I agree with elknut, I wouldn't hunt elk without some calls in my pack. Near rut I wouldn't think about not toting a tube for bugling either. I certainly am not in his league with regards to calling and knowing what to say butI am learning. Without calls I can sayno questions their would have been a lot less elk meat in my freezer.

His plan B has been a strategy we have employed for years and it has paid off huge, especially in the pastfew years where the season and vocal elk haven't gone hand in hand. This year we took 2 bulls by locating them at night, then slipping in on them in complete darkness the next am. Our party believes whole heartily in hunting harder and smarter, we have reaped the rewards for these efforts. Not to mentioned learned a ton.

I would suggest buying some mouth calls and practicing. For me it took time to get the sounds I wanted to produce and I am still not their yet. I have heard accomplished callers state it is like a musical instrument it takes time to develop the skill and lots of practice to keep/hone that skill. Next would be get info maps, scouting trips, etc on what you'll face. Preperation is very much a part of the hunt and IMHO a huge playerwhen it comes tosuccess in the field.

Best of luck and enjoy the ride.