy when done right. It requires:

• solid understanding of elk behaviour,

• high-quality gear you’re comfortable with,

• sound placement and wind management,

• adaptive strategy based on season & terrain.

If you practice your calls, choose the correct location, and read the elk’s behaviour rather than just blasting from a mountaintop, you’ll greatly increase your odds of success.

If you like, I can pull up recommended call gear (specific brands/models), video tutorials, and regional calling tactics (mountain vs timber vs prairie) for your area.