Top 5 Elk Calling Mistakes to Fix Before September

When elk start bugling in the New Mexico high country each September, being able to call effectively can be the difference between watching bulls from 300 yards away and having one storm into your setup at 30 yards. But too many hunters blow the call at the wrong time, use the wrong tone, or do too much - and end up blowing the entire opportunity.

At LOH Outfitters, we’ve guided hundreds of archery and muzzleloader elk hunts during the rut. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and the common mistakes hunters make that cost them bulls.

Here are the top 5 elk calling mistakes to fix before September arrives - so you’re ready when the woods come alive.

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1. Calling Too Much, Too Soon

It’s easy to get excited when you hear a bugle - and even easier to start bugling back too quickly. But one of the most common mistakes we see is over-calling early in the setup.

The fix:

• Start with soft cow calls and wait
• If a bull responds, stay quiet and let him look for you
• Don’t bugle unless the bull is already bugling, and you’re trying to challenge or escalate

Let the elk talk first. Mimic the rhythm of the herd, not your adrenaline.

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2. Using the Wrong Call for the Situation

Bugles, estrous calls, chirps, barks - they all serve a purpose. But knowing when to use each one is where good callers separate themselves.

Examples:

• A soft cow chirp is ideal for coaxing a satellite bull close
• A location bugle is great at first light to locate bulls from afar
• A lip bawl or challenge bugle might provoke a herd bull - but could scare off others

The fix: Practice multiple calls and understand their emotional “tone.” Use bugles sparingly unless you're sure the bull is aggressive and ready to fight.

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3. Bad Sound Quality

No matter how good your timing is, if your call sounds like a wounded duck, elk won’t buy it. Using cheap calls or failing to practice results in off-tone cow calls or flat bugles that don’t carry authenticity.

To improve sound quality:

• Practice year-round - especially in the summer
• Use quality calls like Phelps Game Calls or Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls
• Record yourself and compare to actual elk sounds

Don’t assume you're “close enough.” Elk are incredibly vocal animals - and incredibly good at identifying an impostor.

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4. Not Reading the Bull’s Behavior

Calling blindly without paying attention to the bull’s mood is a major mistake. If he’s bugling aggressively and coming your way, you don’t need to call more - you need to get ready.

If he goes quiet, it may be time to reposition or shut up altogether.

The fix:

• Listen closely to how bulls respond to each call
• Adjust volume and tone based on distance and intensity
• If a bull is fired up, let silence work to your advantage

The best callers read the scenario like a chess match, not a concert performance.

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5. Poor Setup After Calling

You’ve nailed the cow call, the bull is bugling - and then he hangs up 80 yards away because your setup wasn’t ready for a frontal approach.

The fix:

• Call from a position with good shooting lanes and cover
• Set up with wind in your favor and room to draw your bow
• If calling with a partner, have the shooter set up 40+ yards ahead of the caller

The best call in the world won’t help if the bull sees or smells you before you ever raise your weapon.

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Bonus: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect - Just Convincing

Elk don’t expect perfection. What they’re reacting to is emotion, tone, and timing. You don’t have to sound like a world champion - you just need to sound like another elk. If you can create believable, situationally smart vocalizations, you’ll have bulls reacting.

Contact LOH Outfitters today if you want help dialing in your call strategy before the season kicks off.

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Final Thoughts: Practice with Purpose

There’s still time to fix your calling before the September rut explodes in New Mexico. Start practicing now - on your commute, in your backyard, or in a local canyon. Mastering the timing, tone, and tactics will give you a huge edge in the field.

And if you’re unsure about your setup or want a calling coach, a guided hunt can help fast-track your learning and give you real-world calling experience with bulls in range.

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Book a Guided Archery Elk Hunt with LOH Outfitters

At LOH Outfitters, our guides live and breathe elk hunting. We know when to call, when to wait, and how to help you close the distance on a rut-crazed bull. With access to top GMUs, private land, and landowner tags, we can help you make the most of this season.

Contact us today to lock in your dates and fine-tune your elk hunting strategy before the rut begins.