Review: ELK TALK

Review: ELK TALK, by Don Laubach and Mark Henckel. Innovation, when it comes to elk hunting, is often met with resistance harbored in tradition or experience. New methods or products must be discovered, practiced, and then proven, often by a skeptical individual who considers attempting them in the field. Tried and true tactics are seldom abandoned. New methods are rarely adopted. In the last ten years bugling has become extremely popular, tandem with the growth of archery elk hunting that began in the 60's.

Many say that because of the proliferation of bugling hunters, today's elk are call-wise. They are harder to call and do most of their rutting at night. It is widely perceived that taking a mature bull is getting harder and harder each year. A couple of years ago, word began to filter around hunters' campfires about a new calling technique called "cow talk." It was said that by imitating the sounds of a cow elk, or making herd noises, calling in a bull was more likely.

The idea here was that these sounds were both intriguing and calming and would enable a hunter to bring in a bull that would not otherwise come in to a bugle. Some claimed it would even stop a bull in flight after being struck by an arrow, shot or shot at, or even startled by human scent. Since then, the commercial availability of the cow call, plus film footage and testimonials, have proven these claims to be true. Cow talk really does work. Don Laubach of Gardiner, Montana, is responsible for this new technique. Don has lived among the elk all his life.

He takes an elk every year, hunting with a bow. He does it with a cow call he designed, combined with a technique he developed for using the call. In ELK TALK, this revolutionary method of call is covered in depth, with Don's hunting and calling expertise thoroughly explored by the skillful writing of outdoor writer Mark Henckel. ELK TALK extensively covers the technique of calf, cow, and bull talk. With the information supplied in its 202 pages, plus a call, a reader should be able to have the technique mastered by this coming season.

Imagine being able to lure in a bull that normally would not respond to a bugle, a bull during the general season, or calming an alarmed bull. It may sound too good to be true, but ELK TALK will tell you how it can be done. The reader will also find many useful bits of information that do not relate directly to calling-enough to justify the purchase of ELK TALK. If you come home from hunting empty-handed more than you would like to or are interested in a new dimension of the proven bugling method, ELK TALK is written just for you. - D.V. ELK TALK is available through the Foundation Library.

Hardcover #57511 $21.00, softcover #57510 $14.00. Prices include postage.