http://stores.elknut.com/Categories.bok?category=Elk+Calls%2C+etc Gary, yes we do carry a Kit called the Chuckler Kit on our Site, the link above will show it to you. It comes with a Grunt Tube Bugle, one hour DVD Mastering The Mouth Reed, 2 mouth diaphragm elk calls. It's a very good Kit for both the beginner or veteran elk caller. The mouth reeds that come with it are a very soft & user friendly latex. As a beginner you will need this type of call so you can see quick progress in your calling practice. You need to start with a single reed call that's provided. You do not want to start with double & triple reed calls as they are very tough to learn on & are for more experienced callers that have their tongue muscles built up for that heavier tension. You will be easily frustrated if you do so!
The DVD will take you in detail how to correctly use the mouth reeds & how to make a good number of both Bull & Cow sounds alike. We also offer that same Kit in an XTR version, meaning it's available with an External Reed built in Reed for those that have a tough time using mouth calls. If interested on what either of these Chuckler Bugles sound like here's a short Video Clip on what you can expect from them. There's also a clip on the Mouth Reed DVD there too.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=elknut&aq=f As far as the use of Elk Calls go in the area you're hunting you always need to go prepared & ready to use both cow sounds & bull sounds when needed. OTC general season hunts or private lands makes no difference in what you take with you. It's all in knowing when to use what sound so you "fit in" to a present encounter. More importantly, you only need to master aprox 6 sounds & this is easily done in a short time. These sounds can be used or adapted to about any encounter, the trick is to use the right sound at the right time to avoid unnecessary hang-ups. Your most important elk knowledge will come into play when it's time to identify a particular sound. It's not how many sounds you know to imitate it's how many can you hear & understand.
When you can do this you now can identify a situation & approach it with confidence & know what the elk are asking for or wanting instead of just thinking that there's elk over there! You want to identify the sound & situation at hand & act accordingly. Sometimes sounds on your part are needed & other encounters do not require sounds just good stealthiness.
I personally would not hunt elk without having the right tools. I carry both a Bugle & Reeds, I can make nearly any elk sound with these. With all the bulls we've taken 90% have fallen to bull sounds. Like any elk sound "timing" is everything! Bulls & cows alike can be communicated with regardless of area hunted. Use sounds they expect to hear under varying situations & you will experience far less hangups or have the frame of mind that the elk are call shy. Elk can & are call shy to callers who have no idea what they're saying in their efforts to talk to elk, most hunters will throw out an elk sound because they heard an elk or are trying to get elk to come their way by use of cow calling. Elk can get very wise to this quickly whether it's from a bugle or cow call especially on heavily hunted areas. It's up to us as hunters to educate ourselves & not the elk & be the best we can be when in the elks environment! We must "fit in" not stick out & cause reason for alarm! Good Luck!
ElkNut1