Quick Answer
For early morning elk hunts in the eastern region, the best calls are those that mimic the sounds of a cow elk's contact bugle, also known as a "soft bugle" or a "grunting call." These calls should be used sparingly and in short, gentle bursts. A good elk call should be loud enough to carry through the forest, but soft enough not to spook the elk.
Choosing the Right Call
When selecting an elk call for an early morning hunt, look for one that produces a clear, realistic sound. Some top brands for eastern elk hunting include Primos, Knight & Hale, and Moultrie. For a soft bugle or grunting call, consider a call with a variable pitch range, such as the Primos 6-in-1 Scrape N Grunt or the Moultrie Elk Grunter.
Techniques for Early Morning Hunts
To use your elk call effectively during an early morning hunt, start by making a series of gentle, short grunts at 50-70 yards from your target area. Wait 5-10 minutes for the elk to respond, then make a soft bugle call at 20-30 yards from the area. Repeat this process 3-4 times, gradually increasing the volume of the bugle call. This will help to bring the elk into range without spooking them.
Additional Tips
When using an elk call during an early morning hunt, be sure to keep your movements slow and deliberate to avoid spooking the elk. Also, pay attention to the wind direction, as the sound of your call can carry farther in calm conditions. Consider using a call with a built-in mouthpiece or a diaphragm-style call for easier and more realistic sound production.
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