Elk Calling 101: Common Mistakes & Fixes

Calling elk is one of the most exciting aspects of western hunting, but it's also where most beginners fail. The language of elk is nuanced. Here are the most common mistakes new callers make and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Over-Calling

The Scenario: You hear a bugle. You bugle back immediately. He bugles. You bugle. This continues for 20 minutes until he shuts up and walks away.

The Fix: Mirror his intensity, but act hard to get. If a bull bugles at you, cut the distance silently by 100 yards, then call. Make him come looking for you. If he's hot, let him scream. You don't need to answer every time.

Mistake 2: Calling from a Bad Setup

The Scenario: You bugle from an open meadow or a trail. The bull comes to look, sees nothing where the sound came from, gets suspicious, and leaves.

The Fix: Always call from cover. Elk expect to see another elk. If they hear a sound but see an empty meadow, the gig is up. Use trees, brush, or terrain to block his view until he is within bow range.

Mistake 3: Being a One-Trick Pony

The Scenario: You only know how to do a "location bugle."

The Fix: Learn the cow language.

• Lost Cow Mew: A long, sliding note. "I'm over here, where are you?" Great for locating.
• Estrus Whine: A nasal, pleading sound. "I'm ready." Deadly on herd bulls.
• Bark: Only use this to stop a bull for a shot. It signals alert/danger.

Mistake 4: Not Sounding Real

Real elk make noise. They break branches, they stomp, they splash in wallows. Standing perfectly still while blowing on a plastic tube sounds fake. Kick a rock. Rake a tree with a stick while you bugle. Add physical realism to your audio performance.