Elk Diaphragm Basics #2: How to Bugle like a BullUpdated 4 months ago
In our first article we cover the basics of Elk Diaphragm calling—just making noise and mastering cow calls! Before jumping into bugling, it’s important to build a strong foundation. If you haven't, we would strongly recommend doing so before attempting any of the below.
That said, if you’ve nailed those fundamentals, you’re ready to move on! Every single elk hunter will tell you the best sound you'll ever hear during the month of September on the mountain is a bull elk bugling his head off. Follow our guide below, and you will sound no different!
Step 1: Start with the Mosquito Noise
- Begin with the same high-pitched mosquito noise from the previous lesson.
- Increase your air volume—more than a cow call but still controlled.
- Without a tube, it may not sound great, but with a tube, it will start to take shape.
Step 2: Adding the Bugle Inflection
- To transition from a high note to a bugle, add an inflection at the end.
- Think of it like getting punched in the gut—let that sound drop off naturally.
- Practice this repeatedly until you can find that high note every time.
Step 3: Introduce the Bugle Tube
- Once you can consistently produce the sound without a tube, start using one.
- Vary your tongue pressure slightly to create different pitch variations.
- More tongue pressure = higher pitch; less pressure = lower pitch.
Step 4: Mastering the Full Bugle
- Start at a low octave and gradually climb to the high note before bringing it back down.
- At the beginning, avoid growling too much—it can distort the reed. Instead, clear your throat lightly.
- Use minimal air pressure at the start, then increase air and tongue pressure as you go higher.
- Once you hit the high note, hold it briefly before letting it drop naturally—don’t drag it out too long.
Practice, Practice, Practice
- Repeat these fundamental bugles over and over. Don’t worry about adding variation just yet—focus on hitting the notes correctly.
- Once you master the basics, experiment with air and tongue pressure to create different tones.
That's it, repeat those fundamentals over and over and over, and before long you'll be ready to call at rutting bulls--and might even find yourself in a few close encounters! Make sure to watch the video below created by Dirk Durham as well. Dirk is a phenomenal bugler, and he's got himself a stack of bulls to prove it.