Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Calling to animals and mimicking their natural sounds is a great tactic that helps hunters locate, stalk, and harvest game animals. Calls come in all shapes and sizes, but electronic calls have increased in popularity with the rise of technology. But do electronic elk calls actually work?
Electronic calls are very effective and can perfectly replay a recorded animal like an elk in order to produce the most realistic sounds. They are so effective that many states have outlawed them and do not allow hunters to use them during the hunting season.
Elk are very vocal animals, so using electronic elk calls can be a great way to interact and get closer to them. Even if you are not hunting elk, they can be useful to help find and get closer to them in order to better experience nature.
Continue reading in order to learn more about electronic elk calls and how to utilize them best.
In this post, we'll cover:
What Are the Easiest Elk Calls to Use?
Elk calls are available in three main types: mouth, hand, and electronic. Of the three, mouth calls tend to be the hardest to use. They take some practice to learn to use, and many people cannot place a large mouth call inside of their mouth without choking or feeling uncomfortable.
The next is hand calls. These are calls that you hold in your hand and blow through. Because they don’t go inside of your mouth, they are much easier to use. By regulating the airflow and pressure you blow through the call, you can control the pitch and volume of the sounds you make.
By far, the easiest type of call to use is electronic. These calls can be as easy as pressing a remote button to let out a recorded elk call. Not only do they produce the most realistic sounds, but they do not require a giant learning curve in order to use them properly.
Electronic elk calls can also be used to call other animals like deer, turkey, and predators due to being able to prerecord other sounds and large memory in the technology.
What Type of Calls Attract Elk?
Elk are among the most vocal animal species in North America. Both males and females make noises throughout the entire year. During the breeding season (known as the rut), the males become even more vocal and let out high-pitched screams known as bugles.
Because elk are so vocal, you can use many different types of calls to communicate with them. The most common sounds are good to know and remember, as you can then learn what they mean and how to use them to your advantage.
The first type of call that most people are familiar with is the bugle. There are two types: a locator bugle and a challenge bugle. Locator bugles are made by elk trying to find other elk in the area. Challenge bugles are made between bull elk that help them dominate their territory and challenge other rival males to stay away.
Other common sounds include mews and chirps. Mostly made by the female cows, mews and chirps are short, low-pitched single, note calls that are made to locate each other and stay in contact. They can also be made to call the bulls to let them know where they are.
Barks are the last type of call that you need to be aware of, although you do NOT want to make this sound with your elk call. This is because it is a warning sound to other elk, so if you play a bark on the electronic call, it will scare away any nearby elk.
If you hear a bark while out in the woods, it is a good indication that the elk have either seen, heard, or smelled you.
Electronic Calls Vs. Mouth and Hand Calls
Mouth and hand calls are far more popular than electronic ones due to their versatility and lower price point. You also do not have to worry about batteries, volume levels, or accidentally playing the wrong sound with a mouth or hand call.
These calls, however, require more practice and skill to use properly. Electronic calls also can be played from a distance, allowing a hunter to place the sound behind them and potentially get closer to the elk.
Both electronic, mouth, and hand calls all have their own pros and cons. The best call will depend on your hunting style and what you want out of your elk call!
Where Are Electronic Elk Calls Legal?
- PREMIUM ELECTRONIC GAME CALL - The Western Rivers Mantis 75 Electronic Game Call is a compact, handheld caller; It includes a remote control from up to 300 feet away that will help bring predators in close; Operates on 4 'AAA' batteries (not included)
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION - The durable rubberized grips are attached to two pivoting legs that lock into position so you can stand the call up on its own; The LCD screen readout has a backlit display to help you see in low light conditions
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - The Mantis 75 comes preloaded with the most popular sounds that will entice even the most call-shy predators; The random repeat timed options help to mix up your sound and realism; Has a sound activation trigger button
- The design of this external elk call is so revolutionary, we have a patent pending on this product. Others have tried to develop external calls that produce elk sounds, however the Slayer Enchantress is the most realistic sounding push call on the market. Check out our sound file to hear it for yourself!
- Slayer’s external elk call also attaches to our Swagger bugle tube to create impressive bulges and lip bawl bugles. Easily connect and disconnect this call from the tube to make lifelike cow sounds and bugles.
- Each Enchantress includes one reed. We recommend buying a few back up reeds for the season. Also, as a friendly reminder, reeds wear out. Most elk reeds last roughly 2 to 4 weeks.
- 【The Enchantress Collection】 Features The Elk Slayer push button cow call, an attachable bugle tube, military grade paracord strap and back up reed. Everything you need in the elk woods this season.
- 【Unbeatable Sound】The most authentic-sounding elk call system on the market. This system produces elk sounds so realistic, hunters called in the big bulls last season as well as other hunters! The elk slayer push button cow call easily connects and disconnects from Slayer’s Swagger elk tube (included with the collection) to make lifelike cow sounds and bugles.
- 【Unbelievably Easy to Use】Anyone can use this elk call system. Control the sound, air pressure and volume with the push of a button. No diaphragm, no gag reflex, no experience necessary. Check out the videos here to get up and running in minutes!
Last update on 2024-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Electronic elk calls are extremely effective in the right situations. So effective that many states do not allow them to be used during elk season or for elk hunting purposes. The states that currently allow electronic elk calls and where they are legal include:
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Texas
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Alaska
Other western states where elk are found, such as New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, do not allow electronic elk calls to be used.
With each state allowing electronic elk calls, there also might be special rules regarding when they can be used (day vs. night), which ones are allowed, and if you can use a remote.
Final Thoughts
Electronic elk calls can be an amazing tool whether you are elk hunting or simply trying to get closer to elk to observe and enjoy. While they may not be legal in every state where elk reside, they work very well in their legal areas.
If you are thinking of trying out an electronic elk call on your next outdoor adventure, you may be surprised at how well it works.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.
Sources
- https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/learn-the-right-elk-calls/
- https://allpredatorcalls.com/elk/
- https://www.purehunting.com/elk-calls-elk-calling-101/