The sounds of bugling elk really whip up archery hunters. Bull elk make this squealing sound to declare territory, attract mates, or scare off competition. Knowing how, where and when to bugle can put a hunter in range of tagging a bull.

The odds of tagging a bull elk, with a bow, are small. Elk are amazing critters with advantages that help them stay alive. Elk may hear you 3 times, see you twice, but only need to smell you once. Their nose is hard to beat, and the habitat they live in, is famous for swirling winds.

Bulls Bugle Less. The more vocal bulls are hanging on hunters’ walls. Other predators such as wolves, have also caused elk to change their habits. Telling the world where you are can be fatal. But, bulls still bugle.

While scouting the other day, I heard a young bull squeal 3 times during our mid-morning trek. A few rubs were also discovered. We saw the small bull later. It was a spike testing his newfound skill.

It seems like every elk hunter has a bugle, but few know how to properly use them. Many bugles are small, short, and soft. They have little faith in these rarely practiced tools. Instead they try using cow calls to bring in a bull. Many of these lazy hunters carry a “Hoochie Mama” squeeze call. Now they sound like every other hunter in the woods. Since they cannot use a diaphragm mouth call, they go with a tool that is easy, but not as smart. Then, they wonder why they have poor results.

Bugles are best made with a diaphragm call. Amplify these sounds using a big tube. When you use a diaphragm, you can adjust, and direct your sounds to be more emotional, and have a personality. You need to sound like a specific bull, not like everyone else.

Many hunters can not figure out how to use a diaphragm call properly. They tickle or cause a gag reflex. With practice, these can be overcome. A diaphragm takes up little space, makes great sounds, and will help you stop a bull, hands free, to take your bow shot.

Bulls also bugle to locate their herd companions. Each bull has a unique sound that they can identify. Bulls are also naturally aggressive. Bulls also are curious. The more “real” you sound, the more credibility your calling will have.

Learning to use a diaphragm will take away one more excuse for not tagging out on this seasons bull!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, call him at www.montanagrantfishing.com.