Elk Diaphragm Basics #3: How to Chuckle like a Bull ElkUpdated 4 months ago

Here at Phelps Game Calls we get this question all the time: How do you chuckle or grunt like that? If you can’t do it right away, don’t worry—there was a time we couldn’t either. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

• Chuckles and grunts are just exaggerated cow calls.
• Use the same mosquito noise we practiced before, but with more air pressure and a sharper tone.
• At the end, inflect your voice—like you’re getting punched in the gut.

Step 2: Difference Between Grunts & Chuckles

• Grunts: Longer, drawn-out sounds.
• Chuckles: Shorter, faster-paced sounds.
• Think of chuckles as a rapid series of shorter grunts.

Step 3: Perfecting the Rhythm

• Start slow—make one perfect chuckle or grunt, then another, then another.
• Gradually increase tempo as you improve.
• Between each sound, inhale—almost like a choo-choo train rhythm.

Step 4: Practice Without the Tube First

• Get the rhythm and sounds down before using a bugle tube.
• Once you add the tube, you’ll be amazed at how much better it sounds.

Step 5: Learn From Real Elk

• Listen to elk calls on YouTube or in the wild—elk are the best teachers.
• Mimic their tones and rhythms until you sound just like them.

It takes time and practice, but you’ll get there! As always, make sure to watch the video below of Dirk Durham--he's great at chuckling both with a diaphragm call, and without while sitting at elk camp with the boys!