The Hoochie momma is a great call. I have had elk stop in their track when you use it. I actually use a piece of rope and a safety pin to hook it to the outside of my jacket/vest. that way you can have it quickly available to get them to stop for the shot.....especially if you are stalking around and jump some....just give it a squeeze and they will probably stop. from what I was told, you can use it any time of the year. When I go in October, the bulls are still usually bugling pretty good.