LAST EDITED ON Mar-16-07 AT 03:10PM (MST)[p]Diaphram calls (cow) are very inexpensive. But a few, listen to
"real" elk talk and practice until you wear a few out. The
Hoochie Mama is a good call, but they do not last long and can
malfuncion in extremely cold weather (mine did). Buy 2 of them, so you have a backup. Depending on this call only would be crazy IMO. Since they are so easy to use, most elk hunters use them. I truly believe that some elk grow wise to the same call.
As with humans, elk have distinguished, different sounds (raspy, low, high....). Now is a great time to start practicing.
They elk we got last year was with a "Hoochie Mama". However, I
did use a Diaphram call often. Good Luck!!!!
PS: the previous poster gave some great advice....