Starting your elk hunting journey is thrilling, but the array of calls available can be overwhelming for a newcomer. The right call can make the difference between a story and a successful hunt. For beginners, finding a call that is effective, reliable, and, most importantly, easy to learn is key to building confidence in the field.
This roundup focuses on calls designed with the beginner in mind. We’ve selected products known for their user-friendly design, clear instruction potential, and ability to produce realistic sounds without a steep learning curve. From complete starter kits to simple, effective single calls, these options provide a solid foundation for any new elk hunter ready to start calling.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Elk Calls
- Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls C6 Complete Calling System
- Primos Hunting The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
- Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls On Fire Cow Elk Call
- Phelps Game Calls Phelps EZ 1 Compact Elk Cow Call
- Bugling Bull Select A Bull Calling System
- Carlton’s Calls The Screamin’ Bull Elk Call
- Bugling Bull Game Calls The Elk Commander
- Outdoor Edge RazorLite Elk Bugle with Replaceable Reed
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls C6 Complete Calling System
For a beginner who wants to cover all the bases from the start, this comprehensive system is an excellent choice. It includes three distinct call types: an All-Star Diaphragm, a Temptress Open Reed Cow Call, and a Bully Bull Extreme Grunt Tube. This variety allows you to practice and employ different vocalizations, from cow mews to bugles and grunts, giving you a versatile toolkit for various hunting scenarios.
The included calls are from a trusted brand known for producing realistic sounds. Having multiple call types in one package lets you determine which style you are most comfortable using before investing in more specialized options. It’s a practical and economical way to begin learning the full spectrum of elk communication.
Primos Hunting The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
While designed for deer, this iconic call is frequently used by elk hunters for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing soft, pleading cow and calf sounds. Its operation is straightforward: simply turn the can upside down and right-side up to create a realistic estrus bleat. There is no need for complex mouth positioning or breath control, making it arguably one of the easiest calls to use effectively on your first attempt.
The raised thumb hole locator ensures a consistent seal and sound every time. For a beginner overwhelmed by reed calls, the CAN provides a reliable, low-frustration way to start calling elk into range. Its proven track record as a top-selling game call speaks to its utility and user-friendly design.
Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls On Fire Cow Elk Call
This single-reed, open-style cow call is built for simplicity and loud, clear sound projection. Its design is intuitive, allowing beginners to quickly learn how to produce convincing cow mews and chirps with minimal practice. The open reed design is generally more forgiving than closed-reed calls, offering easier airflow and sound control for those still developing their technique.
Its compact size makes it easy to carry and access quickly when an elk appears. Focusing on mastering one effective cow call is a smart strategy for new hunters, and the On Fire call provides a reliable tool for that purpose. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss option that delivers consistent performance.
Phelps Game Calls Phelps EZ 1 Compact Elk Cow Call
The Phelps EZ 1 introduces a unique hands-free, exhale-operated design that is a major advantage for beginners. By operating on your exhaled breath, it allows you to keep your hands on your bow or rifle while calling, ensuring you are ready for a shot. This design also typically generates more volume with less effort compared to inhale-operated calls, helping your sounds carry further in challenging terrain.
It comes with three different reeds, offering voice variations to match different situations and elk responses. This versatility from a single call body is valuable for a beginner learning how subtle changes in sound can affect animal behavior. The combination of hands-free operation and tonal variety makes it a very practical and modern choice for new hunters.
Bugling Bull Select A Bull Calling System
For beginners interested in learning to bugle, this tube call system simplifies the process. Its key feature is the tone selector dial, which allows you to choose between small, medium, and large bull sounds. This helps you create more realistic, varied bugles and grunts without requiring advanced diaphragm call skills, lowering the barrier to entry for bugling.
The call is lightweight and extends for use, providing the resonance of a longer tube without being cumbersome. The tone selector creates true back pressure, which makes it easier to control your airflow and sound. It’s an effective tool for new hunters to add the exciting dimension of bull bugling to their repertoire in a more manageable way.
Carlton’s Calls The Screamin’ Bull Elk Call
Carlton’s Calls is renowned for producing loud, raspy, and realistic elk sounds that can cut through the wind and reach distant animals. The Screamin’ Bull call is designed to deliver these powerful vocalizations with a design that many find user-friendly. It can produce the high-pitched screams and grunts of a mature bull, sounds that are very effective during the rut.
For a beginner dedicated to learning bull calling, this call offers a direct path to generating convincing, attention-grabbing sounds. While it may require some practice to master, its design focuses on performance and reliability. Starting with a quality, purpose-built bull call like this can accelerate your learning curve for this specific skill.
Bugling Bull Game Calls The Elk Commander
The Elk Commander is another strong option for beginners looking at tube-style buglers. It is engineered to be intuitive, helping new callers produce a range of sounds from cow calls to bull bugles and grunts. Its design often incorporates features that make it easier to control pitch and volume, which are common challenges when first starting out.
By using a tube call like the Elk Commander, you can practice creating the foundational sounds of elk communication without the initial difficulty of a diaphragm call. It serves as a great transitional tool that builds understanding and confidence, which can later be applied to other call types. Its reputation for consistent sound quality makes it a trustworthy choice.
Outdoor Edge RazorLite Elk Bugle with Replaceable Reed
This bugle tube stands out for its innovative and practical replaceable reed system. The reed is housed in a cartridge that easily snaps in and out, which is perfect for beginners who might wear out a reed through frequent practice. It also allows you to quickly switch to a fresh reed in the field without any tools, ensuring your call is always ready.
The RazorLite is designed to be easy to blow, helping new users achieve realistic bugles and cow calls with less effort. The focus on maintainability and consistent performance is a significant benefit for someone developing their skills. It’s a thoughtfully designed call that reduces friction and keeps you focused on hunting, not on call maintenance.
How to Choose the Best Elk Call for Beginners
When I first started elk hunting, the sheer number of calls was overwhelming. I made some expensive mistakes by buying the wrong gear. To save you from that, here’s what I think a beginner should look for when picking their first elk call. The goal isn’t to sound like a champion caller right away; it’s to make realistic sounds that won’t scare elk off while you’re learning.
First, consider the learning curve. For most new hunters, a closed-reed diaphragm call or a simple tube call is a fantastic starting point. Closed-reed diaphragms are much more forgiving than open-reed models. They require less precise air control and tongue placement to make a decent sound. A basic bugle tube is also great because it helps amplify and tune your natural voice into an elk-like sound without needing to master a complex reed system.
Next, think about sound quality and versatility. You want a call that produces a realistic, convincing sound right out of the package. Many beginner kits come with instructional DVDs or links to online videos—these are gold. Listen to the sound samples from the manufacturer if you can. Does it sound like a real elk? Also, some calls are better for specific sounds. A single-reed diaphragm might be perfect for cow mews but struggle with loud bugles. A good beginner kit often includes a few different call types so you can practice various vocalizations.
Don’t forget about comfort and materials. For diaphragm calls, latex thickness and frame size matter. A call that’s too big or uses thick latex will tire your mouth quickly. Look for “beginner” labeled diaphragms that often feature softer latex and comfortable frames. For external calls like tubes or cow calls, durable construction is key. You’ll be tossing it in your pack, dealing with weather, and using it hard. Finally, read reviews from other beginners. Their experience will tell you if a call is truly easy to start with or if it’s marketed as beginner-friendly but is actually tricky. Starting with one of the 8 best elk call for beginners options based on these factors will build your confidence much faster.
FAQ
What is the easiest type of elk call for a beginner to use?
In my experience, a closed-reed diaphragm call or a push-button cow call is the easiest to start with. A closed-reed diaphragm is far more forgiving than an open-reed model, letting you make decent cow sounds without needing perfect air control. A push-button call is even simpler—just press the button to make a realistic cow mew. It’s a great tool to have in your pocket for quick, easy sounds while you practice more advanced calls.
How important are instructional materials with the call?
They are incredibly important, especially when you’re starting out. The best beginner calls often come with an instructional DVD, access to online videos, or a detailed booklet. Hearing how the call should sound and seeing the proper technique is a huge advantage. I learned more from 30 minutes of a good video than I did from a week of frustrated practice on my own.
Should I buy a single call or a beginner kit?
I strongly recommend a good beginner kit. These kits typically include a diaphragm call (or two), a bugle tube, and sometimes a cow call. This gives you the tools to practice a range of elk sounds—cow mews, chirps, and bugles—without buying everything separately. It’s a more cost-effective way to figure out which calling style you prefer and get a functional setup for the field.
How long does it take to get good at elk calling?
You can learn to make basic, effective sounds in a few hours of practice. Getting truly proficient, where your calls sound natural and you can effectively communicate with elk, takes a full season or more of consistent practice. The key is to practice regularly, not just the week before your hunt. Practice in your car, while hiking, or at home. Listening to real elk sounds online and trying to mimic them is the best method.
Can I use elk calls during any hunting season?
You can, but how you use them should change. During the early season, soft cow calls and chirps are often more effective than loud, aggressive bugles. During the rut, bugling becomes a primary tool. Always check your local hunting regulations, as some areas have restrictions on electronic calls or calling methods. The right call used at the wrong time can make elk wary.