Elk Calling Strategies
Whether you're chasing Rocky Mountain bulls or Roosevelt elk, calling is the game-changer.
This guide breaks down Born and Raised Outdoors' proven elk calling strategies—built on decades of experience and real success. Dive in to learn how to call elk more effectively, close the distance, and punch your tag.
3 Must-Have Elk Calling Tools
Success in the elk woods starts with the right tools. These three calls are essential for any serious elk hunter:
1. Diaphragm Call
The most versatile elk call. Master this and you can bugle, chuckle, or sound like a lovesick cow.
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Choose latex thickness and stretch based on your preference.
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Practice cow sounds and bugles to cover all vocalizations.
2. Bugle Tube
Boost your volume and realism. A bugle tube is key for locating bulls from a distance and sounding dominant when it’s time to challenge.
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Key sounds: locate bugle, lip bawl, chuckle, challenge bugle, bark scream.
3. Estrus External Call
Designed for cow and calf calls, this tool shines during the rut. It can pull in bulls that won’t respond to bugles.
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Master cow, calf, and estrus sounds for a complete calling arsenal.
The Cat Road Shuffle: How to Locate Bulls Fast
Locating elk is all about covering ground and creating sound. This strategy is ideal for both high country and coastal terrain.
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Volume matters: Two-tone bugles and cow calls reach farther in thick timber.
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Read terrain: Use maps and topography to decide where to hike or drive.
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Time of day is key: Mornings and evenings offer better chances to strike up a bull.
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Weather check: Wind and moisture affect sound and elk movement.
You Got a Response—Now What?
Getting a bugle back is just the start. Your next moves matter most.
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Drop a waypoint on your onX Hunt app immediately.
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Evaluate the bull’s behavior:
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Is he bugling on his own?
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Are cows nearby?
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Is he raking or moving?
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Factor in hunting pressure. Go “wrecking ball” aggressive or slow-play it depending on his temperature.
Make a Plan, Make a Move
Success often hinges on reading wind and terrain correctly.
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Understand thermals—sun, shade, and elevation all affect scent travel.
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Know your distance to the elk and what the wind is doing at his location.
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Hunting solo or with a buddy? Adjust your caller-shooter strategy accordingly.
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Topography and the bull’s mood dictate if you stay silent or crank up the calls.
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Most importantly—trust your gut and commit.
The Setup: Closing the Distance
This is the make-or-break moment. Every decision counts.
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Predict the bull’s approach path. Use the ARC Method to factor in wind and circling behavior.
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Avoid “duck and cover.” Get in front of the brush using your camo to break up your shape.
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Consider:
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Sunlight vs shade
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Standing vs kneeling
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Pack on vs pack off
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Clear shooting lanes and set up a stable platform quietly.
Calling the Bull into Range
This is where emotion and timing take over.
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Use the Copycat Technique to mirror the bull’s calls and escalate tension.
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Match his energy: go aggressive with bugles or soft with cow calls depending on his response.
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Raking adds realism and triggers aggression.
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Spark curiosity—then go silent. Let him come looking.
Shooting the Bull: Final Execution
The opportunity’s here—don’t blow it.
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Draw your bow at the right moment. Always have a diaphragm call in your mouth to stop the bull if needed.
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Evaluate your shot angle and distance before releasing.
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After the shot, stay calm. Call again to stop or slow the bull, especially if a follow-up is needed.
Pro Tips: Learning Through Failure
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Take notes after each hunt—especially what didn’t work.
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Fear of failure holds back too many hunters. Learn, adjust, and go again.
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And above all, have fun. This is supposed to be an adventure.
Whether it’s your first elk season or your tenth, setting a clear goal helps you push harder and hunt smarter. Know your gear. Know your country. Get after it. And remember: IT ONLY TAKES ONE.
Start planning now. Download the onX Hunt app, grab your calls, and head for the hills. Elk season doesn’t wait.
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