which cow call for a new guy
Elk
Contributors to this thread:
Hi guys, Being as here is so much knowledge out there I was wondering if some of you could tell me which cow elk call to buy. I am new to elk hunting and something relatively easy to use would be good. I do use diaphragm calls for turkeys so I guess that is a possibility. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I'd suggest the Primos palate plate diaphragm...the white one.
Extremely easy to use IMO and it sounds great. A diaphragm keeps your hands free and it's the way to go when yer elk hunting,
When it comes to cow/calf mews, as well as young bull squeals, nothing beats a single-reed diaphragm IMO. The advantage of hands-free use cannot be overstated! I'll carry an open reed call just for a little variety once in a while, but like the others, I use a diaphragm 99.9% of the time. I prefer Bugling Bull's Mellow Yellow Mama, but brand is strictly personal preference. Use what's most comfortable for you.
I would experiment with a variety of brands/ styles, since everyone's palate has a different shape/size. Figure out what works for you.
As wyobullshooter said...single reed is best/ easiest for cow calls.
Best of Luck, Jeff
For open Reed calls I like the Bugling Bull matriarch call as well as the fighting cow call from Wayne carlton. The first two elk I ever called in came on the fighting cow call.
I am with wybullshooter on the mellow yellow for a diaphragm call. Very easy to use.
+3. Those two calls are my favorites. I can slip from cow call to small bull sounds very easily.
x2 Elkmtngear on size.
I really like the elk101 All-Star diaphram. I have a smaller pallet and it fits well. Super easy and soft.
I take 3 in the woods. Primos palate plate diaphragm red or blue. Primos single reed reed call, and Hoochie mamma push call. Some times mixing it up brings them in.
The mouth diaphragm is definitely the best and most versatile, but is the hardest to learn. Just get a few and practice practice practice.
The bite and blow calls are pretty easy to use and permit you to do a calf or cow mew depending on how hard you bite and how hard you blow. A very good long distance call as well. A diaphragm call might be best for really soft calls when elk are very close but in my opinion you are more likely to blow a bad note on a diaphragm call than you are with a bite and blow call.
I disagree. Blow calls are probably easier to learn, but when I get excited, the blow calls get full of spit and can start sounding like a sick duck call. I always carry 2 of them for that reason. I also carry a couple of diaphragms because they can lose volume/sound when they get stretched over time.
I will agree that blow calls are better as a loud call over distance
So for the elk101 All-Star diaphragm and the Mellow Yellow Mama type calls, do you simply incorporate a tube to bugle with them?
Bill, yes. Same for any diaphragm.
Wapiti River Outdoors just released a single reed domed cow call called the Black Widow.
I picked up 2 and they are a great product, especially for what you are looking for.
Don't just practice with the diaphragm in the car driving to work (wife and pets will insist you not practice in the house). You need more realistic conditions.
Go to the nearest high school stadium/track. While carrying your bow and with the diaphragm in your mouth run a set or two of stadium stairs. Run 400 meters on the track THEN make elk sounds.
Dry air at elk elevations and chronic borderline dehydration can definitely affect using a diaphragm call. Fortunately the real elk sounds are not all that perfect either.