“You ready?” I mouthed to my friend Mark, who had just hunkered down and nocked an arrow. He gave me an affirmative nod from beneath the sopping wet hood of his rain parka. Moments later, the clash of antlers shattered the silence of the damp forest above a steep gully in front of us. I continued mashing my shed antlers together as I thrashed them through ferns and pounded them through brittle alder limbs on the ground. Mark was 30 yards to my right where he could see down into and across the sword fern-lined ravine. I was set back from the edge about 10 feet, and behind some brush so I could do my thing undetected.

Moments later, I spotted the chocolate brown tines of a hefty 4×4 buck bobbing through the ferns 80 yards away. Flashes of his white muzzle periodically shown between small openings as he moved quickly toward us. When the buck reached the far edge of the gully, he stopped and scanned the area. His ears were forward and locked in our direction. Fearing he would leave if he didn’t soon identify the source of the commotion, I slowly leaned back and thumped an antler base into the ground behind me with a dull thud. He snapped his head in my direction and began making his way down into the draw, angling downhill slightly. At that moment, I knew he would soon emerge right in Mark’s lap!

*   *   *

Each year during my blacktail strategies seminars I get a number of questions around the topic of calling blacktails so I thought I’d take some time to answer the top 10 questions in a simple Q&A format, and in no particular order. Remember that the mating season is a complex continuum of factors that influence deer behavior from September through December.

I define “calling” as any intentional sound that I make to elicit a response from a deer. Sure, I use commercially manufactured game calls, real antlers, and my voice but just like calling elk, there are many other natural sounds that are used in conjunction with these tools to round out a comprehensive calling strategy.

1. What’s going on in the deer woods during the rut?

I’ll summarize what’s happening between September and December to establish a foundation for the remaining nine questions.

In my opinion, the breeding ritual for all antlered species begins the day they rub the velvet from their antlers. I encourage you to read up about the physiological changes that cause antlers to harden, but for hunting purposes, just know that when the velvet comes off, blacktails shift to a more nocturnal pattern and begin establishing the pecking order within their home range. I have trailcam photos & video of this velvet shedding process happening between September 1-5th but it can certainly vary based upon health and other factors.

Bucks are still in their social summer groups and older deer will become more solitary as the month progresses. Younger bucks are often seen feeding together and engaged in light and even playful sparring as the hormones begin to stir and they feel each other out. Most immature bucks will tend to hang out together throughout the entire breeding cycle. As September comes to a close, mature bucks will become extremely difficult to locate during daylight hours. First and last light glassing are your best bets. Trail cameras are invaluable in getting into the specifics of a mature buck’s whereabouts but remember that the more you are in there stomping around and spreading your scent, the more likely he’ll adapt and virtually disappear until the following summer. Take extra precautions to err on the side of extreme stealth and scent control.

October is a magical month and a great time to observe deer behavior, both bucks and does. It’s the month of the pre-rut or seeking phase. Two and three year old bucks are most visible and can be seen almost anywhere chasing and harassing does as mid-month approaches. But the does are nowhere near ready to breed so these teenage antics become tiresome for does. Mature bucks don’t typically engage in this aggressive chasing until late in the month or in early November when they have located a hot doe they want to breed. Still, their approach is more calculated and deliberate. They know the routine and will sequester a hot doe away from other deer until she is ready to breed. This typically occurs during the last week of October into the first week of November. Remember that does want to be bred by mature dominant bucks so you can gain valuable clues by focusing your efforts on the does in your hunting area.

80-90% of does will be bred in the blacktail woods during the month of November. I have determined that the peak breeding occurs around November 12-14th in my areas. It may vary so your best bet is to witness breeding behavior or count back about 200 days from when you see the first fawns in June. That will get you very close to knowing when does were bred in that particular area.

At this point in the breeding ritual, competition is at its peak. The trick is that many mature bucks are now in lockdown with a doe, and the woods can seem very lonely. The days leading up to and just after the peak breeding dates can be very productive times to call in a buck with fawn bleats and/or rattling antlers.

2. When should I try rattling?

Rattling is most effective after October 15th and continues to ramp through about the third week of November. That said, I rattled in a nice velvet buck into 10 yards in mid-August! Blacktails are curious and you just never know when it will pay off and create a shot opportunity.

I have also had excellent results around the second week of December. As mentioned above, 10-15% of the does that weren’t bred in November will come back into estrous in December, 28 days after their first estrous cycle. Some of these deer will be yearlings that are still hanging with their mother. This is a time you can capitalize on a condition where there are few does to breed and lots of bucks that still have raging hormones and the instinct to breed.

3. Do blacktails grunt?

Yes they do. A lot. But it’s much softer that you might expect after seeing guys blowing on grunt calls on TV. It’s a much softer grunt and they will grunt while tending a doe as they get close to breeding. It’s a way to entice the doe and let her know he is staying with her until she’s ready. It also serves to let other bucks know he’s laid claim to this particular doe. Grunt calls can pull in curious bucks and those who might be looking to challenge a doe suitor.

4. What is a snort-wheeze and what does it mean?

A snort-wheeze is an aggressive threat call that bucks make when in close proximity to each other. I first witnessed this several years ago at very close range. I had two young bucks square off and start fighting less that five yards from my natural ground blind. They were bristled and pacing around each other while making this sound. It’s a call made by forcing air out through clinched nostrils. They make an abrupt snort immediately followed by a forced exhale which emulates a buzzing wheeze sound that fades over 3-4 seconds as they exhale. If you hear this sound, there are TWO bucks in your immediate area, and you may be able to sneak in for a shot because they will be intently focused on each other.

5. What is the ideal setup for calling and/or rattling?

The ideal setup is a calm, still day, preferably frosty or very close to freezing. I like the sound to really travel and reach out there. I prefer to call adjacent to feeding areas during early morning and evening, and downwind of bedding areas during midday hours. I like to setup so a deer would have to come look for the source of the sound. They will know exactly where the sound is coming from so you need to ensure you are in a spot that will require them to move to you. And you must give it time! I can’t count the times I have been impatient and busted by a sneaky buck at 25 yards. I always expect deer to circle downwind so I set up accordingly for my shooting lanes. I wait a minimum of 30 minutes before moving to a new location.

6. How does your rattling sequence change from October through December?

Rattling intensity should match the natural progression of the rut phases. In early October, it’s more about light sparring (tickling on antlers) than all-out shoving matches, which occur late in the month. A simple breakdown might look like this:

October 1-15
Low volume, light sparring. One 15-30 second session twice per hour or per location if you are on the move.

October 15-25
Medium volume. More intense sparring, sessions may last 45-90 seconds on 20 minute intervals.

October 25 – November 20
Medium to high volume. Ramp your sequences up to intense sparring and shoving, thrashing brush, breaking sticks. My sequences build over time to simulate two bucks who aren’t willing to back down. The first session will be short, maybe 15 seconds. I want to reach deer within earshot that might be close. I wait 20 minutes and start again for about 30 seconds followed by a 20-minute wait. Repeat with sessions lasting up to a minute. After three sessions, I wait about 45-60 minutes then repeat or move to a new area.

November 20 – December 31
Medium volume. Ramp from medium to intense sparring, sessions may last 45-90 seconds on 20-minute intervals. Wait 45-60 minutes before moving locations.

7. Does weather change your approach to calling?

Yes, as mentioned above, sound will travel much further when the air is crisp and calm. On rainy days I often will forgo my natural antlers and use a synthetic rattling bag instead. I’ve found the sound to be louder with the rattle bag but ensure you don’t have one with wooden dowels. They are worthless in the wet and difficult to keep dry.

8. How do you rattle effectively from a treestand?

Many people enjoy excellent results rattling from an elevated position. This can work well and sound natural in hilly topography where it’s more natural for the sound to be coming from an elevated position. When I’m in flat terrain, I will often “jig” my antlers on a pull-up rope and let them bang together in the ferns, salal, and thump the ground. This sounds very realistic and if you see a buck coming you can simply let go of the cord to get ready for a shot.

9. I’ve read that rattling will usually bring in lesser bucks. Is this true?

Yes, in general. Most of the bucks I’ve rattled in; both whitetails and blacktails have been 2-3 year old bucks. And most come in pretty quick, usually within about five minutes. Older bucks tend to come in on a walk and stop often to look and listen. They are cautious and will often hang up for 10 or more minutes at a time. Count on them circling downwind before getting into bow range and be sure to use vegetation, blowdowns, etc. to your advantage. Imagine where you want the buck to be for your shot and set up accordingly. Gun hunters have a much better opportunity for circling deer.

10. What doe bleat sounds do you make, when and why?

I will use doe bleats throughout October, November and December. A doe will bleat out of frustration when getting harassed by young bucks, to communicate with her fawn(s), and other times while feeding amongst other deer. It’s not a loud call and is generally a social call so I haven’t had too many bad experiences while bleating to other deer. Consider that if you blow on any call, you are telling deer exactly where you are. Don’t play with the call. Use it sparingly and consider what you are trying to communicate. If you’re not sure, then it’s probably best to hold off.

Closing

Calling & rattling deer doesn’t work all the time. It’s simply another tool you can employ to tip the odds in your favor. And it’s an exciting way to truly engage in the hunt. You have the unique opportunity to create a shot opportunity from thin air instead of waiting for one to present itself. With practice, you’ll gain confidence. With confidence, you’ll try it more often and experiment. And from there, you’ll continue to learn and enjoy some success.

You may be wondering if my buddy Mark was able to get that buck at the beginning of this post. Well, it was quite a show but no, unfortunately he did not. A soaking wet finger tab flub (this was 1991 and we all shot fingers back then) caused an errant shot that missed clean at a mere 8-10 yards. As the buck tore back down into the ravine I grunted loudly with my voice and hit the antlers so hard, I cut myself pretty good with a sharp tine. The buck slammed on the brakes and started to come back but this time he circled wide to scent check my position. I lost sight of him at about 45 yards and I could only assume he winded me.

I hope this post answered some of your questions and helped illustrate my approach to calling blacktails. I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments section below.

Good luck!

The post Calling blacktails – Top 10 questions & answers appeared first on Pacific Northwest Bowhunting.

I have mentored a number of first time bowhunters in the past years and one of the top questions they ask is, “How do you close the gap on Roosevelt herd bulls when they won’t come in and you can’t stalk in close enough for a good shot?”

There isn’t a single answer to that question because every situation is different but I can share one approach I like to employ on herd bulls that either don’t come in, or come in but “hang up”.  This has worked on several occasions when all other options of closing the gap seemed futile.  Also, I typically use this when hunting by myself or mentoring a new bowhunter, and I think it works best here in the Pacific Northwest where there is often times thick vegetation cover to break up your profile.

So let’s set this up – you are bugling to a Roosevelt herd bull and he responds to your every bugle as if you dated his ex-girlfriend without his permission.  But all he does is circle his cows and come to the edge of his herd to bugle back at you.  Nothing seems to get him to break that invisible force field around his cows.  The cover appears to be too sparse to make a successful stalk on the bull and this bull isn’t moving from this spot, anchored by his cows.

What do you do? Most of the first time bowhunters I mentor look at me with discouragement and ask, “What do we do now?”  I can tell they are already mentally out of the game and that they are thinking this is the impossible mission.  I disagree.  I have this bull right where I want him!

If you think about it, he feels safe, he isn’t moving away, and he is bugling back at your every call, as if to suggest that you’re going to be the next hunter hanging on his wall of shame!  What I like to do is start in on a bugling sequence ramping it up to the point where me and every animal in the country can feel the energy of this back and forth “bugle off”.  Then the moment I get to the peak of my “bugle off” I take off moving in from downwind in the direction, hunched over going as fast as I can keeping as many trees, bushes or whatever between me and the bull.  I like to plan a route from downwind that I can move in quickly (running sometimes and not worrying about breaking branches or making natural sounds of moving elk) to get within shooting range of the exact spot the bull seems to consistently come back to as we bugle back and forth.

I have employed this risky technique successfully many times on Roosevelt bulls. A couple specific hunts come to mind where this has really paid off for me.  The first, I was hunting the early SW Washington elk season in mid-September.  It was a bonsai after-work evening hunt and I knew I’d have to be aggressive to make something happen.  I was set up in a ground blind on the edge of a meadow.  Just before dusk several cows started filtering out of the timber with a bull in tow.  It was getting dark quickly so I started a cow calling sequence which set off an orchestra of mews from the meadow. Darkness continued to close in on me quickly so I threw in some bugles and the bull immediately bugled back, and then quickly rounded up his cows, pulling them back into the timber.

I let out another bugle which turned him about face and he ran straight at me stopping about 70 yards from my blind.  He and I traded bugles until he got uneasy and walked back to his cows bugling the entire way. I gave it a few moments and ripped another bugle which again brought him back into the meadow a short distance but only for a brief period of time before he returned to his herd.  Shooting light was disappearing even faster now and I knew it was now or never so I jumped up out of my blind, crouched down as low as I could and ran straight across the meadow at the bull.  I could see the bull on the edge of the timber watching me and as I got closer he followed his cows deeper into the timber.  I could hear the herd crashing through the thick underbrush as I approached so I let out another raging bugle. The bull bugled back and the next moment I could hear him coming right back at me.  He came flying out of the timber nostrils dripping wet only to abruptly stop at my cow call broadside just a few yards from me.  My arrow hit him right behind the shoulder and he didn’t make it 50 yards back into the timber before I heard him pile up.

Another notable example; I was mentoring a friend, Jeff, who was after his first archery bull.  It was the last weekend of the season and we had biked deep into steep coastal elk country.  My bugle from a high ridge top got an instant response a few ridges over.  More bugles over the next 30 minutes brought a nice 5×5 herd bull and over a dozen cows into some big timber in the bottom of a ravine just below us.  The bull would respond to my every bugle but wouldn’t budge from his holdup. The wind was horrible in all directions except a sparsely strewn ridge straight below us in plain sight of his lair.  At a glance, it appeared we had no acceptable options to pursue the bull.

I relayed my plan to Jeff and we crouched at the waist, moving one right behind the other down the ridge.  I could see the bull marching among his cows on the edge of the timber, all eyes upon us as we closed the gap. As we approached in full view of the bull I had Jeff set up on one knee while I laid down on my back. I bugled again and within moments we had elk coming in from all directions. A calf and a cow came within a few feet before bolting like they had been stuck with a cattle prod.  I bugled again ensuing more chaos among the ranks and the 5×5 came strutting in to within 10 yards of Jeff but he didn’t have a broadside shot that he was comfortable with. The bull then moved back to his herd.  We quickly moved right after the bull again with the wind in our face.  I bugled once again and the bull came charging back at us presenting Jeff with a great broadside shot.  It worked.

Several new bowhunters I’ve mentored have tried this tactic and every one of them later told me I was nuts.  After listening to their individual accounts, it was clear they all had made the same mistake.  When closing the gap, they would move slowly from one tree to the next, stopping to hide behind each tree until they finally get to a spot where they feel any further progress will surely get them spotted by the bull.

Now at best they are indeed closer and in good range for taking nice panoramic pictures of a herd of elk in their element but still out of shooting range.  Most likely they moved so slow that the herd moved off to the next zip code.  So if pictures of the hind end of a great bull are all you want, that could be great strategy.

Personally, I want steak, so I move in quickly, hunched in an unrecognizable form as much as possible with no doubt in my mind that I am going to kill that bull. I keep as many trees and bushes between me and the bull as possible but if there aren’t any I just keep moving until I reach that pre-determined shooting spot.  Upon reaching my spot I rip another “I am going to kick your butt” bugle.

I know most of you are saying, no way, the moment that bull sees you he is going to take his herd and run.  And you are right – some bulls will.  But in my experience a higher percentage of bulls – if they are really cranked up – don’t head out.  Also, as I stated, keep in mind this is a “last resort” approach, so you have very little to lose. You might even spook some or all of his cows but if you get there quick enough the pandemonium and chaos of the moment may just work to your advantage.

In certain situations, bulls get so worked up, so hot, so enraged, that all sense of reason has gone out the door like a hormone enriched teenager. Yes, I am still talking about Roosevelt bulls and yes they do bugle!

When you bugle, that bull is thinking you are another elk that has just run down the hill and crossed into his turf. The fact that he saw you and you didn’t look like a bull is forgotten for the moment or overcome by hearing your bugle, convincing him to come back in.  This is the moment of truth where all your practice comes into play.  As he comes charging in and gets within range, stop him with a cow chirp or whatever you like to use and make a great shot.  And I’m sure you’ll enjoy eating steak too.

The post “How To Close The Gap On A Roosevelt Herd Bull” appeared first on Pacific Northwest Bowhunting.

As a life-long fanatic of calling game into bow range, I’m always on the lookout for new calls to put to the test each season.  This year will be no different, and I’m excited to try a new elk call produced by Jason Phelps of Phelps Game Calls.

Phelps lives in the small town of PeEll, Washington – the heart of classic SW Washington Roosevelt elk country.  Jason is somewhat new to the call-making business but he’s no rookie in the field, especially when it comes to coaxing fickle Roosevelt elk into bow range.  He is true craftsman and his attention to detail will have you reaching for your wallet in a hurry.  Recently I had the chance to talk with Jason about his business, passion game calling, and a new venture, Primetime Outdoors.

PNB: Tell me about your roots in the outdoors and how you got started hunting?

I have lived in the small town of PeEll, Washington for the majority of my life.  There wasn’t a lot to do here for entertainment.  My friends and I spent most of our summers fishing or wandering through the woods trying to track down elk or deer.  I guess it was in my blood at an early age.  I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

 My family has always had a rich tradition when it comes to hunting.  My family has hunted the hills around home for as long as I can remember.  Like many others hunters, I owe my dad for showing me and teaching me about the outdoors.  Without him who knows if my passion for hunting would have grown to where it is now.

PNB: What are your favorite species to hunt?

My favorite animals to hunt would have to be Elk and Mule Deer.  There is nothing better than hearing a bull elk rip off a bugle on a cool crisp September morning.  I love the challenge of drawing up a plan, getting close and then calling a bull elk in to range.  There is just something about being able to “trick” nature that has always intrigued me.  Not to mention that elk are pretty good eating!

I love the sheer physical challenge of hunting high country mule deer.  I love everything about looking at maps in the off season, loading up a pack, hiking thousands of feet up a mountain, setting up a spike camp all in an effort to find a mature trophy mule deer.

PNB:  How did you get into the call-making business?

To be honest it was something to play around with in the off-season.  I was always thinking about hunting, so I asked myself what better hobby than making calls?  I wanted to make the most realistic and easy to use cow call available.  I didn’t want to put it on the market until I felt it was better than every other call available.  After months of buying, making and modifying tone boards I settled on a board that to me made perfect cow vocals.  I then started tracking down wood sources and within a few months I started marking and marketing my first elk calls.  

PNB: What differentiates your calls from the big name brands out there?

I feel there are a few things that differentiate my calls from the others.  I make each call by hand which allows me to insure that the quality of each call is up to my standards.  I hand tune each call that leaves my shop to make sure they sound good when the customers receive them (Don’t worry I clean them off with alcohol afterwards).  My calls are extremely easy to make cow elk talk.  When you are in the heat of the moment with a big bull you want to be able to make the right sound with little effort.  Also, what other elk call company can you get the exact wood or color of camo-laminate that you want?

PNB: I have to agree with you, Jason – there is nothing more frustrating than messing up when your next sound can make or break a call-in commit by a weary bull.  After trying your call I was impressed with the volume control I was able to achieve with little effort.

What message do you have for potential customers?

My calls will not guarantee that you will call an elk into range.  What I do guarantee is that if you are not happy with the call for any reason I will buy the call back from you.

I take pride in my work and want everyone to be happy with the purchase.  I get more enjoyment out of the pictures I receive from my customers than the little bit of money that I make off of my calls.

PNB:  Wow, can’t argue with a ‘no lose’ deal like that!  What was your first experience calling game and what made it special?

My first experience of calling in an elk was in my junior year in high school.  I had just bought a Primos Terminator bugle and some mouth reeds.  It was the day before archery season opened up here in Washington and my dad, dad’s cousin, my girlfriend and I were out scouting (I had only hunted rifle up to this point and had already bought my rifle tag for the year).  We spotted a herd of elk and I decided I was going to try and call the bull in.  I snuck down to a landing which overlooked the clear cut that the elk were in.  I let out my best challenge bugle and got an instant response. Then I saw the bull start making his way out of the timber.  I continued to throw estrus whines and some bugles at him.  Before we knew it he was 30 yards away and still closing.  The bull was bugling in our face and tearing the heck out of a little jack-fir.  The next thing I heard was my Dad’s cousin yelling at the elk.  He decided that the bull had gotten close enough and it was time to scare him off.  I was pumped – I had just called in my first elk!

I then started asking myself why I didn’t bow hunt; it seemed like it would be easy.To follow up, the next year I got a PSE Marauder bow (Cabela’s special) for Christmas and I was going to be a mighty bowhunter the next year.  Well I had no trouble calling bulls into range.  The problem I had was like many converted rifle hunters, I shot the bow a few times and thought I was ready for the woods.  When it came down to crunch time I hadn’t practiced enough.  To make a long story short I missed 6 bulls that first year (didn’t draw blood thank God).  I ended up killing a cow in the late season.  Needless to say, that next season I shot up a couple targets and put in the time to make good on my next opportunity.

PNB: Tell me about the most exciting “call in” you were part of.

It was a Sunday and my buddy Trevor and I were in an area that we had been seeing elk.

I let out a locate bugle and got an instant response down in the draw. We worked our way down the road and got the wind in our favor, let out some soft cow calling and heard nothing.  We waited, called again, and nothing.  I bugled again – still nothing.  As so often happens, he just shut up and was nowhere to be seen.

So we walked back out the road and by the time we walked for 5 minutes the whole place had fogged in. We then spooked another herd probably 100 yards off the road.  We decided to take a break and wait for the fog to lift.  About 1.5 hours into “guess the range of that tree” Trevor said that we hadn’t walked all that way in to this area to sit around.  We loaded up and off we went in the fog.

Not more than 5 minutes from where we had been sitting, I let out another “locator” bugle and instantly got a response.  It came from an area I was real familiar with.  We checked the wind and drew up the game plan.  This bull continued to bugle which made it nice for us to get ahead of him without bumping him.  As we crept through the thick timber Trevor spotted a cow only 70 yards away.  We re-checked the wind and I backed up, upwind of Trevor hoping that the bull would try to get wind on me and end up in his lap.

Little did I know this was going to work too well.  I let out an aggressive bugle followed by some estrus cow calling.  Next thing I see was antler tines coming through the trees at 12 yards, and he was only 7 yards from Trevor and neither of us have drawn.  In fact, I didn’t even have an arrow knocked as I was focused on my duties as the caller.  He had come in completely silent.  From my position all I could see was his antler when he stopped and he was staring a hole right through the tree I was behind the whole time.  Out of the corner of my eye I could see Trevor peeking from beneath the bill of his hat at the bull.  I had a feeling he was going to bust us so I decided I might as well try and nock an arrow.

Finally, the bull took a step and I could see Trevor lifting his bow to draw and thought for sure it was over.  I had also drawn, and the bull stopped with his vitals completely exposed.  I let the arrow fly and watched the pocket right behind the shoulder swallow the arrow!

The bull whirled and bounded off and we heard a loud crash within about 4 seconds.  Still, we decided to wait because we lost sight of the bull.  We quietly went and looked for my arrow.  Nothing.  So we started slowly tracking the bull and found him piled up in an old Hemlock root wad a short distance later – a nice 5×5.

PNB: Sounds like an exciting day for sure!  What is the largest bull killed by way of your calls?

To my knowledge, the biggest bull is a 360” Montana bull taken by John Davis.

PNB: That is a gorgeous bull for sure.  Do you have any calling tips to offer?

I have called in a lot of Roosevelt bulls over the past decade.  Get the wind right, get in tight and give the herd bull no choice but to defend his harem.  When in tight (less than 100 yards) I usually lead off with an estrus whine followed by a challenge bugle.  This has been the best tactic that I have found.

Also, I am very aggressive in my calling.  When I say inside 100 yards, I mean as close as you can get.  I have blown a few setups trying to get too close but I feel that this is better than not getting close enough and having no chance of calling the bull in. Most of the time I am closer to the bull than some of his cows are.  This gives him two choices – leave without some of his cows or come in to the call to retrieve his cow.  Getting a bull to commit to the call is what results in shot opportunities.  Also practice calling as much as possible.  You don’t have to be a world champion elk caller but practice will give you confidence in your calling, which is key when working a bull in close.

PNB:  Are there specific advantages of “open reed” calls?

The main advantage of open reed calls is the ability to sound like multiple elk depending on where you position your mouth and how much pressure is applied to the call.  I also feel that the quality of sound from an open reed call is better than the bite reed style.  I place a green band on my calls.  When pressure is applied it changes the tone giving the call a more nasal/estrus sound that bulls love!

PNB: Do you do custom orders?

Yes, I can make calls out of almost every type of wood.  If the customer wants the call longer, shorter, tuned differently I will do everything I can to accommodate the customer.

PNB: How can people buy/order your calls?

People can call me directly at 360.402.2617 or email me at phelpsgamecalls@yahoo.com.  I also advertise and am a site sponsor on www.hunting-washington.com “jphelps” is my user name.

I will be working on a web page in the future.  Right now, in an effort to keep the prices as low as possible I do not have a web site.

PNB: Changing topics for a moment, in an earlier conversation we had you mentioned Primetime Outdoors.  What’s the story there?

Yeah, Primetime Outdoors is based in southwest Washington and is a group of ordinary hunters who are trying to show that anyone can be successful if they are willing to put in the hard work. Our team has a deep passion for hunting and the outdoors.  We hunt DIY out west on publicly accessible lands. Any hunter can buy over the counter tags and partake in hunts similar to ours.  We like to hang our hats on the fact that this is “real hunting” that can be done by anyone.

We want to bring a dose of realism to the world of hunting television and show our adventures as well as the accomplishments in the field.  Our success is not measured by the size of the antlers, but by mornings on the mountain, the time spent with friends and family, and the nights spent under the stars.  All of our animals are considered trophies.

You can’t be consitently successful unless you spend every possible minute you have “GETTIN AFTER IT“.

Primetime Outdoors will be releasing our debut hunting DVD “Gettin After It” in the Spring of 2011.  The majority of our hunts take place in Washington with three additional mule deer hunts from Montana.  Check out Primetime Outdoor’s Facebook page to see the DVD trailer.  We expect to have a website up and running by the middle of March.

PNB: Well that sounds pretty exciting, Jason.  You’ve been busy, and I like the focus of Primetime – I think you’re promoting the right values at a time that we need it most.  I’ll be sure to order a copy of the DVD when it’s ready.

Thank you for taking the time to share a bit about yourself, your call business and Primetime Outdoors.  I am looking forward to working up some elk magic with your calls this fall on hunts in Washington and Oregon.  Best of luck and thanks again!

The post Interview – Jason Phelps of Phelps Game Calls appeared first on Pacific Northwest Bowhunting.