Understanding and Using Cow Calls
Whether you’re just starting out in the world of elk hunting, or are a seasoned veteran, at some point during your preparations each fall, your thoughts turn to elk calls. But with so many calls to choose from, it can be a bit confusing – if not overwhelming – trying to figure out how different calls are used, how to get the best sound out of them, how they sound in comparison to each other, and which one you should buy if you happened to be in the market for one. In this series, Chris goes over five of the most popular “classes” of cow elk calls available on the market – those being Mechanical calls, Manual calls, Bite and Blow calls, Mouth Diaphragm calls, and Open Reed calls – from three of the most popular manufacturers – those being Primos Hunting Calls, Hunter’s Specialties/Carlton Calls, and Bugling Bull Game Calls, and one relative new-comer to the elk calls scene – Mossback Game Calls. Chris not only covers how each of the calls is used and how to get the best sound out of them, but he talks about the advantages and disadvantages of each call as well, so you can have a better understanding of some of the calls you may already own, or what to look for in a call based on your experience level or personal preferences should you be in the market to purchase one.
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Mechanical Calls
In this video, Chris covers the Buttolo call – marketed in the U.S. by HS/Carlton as the “Squeeze-Me” cow call – and the Primos “Hoochie Mama.” Arguably two of the most recognizable cow calls on the market these days, both are hailed by beginning elk callers as easy to use, and by veteran callers...
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Manual Calls
In this video, Chris covers the “Ms. Mac Daddy” and the “Bull Hooker” cow calls – both from HS/Carlton Calls – which are pretty much the only two “Manual” calls available on the market today. Like Mechanical calls, both are easy to use for beginners and can add another sound to a caller’s reperto...
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"Bite and Blow" Style Calls
In this video, Chris covers the classic “Bite and Blow” style of elk call. One of the most basic elk calls on the market, bite and blow style calls have been around for years. While the general style hasn’t changed much over time, their materials have – at least for one manufacturer, Primos Hunti...
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Mouth Diaphragm Calls
In this video, Chris goes over mouth diaphragm calls, focusing on the Palate Plate and “Dome” style mouth diaphragms of Primos Hunting Calls and Bugling Bull Game Calls. Since their debut on the mouth diaphragm scene, palate plate and dome style mouth calls have rocketed to the top of some of the...
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Mouth Diaphragms, Mouth Shape, and Making Quality Sounds
Throughout this website, I always strive to share the "why" behind the "what," "when," and "how" of elk communication and effective calling – especially when learning to use, and mastering, specific elk calls (i.e. mouth diaphragms). Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, not only do mo...
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"Open Reed" Style Calls
In this video, Chris goes over “Open Reed” style calls, and discusses the three types of open reed style calls on the market: those with long, skinny reeds; those with long, tapered reeds; and those with wide reeds. Chris will discuss these calls as made by three different manufacturers: Bugling ...
