Elk Talk: Learning the Lingo of Wapiti

Elk hunting is one of the most popular pastimes in the hunting world. But before going, it’s important to understand various elk vocalizations. That way, when you hear these in the wild, you’ll recognize them and know what they mean. Furthermore, you’ll be able to implement each into your calling strategy effectively. Of course, you can’t call to elk if you don’t know what you’re saying. Here, we determine what each vocalization means and more. Follow along to understand elk calls, plus some of the common terms and sayings in elk hunting.

 

Bull Bugle: This is the main vocalization by bull elk that most hunters recognize. It starts as a deep, throaty rumble and crescendos into a high-pitched scream. It is a show of dominance to bulls and cows alike. It can be a challenge to bulls, and a come-hither to cows.

Bull Chuckle: This sound follows the tail-end of a bugle. It sounds like its name—chuckles. The bull is still expressing dominance by using this sound.

Bull Glunking: This is a low-pitched bass sound that hits in single but sequential notes. Bulls use this vocalization to signal to nearby cows.

Bull/Cow Bark: This is a sound that’s emitted by bulls and cows. It’s used to demonstrate to nearby elk that danger is close, and lurking.

Bull/Cow Chirp: Similar to the bark, the chirp is also emitted by bulls and cows. However, this is not a sound of alertness. It’s a more common, relaxed vocalization.

Cow Mew: This is a common call used by cows and calves. This is a general social call that’s used within the herd.

Cow Estrus: This is the sound a cow makes when she’s becoming receptive. It’s rarely herd, but sounds like a short whining sound.

Calf Call: This is a single note that young elk make. Usually, it’s only emitted when the calf is lost or in distress.

BONUS: HUNTER LINGO

Most elk hunters head into the backwoods with other hunters. It’s common to use certain lingo when discussing the chase of the mighty wapiti. Here’s some terms to bank:

 

THE SUBSPECIES

Rocky Mountain Elk: The most abundant subspecies of elk in the world.

Roosevelt’s Elk: The largest-bodied subspecies of elk in the world.

Tule Elk: The smallest-bodied subspecies of elk in the world.

 

THE CLASSIFICATIONS

Cervid: The classification of animal with which all deer belong.

Bull: A male elk.

Cow: A female elk.

Calf: A very young elk.

Spike: A young bull elk.

Raghorn: A young, small bull that isn’t shot, but passed.

 

OTHER TERMS

Dark Timber: Thick stands of coniferous trees.

Scrub Oak: An area with small oak trees that elk feed on.

Herd Bull: The dominant bull that maintains the harem of cows.

Satellite Bull: Younger or subordinate bulls that vie for dominance, but remain unsuccessful.

Harem: A group of cows maintained by a dominant bull.

Rut: The breeding season for elk.

Rub: The markings left behind from a bull rubbing a tree.

Thermals: The up and down drafts of air that rise and fall at dawn and dusk.

Ivories: The top canine teeth of an elk.

Wallow: A wet, muddy area where elk roll around.

 

By: Josh Honeycutt