Elk call question

[Guest akaspecials]

How often do you replace your diaphram/palate plate elk calls? Do you do any maintenance care besides rinsing them off after use?

 

I pulled out some that were three years old today and they sounded terrible. Curious if I stored them wrong or if they just need to be replaced more often.

[AzDiamondHeat]

I replace mine when I no longer like the sound consistency. No time standard, just how it sounds and feels.

 

I rinse and air dry before putting away.

 

Time does bad things to latex though.

 

Lastly, after 3 years of non use are you sure it is the call that sounds bad? Lol.

[CatfishKev]

Maybe putting some sort of oil (edible non toxic) on them before storage would help? Don't got nothing to lose I suppose.

[NOTAGS]

Mine may last two years stored inside. I usually go down and buy three at a time, because I know at least one will not have the tone I am looking for. I was happy to have to replace mine this spring, because I FINALY drew a tag after 7 years.

[lancetkenyon]

I buy them every time I get drawn for an elk hunt......so about every 18 years.

[Alpinebullwinkle]

I buy new each year. Very seldom happy with the performance after one year of storage indoors on used ones

[Red Sparky]

Yearly. I usually buy two in the spring and wear one out in 3 months practicing. Then the other one is done by the end of elk season. I don't use them a lot but the latex gets loose so they don't sound quite right.

[NOTAGS]

The good thing is once they dont sound quite right for elk, they make pretty good turkey calls….

[AzPlumber]

I buy new for each season but have heard they store better if disinfected with diluted mouth wash and refrigerated..

[elkaholic]

usually the worse - terrible sounding bugle in the woods was a monster bull