
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode of Cutting the Distance, we dive into a Pendleton Whisky Q&A session that tackles some of the most common—and most critical—questions elk hunters have heading into the season. Jason Phelps shares what to do when your cameras are lighting up with elk but not many bulls, how often you can realistically expect a bull to respond to your calling, and his personal breakdown process when it comes time to put meat on the ground. He also explores where to start your search in a new unit.
Then we shift gears into calling strategy—breaking down the basic elk vocalizations every hunter should know, from cow mews to challenge bugles, and when to use them. You'll learn how to adapt your tactics as the rut progresses, how to tell a believable story through your calls, and what it means when a bull cuts you off mid-bugle. Whether you’re brand new to elk hunting or just trying to refine your setup, this episode is packed with real-world insight that can tip the odds in your favor this fall.
Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls
MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips
Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube
Shop Phelps Merch
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By MeatEater4.9
67516,751 ratings
In this episode of Cutting the Distance, we dive into a Pendleton Whisky Q&A session that tackles some of the most common—and most critical—questions elk hunters have heading into the season. Jason Phelps shares what to do when your cameras are lighting up with elk but not many bulls, how often you can realistically expect a bull to respond to your calling, and his personal breakdown process when it comes time to put meat on the ground. He also explores where to start your search in a new unit.
Then we shift gears into calling strategy—breaking down the basic elk vocalizations every hunter should know, from cow mews to challenge bugles, and when to use them. You'll learn how to adapt your tactics as the rut progresses, how to tell a believable story through your calls, and what it means when a bull cuts you off mid-bugle. Whether you’re brand new to elk hunting or just trying to refine your setup, this episode is packed with real-world insight that can tip the odds in your favor this fall.
Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls
MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips
Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube
Shop Phelps Merch
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4,836 Listeners

2,802 Listeners

2,924 Listeners

38,050 Listeners

560 Listeners

632 Listeners

160 Listeners

1,614 Listeners

1,175 Listeners

9,629 Listeners

255 Listeners

7,433 Listeners

1,864 Listeners

421 Listeners

447 Listeners

128 Listeners

411 Listeners