How a La Grande girl became the World Elk Calling Champion

Maybe you’ve seen a herd of elk before. But have you heard the herd? Better yet, have you tried calling one over?
If you have no idea what an elk sounds like, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, there are many people who not only know the sounds of elk, but compete in imitating their noises. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we had the chance to talk with colleague Sam Swindler, who recently met with Ella Lees, the youngest ever Women’s World Elk Calling Champion.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

12-year-old Ella Lees started elk calling lessons with her uncle, Mike Kaup, when she was nine.

Elk sounds vary from grunts, screams and coos.

Elk callers use a diaphragm reed along with a bugle tube to replicate the noises.

Hear what an elk battle sounds like between Ella and her uncle.


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