Dirk Durham drops a rundown on the three elk calls that he finds most important to have in your arsenal while out on an elk hunt. He also walks through the scenarios in which these calls can be extremely effective on your next hunt
When it comes to elk hunting, keeping things simple yet effective is key. Mastering a few basic elk calls can make a significant difference in your success during elk season. For hunters new to calling, focusing on three fundamental calls—cow/calf calls, bugles, and chuckles/grunts—can keep you engaged with bulls throughout your hunt.
While hanging out with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls, we asked for a rundown on the three calls that he finds most important to have in your arsenal while out on an elk hunt. On top of the types of calls, Dirk also walks us through the scenarios in which these calls can be effective. Tune in to the video above and take your calling to the next level!
One of the most effective and easiest calls to use is the cow and calf call. This call has likely been responsible for more elk kills than any other. It's simple to make, straightforward to master, and highly effective. The key is to add emotion and authenticity to the call. Instead of focusing on a perfect “eo” sound, aim for more of a “yaw” sound. Varying the tone and pitch, making some calls soft and others loud, can mimic the natural variety in cow and calf vocalizations. Short and long calls, along with high-pitched calf calls, add authenticity.
For extra variation, adding in estrus or contact buzzes by buzzing the lips can further diversify the sounds. Mixing these up creates more natural and emotional calls that will keep bulls interested.
The next essential call is the bugle. Whether it's a locator bugle, a full bugle, or a lip ball bugle, having this call in your arsenal is crucial. When calling, it’s important to mimic the bull’s mood or disposition. If a bull is making weaker, wimpy bugles, match that energy by responding with similar calls. As the bull escalates, ramp up your own bugles to match.
Bugles are especially effective because they can appeal to a bull’s instinct to fight rather than breed. When a bull gets aggressive, it may let its guard down and approach closer, giving you a shot opportunity. This makes bugling a critical tactic in drawing out bulls who are territorial and ready to engage.
Chuckles and grunts are advanced calls that, when done right, add realism to your bugles. These calls help separate a hunter from other callers because of their unique cadence and tone. Many hunters struggle with chuckles and grunts because they require breathing between each note, creating a rhythmic, staccato pattern. The key is to breathe in and out between each sound to maintain the right cadence.
Though not always necessary, chuckling or grunting can sometimes be the difference between getting a bull to respond or not. There are occasions when bulls will only answer back if a chuckle is included, making it a valuable skill to practice.
When starting a call sequence in the field, begin with soft cow and calf calls to avoid startling any elk nearby. Listen carefully for any subtle sounds, like hoofbeats or rustling, that indicate a nearby bull. If there’s no response, gradually increase the volume of the cow calls, or even use a tube to project the sound into specific areas.
After waiting for a few minutes, if there’s still no response, it’s time to try a locator bugle. This isn’t meant to be aggressive, just a simple, long note to probe the area. If a bull still doesn’t answer, follow it up with another round of cow calls and possibly a more intense bugle with a few chuckles. At times, it’s the chuckles that trigger a response from certain bulls.
If all else fails, the final strategy is the "grand poobah" of elk calls: the lip ball bugle with aggressive grunts. This call mimics a bull that’s protecting a cow in estrus and can often provoke a reaction from bulls in the area.
If after using this sequence, there’s still no response, it’s time to move on. Walking 200 yards to a quarter of a mile and repeating the sequence allows hunters to cover more ground and probe every nook and cranny of the landscape. Bugling in different directions helps ensure that no area goes unchecked. Persistence in this method can lead to more bugle responses throughout the day, increasing the chances of success.
By focusing on these three key elk calls and using them strategically, hunters can improve their chances of calling in bulls and having a successful elk hunting season.
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