Sports & Outdoors

The Best Elk Calls & Lures

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Successfully luring elk requires the right equipment to mimic their natural sounds and scents. Choosing the best elk calls and lures can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt. Understanding the nuances of different types and how they work in various situations is crucial for any serious hunter.

No. 1
Phelps Game Calls Metal Bugle Tube - Aluminum Elk Bugling System with Dual Mouthpieces for Loud Crisp Calls...
  • One-Piece Aluminum Construction - Manufactured from solid aluminum for superior sound projection that's louder and crisper than plastic alternatives while engineered to meet bull elk frequency
  • Dual Mouthpiece System Included - Comes with both standard flared mouthpiece for traditional diaphragm calling and interchangeable EZ Bugler external mouthpiece for all skill levels
  • Professional Finish and Design - Features sandblasted, anodized black finish with closed-cell neoprene sleeve to eliminate glare and unwanted noise during hunting
  • Weight-Conscious Compact Design - Available in two configurations: EZ Bugler at 16 oz/20.5" length or Flared at 15 oz/19" length, both with 3.25" diameter
  • EZ Bugler External Mouthpiece - Utilizes AMP frame technology allowing hunters of any experience level to produce realistic chuckles and grunts without diaphragm calling skills
No. 2
Slayer Harem Elk Call – Hands-Free External Cow Elk Bite Call
  • Hands-Free Operation Ideal for use when you're at full draw or on the move, no need to set down your bow or bugle
  • Intuitive Bite-and-Blow Design Easy to use, making this bite call suitable for both beginners and experienced elk hunters
  • Authentic Cow Elk Sounds Tuned to produce a high-pitched, nasal mew that mimics the natural call of a cow elk
  • Portable and Compact Small enough to fit in your chest pocket or pack, take it anywhere without extra bulk
  • Complements Other Calls Enhances herd realism when used with diaphragms or bugles for a more convincing setup
  • Consistent Sound Reliable tone and pitch, no need to worry about mouth placement
  • USA Crafted Built tough and tuned in the United States for hunters who insist on field performance
No. 3
Rocky Mountain Elk 101 Diaphragm Call 3 pk.
  • Package length: 8.6 cm
  • Package width: 14.8 cm
  • Package height: 22.2 cm
  • Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
No. 4
Phelps Game Calls Unleashed V2.0 Bugle Tube Elk Call - Professional Grade Elk Bugling Call with Corrugated...
  • Professional Sound Performance - Delivers devastating bugles, thunderous chuckles, mind-bending screams, and realistic elk vocalizations that challenge bulls and locate elk effectively
  • Thick Wall Construction - Built with thick walls that produce extreme volume without plastic sound, ensuring your bugles carry authentic tones across vast terrain and thick timber
  • Over-Cupped Exhaust Bell - Features over-cupped exhaust bell that creates optimal backpressure and resistance, making it easier to use all types of diaphragms with precise articulation
  • Corrugated Chamber Design - Large corrugations in the chamber provide exceptional resonance and structural integrity while delivering the authentic elk sounds needed for successful hunting
  • Complete Bugle Tube Collection - Choose from Unleashed V2 with dual mouthpiece system for all calling styles, compact Renegade for experienced callers, lightweight Unrivaled for backcountry hunting, or classic Unleashed for traditional bugling
No. 5
Slayer Enchantress Elk Call Collection – Push Button Cow Call + Bugle
  • CONSISTENT ELK SOUND – Precision-designed push button system delivers reliable cow calls and bugles every time. Unlike reeds that vary, this setup ensures consistent, lifelike elk sounds hunters can trust in the field.
  • SEASON-LONG DURABILITY – Includes replacement reed engineered for long-lasting use. Unlike most reeds that wear out after weeks, this system is built to endure your full elk season with dependable performance.
  • EASY TO USE FOR ALL HUNTERS – No diaphragm, gag reflex, or experience required — simply push the button to control air pressure, volume, and tone. Perfect for beginners, kids, or pros who want quick, effective calling.
  • COMPLETE ELK CALL SYSTEM – Bundle includes cow call, attachable bugle tube, military-grade paracord strap, and replacement reed. Everything you need in one system to produce cow sounds and bugles that bring in bulls.
  • MADE IN THE USA QUALITY – Crafted with pride in the USA for hunters who demand performance and reliability. Built tough to withstand rugged conditions and deliver consistent results when you need them most.
SaleNo. 6
Hunters Specialties Boss Cow Call - Open-Reed Elk Call for High-Pitched Loud Mature Cow Moos and Bleats...
  • AUTHENTIC ELK VOCALS - Boss Cow Call produces loud, mature cow moos, high-pitched estrus bleats, and realistic nasal sounds, perfectly mimicking the natural calls of a boss cow to captivate and attract even the most elusive trophy bulls in the wild
  • ADJUSTABLE NOTCHED FRAME - Boss Cow Call designed with an innovative notched frame for precise sound adjustments, allowing you to set the desired tone without accidental shifts, ensuring consistent performance during high-pressure hunting scenarios
  • PREMIUM WOOD BARREL DESIGN - Crafted with a custom walnut-and-maple wood barrel adorned with a textured elk antler pattern, this call offers a blend of durability and elegance that enhances both its functionality and visual appeal
  • FIELD-READY CONVENIENCE - Boss Cow Call сomes equipped with a durable lanyard for secure carrying and quick access, keeping the call within reach at all times, so you're always prepared to deliver the perfect call when it matters most
  • BUILT FOR VERSATILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS - Boss Cow Call уxcels in creating a wide range of elk calls, from high-pitched estrus sounds to subtle, low-end nasal tones, making it a must-have tool for hunters looking to outsmart and attract their prey
No. 7
Hunters Specialties Carlton's Calls Alumni Pack Aluminum Frame Elk Diaphragm Call (4 Pack)
  • EASY IDENTIFICATION - The Alumni Pack Aluminum Frame Elk Diaphragm 4-Pack by HS uses Wayne Carlton's original color-coded system, helping users quickly identify calls for different elk sounds, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced hunters
  • VERSATILE RANGE OF REALISTIC ELK CALLS - With a single, double, and triple reed plus a cow and calf call, this pack covers all your elk-calling needs. Each call produces distinct sounds, from cow/calf and young bull vocalizations to rich, deep bugles
  • MOISTURE-RESISTANT INFINITY LATEX - Constructed with Infinity Latex, these calls provide longevity and retain their tonal quality even in moist conditions, ensuring durability and performance in all-weather hunting environments
  • CUSTOMIZABLE ALUMINUM FRAME FOR PERFECT FIT - Each call in the pack includes an aluminum frame that users can mold to their palate, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for better control and authentic elk sounds
  • CONVENIENT CARRY CASE INCLUDED - The Alumni Pack Aluminum Frame Elk Diaphragm 4-Pack set comes with a durable plastic case to protect and organize each call, making it easy to carry and access during hunts while keeping calls safe from damage
No. 8
RIVEN The Rebel Series Elk Call Small Dome Combo 3 Pack for Hunting | Perfect Variety of Reeds for Cow, Calf...
  • HUNT RIVEN|HUNT PREPARED: The Rebel Series Combo Pack offers callers everything they need to mimic an extensive range of cow and bull sounds for every scenario.
  • HAND BUILT in the U.S.A to Provide the Best Experience in the Woods.
  • TOP QUALITY Tape and Latex for a Long Lasting Season.
  • DURABLE Clamshell Case for Protection and Pack Storage.
  • PERFECT MOUTH PLACEMENT: The dome design adds ease to call positioning, making it perfect for beginners as well as experienced hunters.
No. 9
Slayer Calls Clearwater Workhorse Elk Diaphragm Set – 3-Pack of Premium Elk Reeds (Isabella Creek, Miner...
  • 3-PACK OF CLEARWATER ELK REEDS: Includes Isabella Creek, Miner, Logger elk calls — each crafted for increasing volume and tone control. Ideal for hunters seeking versatile, reliable elk diaphragms built to dominate in the field.
  • REALISTIC, POWERFUL SOUND: The North Fork reed features tight stretch and high tension for crisp bugles and sharp high notes, while the Selway and Lochsa reeds add deep, resonant tones for authentic cow and bull calls.
  • PREMIUM LATEX CONSTRUCTION: Made from durable .004” latex, these reeds maintain consistency and elasticity hunt after hunt — producing the perfect balance of air pressure, sound clarity, and control with minimal fatigue.
  • FIELD-TESTED IN IDAHO’S WILDERNESS: Handcrafted and tested by experienced elk hunters, Slayer’s Clearwater reeds are designed to perform in rugged terrain, offering long-lasting durability and top-tier calling precision.
  • HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Built for hunters of all skill levels, the Clearwater frame provides 180° latex contact for superior airflow and a secure fit — delivering season-long dependability and comfort with every call.
No. 10
Hunters Specialties Long Ranger and Fight'n Cow Combo - Easy-to-Use High-Pitch Realistic Cow Elk Sounds...
  • TWO POPULAR CALLS IN ONE ESSENTIAL COMBO - Features the Long Ranger and Fight'n Cow Call, offering hunters versatile tools to cover both long-distance locator calls and up-close cow elk vocalizations, enhancing your effectiveness in any hunting scenario
  • LONG RANGER FOR MAXIMUM REACH - The Long Ranger is designed to deliver aggressive, high-pitched calls that travel over vast distances with clarity and volume. Whether you're hunting in open fields, dense forests, or rugged backcountry environments
  • FIGHT'N COW FOR VERSATILE ELK VOCALIZATIONS - Excels at creating a range of sounds, from the intense high-pitched tones of a cow elk fight to the softer, more subtle estrus calls, allowing hunters to adapt quickly to elk behavior and hunting conditions
  • ADJUSTABLE REED BANDS FOR FULL CUSTOMIZATION – Both the Long Ranger and Fight'n Cow calls feature adjustable reed bands, allowing hunters to fine-tune the pitch and tone for precise, realistic vocalizations. This customization ensures effective calls
  • DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND PORTABLE DESIGN - Crafted from high-quality materials to endure tough outdoor conditions, these compact and easy-to-carry calls are always ready for use, ensuring you never miss an opportunity in the field
  • Includes Carlton's Calls Long Ranger Elk Call
  • Includes Carlton's Calls Fight'n Cow Call
  • Loud, high-pitched calls or very soft, subtle sounds of a cow in heat

Last update on 2026-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Elk Calls & Lures

Types of Elk Calls

Elk calls primarily fall into two categories: diaphragm and mouth calls, and external calls like bugles and cow calls. Diaphragm calls are compact and allow for hands-free operation, ideal for quick responses. External calls often produce louder, more realistic sounds, but require more practice and manual operation.

Understanding Elk Vocalizations

Different calls mimic specific elk sounds. Cow calls imitate the sounds female elk make, often used to attract bulls. Bugles are the signature sound of bulls, used for communication and dominance. Learning to use these sounds effectively requires practice and understanding elk behavior during different seasons.

Lures and Scent Control

While calls attract elk through sound, lures can enhance your presence. Scent attractants can mimic natural elk odors, drawing them closer. However, proper scent control is paramount. Maintaining a scent-free hunting environment is just as important as using effective calls and lures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bull call and a cow call?
A bull call mimics the aggressive bugle of a bull elk, used to challenge rivals or attract cows. A cow call imitates the softer sounds of a female elk, typically used to locate or attract bulls.
Are diaphragm calls difficult to learn?
Diaphragm calls can have a learning curve as they require proper tongue and lip placement to produce clear sounds. However, with consistent practice, many hunters find them to be very effective and convenient.
How important is scent control when using elk calls?
Scent control is critically important, often as vital as the call itself. Elk have an exceptional sense of smell, and any human scent can easily alert them and send them fleeing, negating the effectiveness of your calls.
Can lures be used in conjunction with calls?
Yes, lures can complement calls by adding another sensory layer to your hunting strategy. The combination of realistic sounds and appealing scents can significantly increase your chances of attracting elk.