When it comes to elk hunting, calling is everything. Whether you’re in thick timber during the rut or glassing open country at dawn, using the best elk calls can mean the difference between silence and a screaming bull charging your setup.
But not all calls are created equal. The best elk calls combine realistic sound, ease of use, and durability under tough field conditions. Here’s what to know—and what to use—if you want to sound like the real deal and pull bulls into bow range.
Types of Elk Calls
Before you choose the best elk calls, you need to know the main types:
1. Diaphragm (Mouth) Calls
These latex reed calls sit in the roof of your mouth and are the go-to for serious elk hunters. With practice, you can bugle, cow call, chirp, and more—all hands-free.
Pros:
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Versatile
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Great for bowhunters
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Subtle to aggressive tones
Cons:
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Steeper learning curve
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Requires good tongue placement
2. Bugle Tubes
Used with a diaphragm or external reed, bugle tubes amplify sound and help create the deep, resonant tones of a mature bull. Some models even include built-in reeds for plug-and-play use.
Pros:
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Loud and aggressive
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Essential for rut hunting
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Projects sound across long distances
Cons:
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Bulky to carry
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Can spook pressured elk if overused
3. External Reed Calls
Great for beginners, these calls use a simple mouthpiece to make cow and calf sounds. While less versatile than diaphragms, they’re easy to pick up and use effectively.
Pros:
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User-friendly
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Excellent for soft cow calls
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Good for close-range setups
Cons:
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Limited tone control
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Not ideal for bugling
The Best Elk Calls (Top Picks)
1. Phelps AMP Diaphragm Calls
Trusted by pro hunters, the AMP series delivers high-quality sound with minimal effort. Whether you’re using the Phelps Maverick for bugles or the Phelps Pink for cow calls, these are top-tier diaphragms.
2. Rocky Mountain Wapiti Whacker Bugle Tube
Loud, raspy, and deep—this bugle tube gets responses. Pair it with a diaphragm and it becomes a deadly combo during the rut.
3. Primos Hoochie Mama
This push-button cow call is almost foolproof. It’s perfect for creating consistent cow mews and estrus sounds with minimal effort.
4. Elk 101 All-Star Diaphragm
Designed with Corey Jacobsen, this call is a favorite for beginners and experienced callers alike. Easy to use with a wide tone range.
5. Carlton’s Calls Mac Daddy
An external reed call with a built-in tube—great for hunters who want plug-and-play calling without mastering diaphragms.
Tips for Using Elk Calls Effectively
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Less is more – Overcalling can make elk suspicious. Call with purpose, not panic.
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Practice year-round – Sounding authentic takes time and repetition.
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Read the response – If a bull bugles back, mirror his energy and rhythm.
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Move with the call – Elk are mobile. Don’t just sit—use calling to guide your positioning.
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Mix it up – Combine cow calls with raking, chuckles, and light bugles to create realism.
Final Word
The best elk calls don’t just make noise—they start conversations with bulls. Whether you prefer the control of a diaphragm, the volume of a bugle tube, or the simplicity of an external reed, the right call can bring elk in close and seal the deal.
Sound matters. Learn it, practice it, and speak the language of the herd—and you’ll be one step closer to punching that tag.
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