Fall in the Air Means Love in the Air: Perfecting Your Elk Calls
There’s a crispness to the mornings, a golden tint to the evenings, and the undeniable feeling that fall is here. For many, that means pumpkin spice and football. But for elk hunters, it means something entirely different: love is in the air.
The elk rut is one of nature’s most spectacular shows—bulls bugling across ridgelines, cows calling back, and the forest alive with a drama as old as time. And if you’re hoping to notch your tag this season, there’s no better skill to master than the art of the cow call.
A cow call, when done right, can do what camouflage and stealth alone often can’t: grab a bull’s attention and pull him in on a string. But getting there takes practice—and a touch of finesse.
Why the Cow Call Works
During the rut, bulls are constantly seeking receptive cows. A natural, pleading mew or lost-calf call can signal vulnerability, curiosity, or readiness—all irresistible to a lovesick bull. The magic lies not just in the sound, but in the timing and emotion behind it.
Practice Like You Mean It
To create a convincing call, start simple:
- Choose the right call. Diaphragm reeds are the most versatile, though external reed calls can be easier for beginners.
- Focus on realism, not volume. Many hunters think louder is better. In truth, soft, subtle mews often carry more weight than a blasting screech.
- Add emotion. A flat, robotic mew won’t fool anyone. Listen to real elk calls (plenty of recordings are available online) and mimic the cadence and pitch. Elk “talk” with feeling—your call should too.
- Vary your tone. Practice short, soft mews mixed with drawn-out, whiny calls. That unpredictability is what makes elk believe they’re hearing the real thing.
Field-Test Before the Field
Don’t wait until you’re in the mountains to try out your new skills. Practice in the truck, in the garage, or on a hike. You’ll get funny looks from neighbors—but you’ll also develop muscle memory and confidence. When that moment comes and a bull hangs up at 80 yards, your natural, convincing call may be just what pulls him in closer.
The Payoff
There’s nothing quite like seeing a big bull lock up mid-step, ears swiveling, eyes searching for the cow he’s certain he just heard. That’s when you know your practice paid off.
So as fall colors brighten and the air turns sharp, remember: love is in the air, and so is opportunity. Hone your cow call, believe in your voice, and you might just stop an elk in its tracks this season!
In Montana, archery elk season runs from September 6 to October 19.
In Colorado, archery season is draw-only tags and runs from September 2nd to September 30th, west of I-25 and in Unit 140.
In Wyoming, the general elk archery season runs from September 1st to September 30th.
Contact your trusted real estate experts at Corder and Associates for help finding your dream hunting land!
