Which call?

buckwhisperer

New Member
Mar 8, 2014
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Hey everyone, long time Eastman subscriber, first time on forum user. Anyway, planning on a solo backpack elk hunt this year with archery tackle, wondering what opinions are on the best calls or call kit to use? Trying to stay light, not to big or to many. Is the Carlton Mac Daddy Herd a good choice? Or something else? Thanks P.S. will be first time using a call for elk.
 

cmbbulldog

Active Member
Jul 18, 2011
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You will be better off not using any calls. Elk are easy to get close to. Have a mouth reed just to stop an elk once at full draw.
 

buckwhisperer

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Mar 8, 2014
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Kidoggy: are those diaphragms/reeds replaceable? cmbbulldog: thanks for advice, on past rifle hunt I did stay quiet but was toying with calling a little during rut, but maybe not
 

kidoggy

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Apr 23, 2016
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Kidoggy: are those diaphragms/reeds replaceable? cmbbulldog: thanks for advice, on past rifle hunt I did stay quiet but was toying with calling a little during rut, but maybe not
all it is a double reed diaphragm you hold in mouth against the roof of mouth and use tongue pressure when blown to create different calls . ban do most anything and elk will do with it. bugles cow calls...… can make it sound like a raspy old bull or get a high pitch like a lil raghorn , or spike might have .

can be used with a grunt tube or not. I generally do not as it is just one more thing to carry and I am generally in to anything that lessens work load.;) takes a LIL practice but not to hard to master.



if you are new to bugling just learn to bugle to locate them and try to learn a few cow calls to draw em in . add more as you learn. there really is no set way to call. I generally just improvise as I go, with what the elk are doing. if they are not screaming a lot, neither do I .
when they are , I love to cut off a bulls bugle with my own to really piss him off.but only in certain situations . sometimes I will do nothing but cow call.
 
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kidoggy

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You will be better off not using any calls. Elk are easy to get close to. Have a mouth reed just to stop an elk once at full draw.
whatever works for you but there is nothing on earth as fun as bugling in a monster bull. not even sex! lol. least not the way I do it!:rolleyes:
 

cmbbulldog

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Jul 18, 2011
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whatever works for you but there is nothing on earth as fun as bugling in a monster bull. not even sex! lol. least not the way I do it!:rolleyes:
I don’t disagree... but someone that is new to calling is going to have a much better chance to actually kill a bull by not calling IMO. Plus, once they are herded up, it’s pretty unusual to get the herd bull to come in. I also think it’s easier to shoot at a more relaxed bull when they aren’t looking for you.
 

kidoggy

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I don?t disagree... but someone that is new to calling is going to have a much better chance to actually kill a bull by not calling IMO. Plus, once they are herded up, it?s pretty unusual to get the herd bull to come in. I also think it?s easier to shoot at a more relaxed bull when they aren?t looking for you.


sure , that's why I said stick to just locating bugles at first and simple cow calls to draw em in. everybody wants the monster , personally just starting out , I would be happy with a cow or maybe a lil spike or raghorn. to be honest , I'm happy with that even now.


killing the herd bull is not easy, that's why he's the herd bull.
but then easy isn't really why we do it either.:D

if going for the monster, I prefer pre or early rut , before he gathers a harem. but sometimes you just gotta play the cards you get.
once a bull gets his harem , he will often bug out when you bugle to protect his harem, he is more apt (IMHO) to respond favorably to cow calls.
in those cases where he does gather his harem and bug out , I have found it to be effective to dog him. if he bugles ,cut him short . if not stay quite and simply stay on track. but when he does bugle cut him short with a bugle back at him. try to really piss him off .provoke him into coming back to fight you.

have found that often if in hilly country, they will cross a ridge and he will hang back just over ridgetop ready to confront you if you follow. so when I top each ridge, I will setup and just throw out one bugle and wait a bit to see what happens, before I continue tracking his herd.

doesn't always work but it is a thing to behold when it does!
and NOT always a tactic I would try. like I said I tend to kind of wing it, by trying to read the mood, so to speak.


as for getting the shot, that's why I like the buddy system. one dude doing the calling, one dude doing the shooting a bit in front .
when a buddy is available. very effective.


keep in mind , I am no "expert" and don't claim to be .not even a particularly good bugler ,at least not when compared to some of my buddies.
just a guy who has learned a couple things in the past 35 years. I still tend to wing it, so take advice with a grain of salt .;)
 
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buckwhisperer

New Member
Mar 8, 2014
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Great info guys! Really appreciate it. Went ahead and ordered the Carlton Herd pack, will start practicing and learning how to use it. Probably will be used sparingly during the hunt. If I can find someone who'll actually go with me that will be a a much better set up, but so far just let downs. So yeah, prob more of a sneak attack.
 

Slugz

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Oct 12, 2014
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Once you get your Carlton calls........experiment with the width.....maybe cut the edges to get a proper fit in the roof of your mouth. Each call is very different. Recommend you try a bunch. Each brand of call also usually makes calls with different size frames.

Another thing to consider when trying to figure out which one you like and works the best is the different diaphragm calls out there. Plain latex single, double reed, palate plate calls and bite and blow.

I'd check out Elk101 and Roes Hunting resources. You dont wanna run around the woods not knowing what they are saying and or what an appropriate response is.

Lastly come up with a game plan your gonna use in the woods and practice it. One very effective technique I teach newbies is just mastering the assembly mew.......Primos Hyper Lip is the closest thing out there to the actual real thing for making the assembly mew call.
 

buckwhisperer

New Member
Mar 8, 2014
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Slugz: sound words, I'll take your advice and use it. Thanks kidoggy: I'll post pics and hopefully will have a story to tell, still researching where to go etc. App season really gets the fire going!
 

DanPickar

Active Member
Mar 4, 2014
294
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Wyoming
Great advice here. Start practicing your diaphragm calls now. Any single reed for cow and calf calls, double reed for bugles that will carry, and specifically the challenge/bull calling cows bugle. I like Rocky Mountain Hunting calls diaphragms personally.
 

buckwhisperer

New Member
Mar 8, 2014
20
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Dan: thanks for the tips and your time (really appreciate your attitude and content on TV and media). I've been practicing with the Mac Daddy and think I'm getting it, both bugling and cow calling. I just can't get the dual reed diaphragm figured out, it makes a great turkey call but I can't make anything that sounds like an elk.
 

kidoggy

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Apr 23, 2016
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Dan: thanks for the tips and your time (really appreciate your attitude and content on TV and media). I've been practicing with the Mac Daddy and think I'm getting it, both bugling and cow calling. I just can't get the dual reed diaphragm figured out, it makes a great turkey call but I can't make anything that sounds like an elk.
it does take some practice. keep at it you'll get it
 

CODAK

Active Member
Aug 8, 2016
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It aint what you use its how you use it. I kill way more elk not calling. Depends on situations. Learn the ways from the best seasoned vets u can