Frosty,

You say your new to elk hunting.....If you dont like the diaphrams and want an easy to use and effective elk bugle, try the Berry Bugle out, your gag reflex will be spared. Use the white reed. It's simple, easy and the tone is not that of an intimidating herd bull,instead it resembles that of a satellite bull. My brother and I usethese veryeffectively and have bugled in a lot of bulls and killedsome very mature bulls and passed onmany immature bullsin thepublic lands of Idaho where we have lived and hunted our entire lives.

Like the guys said above, no matter what bugle you end up with, its the guy behind the bugle that makes the biggest difference. Knowing the numerous vocalizations of elk and being able to respond accordingly is key. Study up and get out in the woods and listen as much as you can. Elk talk year around but nothing like they do in the rut.

Best of luck.