Best Hunting Elk Calls

Let’s get real for a second. We’ve all felt that feeling. The crisp mountain air, the bugle of a bull elk echoing through the timber, and a primal, exhilarating rush that makes your heart pound. But what if you could not only hear that call but respond in kind? What if you could speak the language of the elk, luring a territorial bull in for a closer look or convincing a curious cow to bring the herd to you? The truth is, a good elk call isn't just a piece of plastic or latex; it's a piece of gear that allows you to engage with the elk on their terms. It’s a powerful tool that can turn a silent, frustrating hunt into a heart-stopping, unforgettable encounter. Trying to hunt elk without a call is like trying to fish without bait—it’s a frustrating and, ultimately, inefficient task.

For three decades, I've had the pleasure of watching this process unfold. I've sold countless elk calls to hunters, from the simple, no-fuss squeeze calls to the complex, professional-grade diaphragm systems. I've listened to their stories of success and frustration, and I can tell you, the one thing that separates the successful from the unsuccessful is a dedication to a solid calling strategy. Calling elk isn't some black art reserved for pro-shop technicians or world champion callers. It's a skill that can be learned with a little bit of practice and, most importantly, the right tools. The products you use in this process are the language you speak to the elk, the silent commands that they will come to understand.

But just like everything else in the hunting world, the market for elk calls is a minefield of options. You've got everything from simple external reed calls to complex bugle tubes that look like they belong in a brass band. So how do you know what to use? Do you need a bugle tube or a cow call? What's the difference between a diaphragm call and an open-reed call? Don’t worry, we're going to break it all down. We'll explore the essential features of a great elk call, from its material and durability to its sound quality and ease of use. We’ll talk about the different types of calls and what makes each one great for a specific situation. And, of course, we’ll review seven of the best, most effective, and most trusted elk calls on the market today, helping you build a kit that will turn you into an elk-calling machine.

The Foundation of a Great Call:
Understanding the Types

Elk calls can be a little confusing at first, but they can be broken down into a few main categories. Understanding these categories is the key to choosing a call that is right for your needs and your skill level.

• 1. Diaphragm Calls:
  This is the most versatile and realistic type of elk call. They are small, horseshoe-shaped devices with one or more latex strips stretched across the center. You place the call in the roof of your mouth and push air over the latex to create the sound. They are difficult to master, but once you do, you can create a wide variety of sounds, from a soft cow mew to an aggressive bugle. The downside is that they require a lot of practice to master, and the latex can wear out over time.
  
  

• 2. External Reed Calls:
  These are a great option for a beginner, as they are much easier to use than a diaphragm call. They are handheld devices that have a latex or plastic reed that you blow through to create the sound. You can create a variety of sounds by changing the pressure on the reed with your lips or your thumb. They are a great way to get started with elk calling, but they don't offer the same level of versatility as a diaphragm call.
  
  

• 3. Bugle Tubes:
  A bugle tube is a simple, no-frills tool that is used to amplify the sound of a diaphragm call. They are a great way to add realism to your bugles, and they are a must-have for a serious elk hunter. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, from a simple plastic tube to a more complex carbon fiber or aluminum tube.
  
  

• 4. Squeeze Calls:
  These are a great option for a beginner, as they are incredibly easy to use. They are handheld devices that you simply squeeze to create the sound of a cow elk. They are a great way to get started with elk calling, and they are a great backup for a more advanced call. The downside is that they don't offer a lot of variety or realism.
  
  
  

Now that we have a solid understanding of the basics, let's look at some specific products that can help you take your elk calling to the next level.

Product Reviews:
The Best Calls for Your Kit

I've personally used, sold, and heard countless stories about these products, and they are all incredibly useful and well-regarded in the hunting community.

Phelps Game Calls AMP Diaphragm Calls (Versatile & High-Quality)

Price Range: $$10 - $$15 per call

• Why it's a winner: Phelps Game Calls has a reputation for building some of the best diaphragm calls on the market, and the AMP series is a shining example. They are incredibly versatile, and they can be used to create a wide variety of sounds, from a soft cow mew to an aggressive bugle. They are a great option for both a beginner who is just learning how to use a diaphragm call and a seasoned veteran who wants a reliable, high-quality call.
  
  

Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bully Bull Extreme Bugle Tube

Price Range: $$40 - $$50

• Why it's a winner: This is a gold-standard bugle tube in the elk hunting world. The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bully Bull Extreme is designed to give you the most realistic, deep, and throaty bugles possible. It features a large diameter mouth opening that provides a comfortable port for belting out a variety of bugles, and the sound it helps you create is spot on. While it is a larger tube, its volume and deep sounds make it a must-have for any serious elk hunter.
  
  

Primos Hoochie Mama Squeeze Call (Best for Beginners)

Price Range: $$30 - $$40

• Why it's a winner: This is the perfect call for a new hunter who wants to get started with elk calling without a lot of practice. The Primos Hoochie Mama is a simple, no-fuss squeeze call that creates the sound of a cow elk with a single squeeze. It's a great way to get started with elk calling, and it's a great backup for a more advanced call. It's also a great option for a hunter who is in a high-distraction environment, as it's a great way to get a bull's attention in a pinch.
  
  

Phelps Game Calls EZEstrus Cow Elk Call

Price Range: $$40 - $$50

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic, no-nonsense, and incredibly realistic cow elk call. The Phelps Game Calls EZEstrus is an open-reed call that is designed to create a wide variety of cow sounds, from a soft mew to a more aggressive estrus whine. It's a great option for a hunter who wants a reliable, durable call that they can use to sweet-talk a bull into a closer look. It's a simple, effective, and incredibly realistic call that will be a huge asset in the field.
  
  

Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Elk101 Complete Calling System

Price Range: $$60 - $$80

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic, all-in-one kit that is perfect for a new hunter who wants to get started with elk calling. The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Elk101 Complete Calling System includes a bugle tube, a variety of diaphragm calls, and a cow call. It's a great way to get started with elk calling, and it's a great way to have a variety of calls in your kit for a variety of hunting situations. It's a great value for the price, and it's a great way to get started with elk calling.
  
  

Slayer Calls Lil' Warrior Bugle Tube

Price Range: $$35 - $$45

• Why it's a winner: This is a great option for the mobile hunter who wants a compact, lightweight bugle tube. The Slayer Calls Lil' Warrior is a short, compact bugle tube that is designed to be easy to pack and carry. It's a great option for a hunter who is in a remote location and doesn't want to carry a full-size bugle tube. It's also a great way to get a realistic bugle sound without a lot of effort. It's a great option for a hunter who wants to be able to make a quick call in a pinch.
  
  

Primos Slide Bugle (Versatile)

Price Range: $$35 - $$45

• Why it's a winner: The Primos Slide Bugle is a fantastic, no-frills bugle call that is perfect for a hunter who wants a simple, easy-to-use call. It's a single, all-in-one unit that features a slide on the tube that allows you to change the pitch of the call. It's a great way to create a variety of sounds, from a soft cow mew to an aggressive bugle. It's a great option for a hunter who wants a simple, no-fuss call that they can use for a variety of hunting situations.
  
  

The Final Bugle:
The Art of the Conversation

Choosing the right elk call is a decision you should never take lightly. It's a piece of gear that directly impacts your ability to communicate with the elk, and it's a piece of gear that can make or break your hunt. The right call will give you the confidence to talk to the elk, and it will give you the ability to lure them in for a closer look.

So, take the time to choose the right call for your needs. Do you prefer a diaphragm call or an external reed call? Do you need a bugle tube or a cow call? No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is that you practice. A good call in the hands of a bad caller is a useless tool. A bad call in the hands of a good caller is a deadly tool. The art of elk calling is a conversation, and a great call is how you make your voice heard.