“bugle”

With the bulls bugling and the aspens at their golden height, where else would you rather be than the "Elk Hunting Capital of the World" with an elk tag in your pocket? Digital Managing Editor Justin McDaniel found himself in that enviable position in late September as he headed to the mountains northeast of Craig, Colo., for his first elk hunt.

For most big game hunters, the chance to square your sights on a 400-inch elk is an once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Every time an elk hunter sends a bugle echoing through the hills he's hoping to get closer to the ultimate Wapiti record breaker. To help all you bone collectors get pumped up for this season, we've compiled eight examples of Boone & Crockett elk. Enjoy. (photos: Boone & Crockett Club)

Competitors using Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls brought their A-game to the 2019 World Elk Calling Championship, taking top spots in multiple divisions.

Here's a simple truth: You should carry an arsenal of calls for cows and bulls alike when elk hunting.

Equally as imperative as identifying when you need to run or walk when hunting elk is recognizing when to call without restrictions or with disciplined reservation.

Sometimes calling elk is about knowing what not to do.

Nothing kills daytime elk activity like hot weather. But if you use the right tactics, a heat wave can be a fiery time to bag a bull.

The bottom line for elk calling is to be flexible—if what you’re doing isn’t working, try something else.