Competitive Elk Calling....

[rather_be_huntin]

Well looks like I'm going to take the dive from spectator to actually competing this year in the Salt Lake outdoor expo. Just thought I'd get some tips on what kind of things the judges are looking for. I know you want to have one squeeze call but are you allowed to have more than mouth cow call that you can use for your cow calling sequence? You have a minute so I'm sure you could get pretty good at switching out the mouth calls with say maybe a diaphram to a reed or even maybe a hotlips. It would certainly give you a wider range of sounds for the judges to digest.

During the bull sequence anyone do any gluncking or barking?

Anyway any tips or thoughts would be welcome. Thanks!

[gselkhunter]

Rather_be_huntin, Should I really answer this now that I have to call against you? OK, I will anyway. You can use what you can carry on to the stage. I use one mouth call, 2/3 external calls and may or may not use a squeeze call, but I have it if I need it. Glunks are good, so are barks, and multiple styles of bugles. Don't foreget chuckles and grunts. Make a program you can do in a minute, 1 for cow and 1 for bull. Practice them until they are second nature. NERVES will hit you when it is time to call. The trick is to pick a point on the stage and focus your eyes there so you can think about your calling. The crowd doesn't exist, remember that. I will be joking with you before to keep you loose. Remember after this is fun.
Gselkhunter

[gselkhunter]

Rather_be, Do you get the feeling nobody wants to help you?
Gselkhunter

[elknut1]

Just for the record!! I'm willingto help out when I can. But, Ive never participated in or been to a comp yet. But it will be changing in March!!! Looking forward to meetting ya all!! ElkNut1

[gselkhunter]

Oh so Elknut1 is going to call now, I am really looking forward to that!
Gselkhunter

[idahoelkinstructor]

rather_be_huntin I would like to help but I am in the same boat as you, meaning I am in the learning process myself. I hope by not responding I didn't offend you or anyone else. I honestly think calling in elk and calling at a contest are two different things. Yes they both require the same skills. But they are both different is styles. As far as what the Judges are looking for well thats a very good question and I don't know it. I also thinks it depends on who the Judges are. I am sure each Judge has there own opinion as to what is the best call, and what sounds the best, and so on. I could be wrong but I think for me and others to learn that, we have to compeat in as many comperitons as possiable. Just me 2 cents.

[elknut1]

Wait a minute now!!!! I didn't say I was calling! I meant I was going to be there. This will be the first time I've ever been to one! Besides who's going to make sure the Winner or whoever does the best, buys the beer????

I agree with idahoelkinstructor, you are going to not only call differently in front of judges than you would elk but prepare yourself to be able to perform in front of an audience. Having control of your sounds is a big key!! You can have a blooper with elk and get away with it, but it front of judges it may not sit so well. Just my opinion!!
ElkNut1

[gselkhunter]

Elknut1 GOT YA! Nerves The Real deal, you can call, you know your program, but how do the judges want it to sound, make the right guess and you win!
Gselkhunter