Elk hunting requires a lot of physical preparation, a healthy dosage of grit, and a few good elk calls. Here at MeatEater, it’s no surprise that we’re fans of Phelps Game Calls, and that’s exactly what we use to chase bugles through the mountains each September.
Whether you’re looking for a bugle tube, diaphragm, or an easy-to-use external call, you’ll find several different options from Phelps Game Calls for a variety of hunting situations and tactics.
To get a breakdown of each call, I talked with Jason Phelps himself about what makes each one ideal for various calling scenarios. After all, he designs them and has more than a few bull elk under his belt. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-realistic call, something to cut through wind and vegetation, or a beginner-friendly cow call, you’ll find plenty of options from Phelps. These are some of the best calls for a variety of elk hunting situations.
Whether you buy Phelps game calls or you prefer another call maker, make sure your elk calls have these key ingredients.
If you’re ripping a bugle to get a response or you need to make soft, convincing cow chirps, make sure your call has a wide volume range.
You won’t carry a call that’s hard to use. It’s as simple as that. When it comes to diaphragm calls, you’ll have to find which one works for you. For bugle tubes, you shouldn’t have to blow out a lung to rip a loud call. Elk hunting demands enough of your lungs as it is.
You don’t have to win any calling contests, but you should be able to produce realistic elk sounds with a good call. If the hunter three ridges over can tell you’re not a real elk, you can bet that bull knows something’s up, too.
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