Knowing how to call elk is one of those skills that can make you feel more comfortable around the wild game and help you build your ability to outmaneuver and outwit your prey. Elk are famous for being elusive, both in the way they move and how they hear and react to their environment. There is an art to calling elk, and once you learn it, you can use it to your advantage every time you go looking for elk.
When you are calling, it is essential to keep your voice as low as possible. Elk hear more than a human’s voice, so you will not be heard, and it is vital to make yourself as far as possible from your call. Elk have excellent hearing, but your background noises will mask your call. Make sure you have no other calls on your cell phone or radio while calling. Elk are very cautious creatures and will often move quite slowly out of the sight of other hunters.
Another important thing to remember is that you should never run when calling elk. Elk hear the sound of feet hitting the ground, so running just ahead of them will send the message that you are close, and they will likely run away. Also, if they hear your breath, they will likely follow you and may even pursue after you. If you call elk, you will need to be at least ten yards away from them when they begin making their calls.
How do you know when to make the call? Elk usually stay in covered areas for much of the day, making their calls somewhat muffled. During this time, you will likely be within earshot of them. Elk tend to shake their heads, making certain sounds to communicate where they are. You may also hear squawking or growling, although these sounds are rare.
There are several factors that influence the frequency of an elk’s calls. The weather, terrain features all play a part in the sound of the call. Some hunters believe that an elk will produce a high-pitched hiss when threatened, while others think the calls are higher pitched. Some say that the pitch is a constant tone, while others insist that it changes. It is important to note that all elk have similar calls, so learning how to call elk will not be an exact science.
Some hunters prefer to take along a calling kit to aid in learning how to call elk. Hunting organizations and outfitters sell calling kits to interested hunters. These kits consist of a special caller, which resembles an old-fashioned telephone booth. When the hunter places the call, the caller emits a high-pitched hiss.