Wolf killer is on the right track with this subject! I will not say that I'm a expert at this subject, But I'm no greenhorn either. I taught myself how to call and bowhunt elk when I was a teenager. It takes time to learn when to call and when not to, and what to say. I honestly think that there is no bull elk on the mountain that can't be called in. its just a matter trial and error of finding what he likes, what pushes his buttons so to speak. This approach takes time (sometimes the entire month of Sept.) and patience. I have almost every elk call ever made at hand, to help me in my hunt. If you screw up, which you will, swich calls and sound like a new elk and try again! I take the fight to the bull and have done so in the last 10 years of calling. My favorite new approach is to sound like a small heard of elk, a sattelite bull with 3-4 cows. I have used this approach the last two years and it works (ausome sp?)!!!. I still push the bull but I first sneak in under 100 yards and open up with several cows talking all at once. Then use satelite bull calls sounding like he trying to keep control over the cows, and other bulls away. This so far seems to drive most heard bulls crazy and makes them think they can steal the satelite bull cows. I like other good callers can sound like 4-5 elk at once. You do have to practice and be a very good caller to pull it off though. If a person wants to learn to call good, one thing I would recomend in addition to tapes and videos. Is to attend and compeate in a calling contest. I have learned many tricks and tips from different competitors. Most competitors are willing to give you advice on how and when to use calls in actual huning experiences. I have in the past when time and money allowed, compeated in the Idaho State elk calling contest sponsered by RMEF. This year I have only compeated in Utah State elk calling competition. I have never won a contest, but did place 2nd in Idaho a few years back On a side note my goal is to be someday be sponsered by a call manufacture. Again when I have time and money I just have to compeate in at least 4 or more different state competitions and win at least 2 and place in the top 3 in others. And of course compeate and place in the top three at the finals at the national RMEF convention, before a company will even think about sponsoring me. My friend who is sponsored by H-S Strutt won the Mens Pro Division RMEF calling contest at nationals this year. Anyway back to my point, good and knowledgeable calling can bring excellent results while hunting. But if you get caught by the wind well the best calling in the world won't save your butt, you'll be busted. Just my 2 cents thanks.