Finding the Right Elk Diaphragm CallUpdated 4 months ago

Hey there! If you're looking to improve your elk calling, it all starts with picking the right diaphragm call for you. Just because a certain call works for your buddy doesn’t mean it’ll work for you—so let’s break it down.

Many people try a diaphragm call for the first time and struggle. Maybe they can’t get a sound, it tickles their tongue, or triggers their gag reflex. The key? Not all reeds are the same. Some have thick latex, some thin, some have domes, and others (flatties) don’t. If you only try one or two, you’re limiting yourself.

Try Different Reeds

The more you can test, the better. If you can afford four, great! If you can grab six or eight, even better. Experiment with different latex thicknesses and stretches to see what fits your style.

Fixing Fit Issues

If air is escaping around the edges, your reed might be too big. Try trimming the tape about 1/8 inch at a time, keeping the curve intact. You can trim it down to the frame if needed—I’ve done it for my kids, and it worked great!

Practice & Experiment

Once you find a reed that makes a sound easily, start practicing with it. But don’t toss the others—as you improve, you may find a favorite in one you originally didn’t like.

That’s it! Get a variety, test them out, and see what works best for you. Make sure to watch the video created by Dirk Durham below as well! Dirk is a member of our staff here at Phelps Game Calls, and is one of the best elk hunters and callers in the world!