Using Elk Calls

chowtownsfinest · November 12, 2013, 04:05:36 PM

After an unsuccessful Elk hunt here in Eastern Oregon, I decided to try out some elk calls. Picked up the Primos three pack of "sonic dome" mouth calls. Watched some videos online and read tips, but I cannot get ANY sound out of them. the best I've done is to hiss and spit on my computer screen. Any helpful advice?

chowtownsfinest · November 12, 2013, 04:44:41 PM

I have a pretty severe under-bite too. Is that possibly what's making it so I literally can't get any sound out of it? Should I give up and go with the bite style cow calls?

beenthere · November 12, 2013, 06:55:34 PM

Had a similar frustrating experience when first getting the diaphragm mouth calls.

But kept at it and getting the call up in the roof (soft pallet area) of the mouth and the tongue just right, it soon worked. Lots of strange hisses and such in the meantime.

Some videos of using the calls might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRXE3klyQOk

Magicman · November 12, 2013, 07:24:06 PM

The "Sonic Dome" is what I use, but I rarely use anything other than a diaphragm mouth call for turkeys anyway.

Funny, this year in Colorado we were easing along and spotted movement. It was 8 turkeys doing their thing, pecking along. The elk cow call works well with turkeys. ;D

Ron Scott · November 12, 2013, 07:56:03 PM

Watching videos, listening to tapes and especially having someone who can work a call show you the techniques will get you going. Then just keep practicing.

terry f · November 13, 2013, 05:01:38 PM

I can't use the diaphragm calls, but my kids are great at it. I'd go with the biting cow call, that's what I use. Are you archery hunting, I don't think any call would do you any good during general season rifle, maybe a cow call could stop a spike long enough to get a shot, but I can't see calling one in at that time of year.

chowtownsfinest · November 27, 2013, 05:08:20 PM

Quote from: terry f on November 13, 2013, 05:01:38 PM
I can't use the diaphragm calls, but my kids are great at it. I'd go with the biting cow call, that's what I use. Are you archery hunting, I don't think any call would do you any good during general season rifle, maybe a cow call could stop a spike long enough to get a shot, but I can't see calling one in at that time of year.

I was helping my girlfriend's father during archery season as well as my girlfriend during rifle season. So a bit of both, and have gotten some mixed advice on using it during rifle season. Possibly getting a spike to call back a locator was more or less the goal during rifle season, not trying to call them in. And all this was done in the Starkey unit not far from you over in Meacham.