2010 bull Nearing end of season...Chased off the mountain by the snow Did I just hear an elk? Is it real or an illusion? It gets more difficult every year, but every year I can't wait to get there!
I am leaving august 30 for two weeks in co. I am taking a first time elk hunter on a pack in DIY hunt should be fun. I hope he is ready for the work it starts after you let one fly!
I live 3 1/2 short hours from my elk destination this year. It is my first archery elk hunt and I am amped!!
Good luck men, August 30th opener here, really looking forward to stocking up the freezer and hopefully getting a crack at a good bull!
Just curious, what kind of diaphragm calls do you guys recommend? I am also curious about the Primos hoochie mama, have any of you ever used one? Thanks!
Montana Is a great elk state but the damn government or whoever raised the NR license. Kinda pissed me off. I've hunted elk In Montana for 6 years. 5 of them times was In Fort Peck and the other time was just south of Livingston. That Livingston area Is beautiful!! Some very nice habitat and rugged terrain In there.
There are several brands out there I like. Primos, Carlton, and Bugling Bull. When I buy a diaphragm I am usually looking for a double reed. Something that is high enough to get good cow sounds, but low enough to get deep bugles. I like the versatility. Have you ever used a diaphragm before? Some are easier than others. Hoochie Mama..... I am an avid Hoochie Mama Hater, lol. They worked great for a few years, until everyone behind a tree had one. I have literally seen elk run from them, on multiple occasions. On unpressured elk they are fine. Problem is, anymore, that everyone thinks you have to bugle and cow call your @ss off to find elk. I honestly call maybe 25% of the time. Once early in the morning for a locator..if a bull has not yet bugled. Once found, I move in as silently and quickly as possible, AGGRESSIVENESS IS KEY!!!! Usually, if you can get to within 50 yards of a bull, undetected, a loud challenge bugle will piss him off so much that he may run you over, literally! If you truly want to understand elk, and why they make the sounds they do, you MUST check out Paul's work. The man knows elk like no other... I would suggest getting one of his calling DVD's as well as his playbook to pack with you while on the hunt. http://www.elknut.com/ The raised cost on NR tags has hurt our economy.. Bad. In a state with less than 1 million people we relied on those NR sales to largely support our F&G. I have talked to numerous outfitters in the store this year who's booking numbers are way, way down. Montana is a beautiful place, specially around Livingston. I welcome anyone, especially wolf hunters , to come on out!
I have used diaghragm calls before, I recently bought a primos single ivory plate call and honestly am not that impressed. With as cheap as they are Iwill probably buy a few different brands and practice them all. Thank you for the advice on the hoochie mama, it backs up what I was already thinking. Also, my game plan is to call for elk simply as a locate. They aren't geese that will drop in on your spread the more you call. I am really looking forward to a silent spot and stalk once I can get some located.
I have tried a bunch of different diaphragm calls. They all work well, but my Primos have lasted the longest. Not sure what is different about the latex they use but it doesn't seem to dry rot. The hoochie mama is one of, if not, the best squeeze call i have heard. One of my friends has had very good luck using the hoochie mama, he hasn't mastered the diaphragm calls yet. Practice a lot with your diaphragm calls, i have mine in the truck and I practice while commuting to work and back.
+1 for the elknut! Although it is interesting that you say don't call as much, cause the elknut will tell you different. In the past I haven't called that much, but after watching the elknut I think I am going to step it up a notch this year. I am sure it is different it every area, but the area I hunt doesn't have much pressure during archery season.
Really, the only diaphragm I like from Primos is the MINI Sonic Dome Series. Lately i have been using almost exclusively Bugling Bull, Rockie does good work. One tip I could give you to increase the longevity of your diaphragms is this; When you get home wash the diaphragm in hot soapy water, then rinse off in cold water. This will re-tighten the latex and prohibit dry rot somewhat. Honestly, The reason I don't call much is that I still don't know every sound I need too. I know most of the calls, but I don't want to get a bull halfway engaged then run out of stuff to "say". Plus, traditionally, I prefer a silent spot and stalk over a loud calling sequence, much more fulfilling.
The sonic dome series is what I have been using as well. Thanks for the tip! I will give that a try. I have definitely run out of "stuff to say", and yes it sucks to watch that bull look around and realize something is up and then run off the opposite direction. Great memories though!
This is good info on calls...luckily im going with my best friend who has guided out in CO for 5 years so I wont have to call all that much but I do wanna give it a shot! ...and for another mouth call tip from an avid turkey hunter/caller, store them in a refrigerator!
I will be up in unit 181 near steamboat, it's beautiful country up there. I can't wait to put some miles on the boots! What unit will be in this year?
