Why I Like Hunter's Specialties and the Mac Daddy

Even before I saw Wayne Carlton in person using one at my local Bass Pro Shop, I had bought a Mac Daddy elk call. See, as much as I'd like to use a diaphragm and a tube to talk to the elk, I can't. I have a high pallet, so using a diaphragm is almost impossible for me. I'm one of "those folks" that can't curl their tongue or whistle loudly through their lips.

The Mac Daddy is my solution, and what a great solution it is. If you get one, make sure you also get a copy of "The Complete Elk Caller" DVD to go with it so that you can learn how to use it. The CD that comes with the call is o.k., if you have a good ear and love to experiment until you find the right notes/tones. I'm a visual learner, so having go 'ole Wayne on the DVD show me how was MUCH better.

So why do I like Hunter's Specialties? Because they answer the phone and help you with your questions. My question today was "Where do I find replacement diaphragms for the Mac Daddy?". My favorite online store, Cabelas, doesn't show that they carry any and Wayne advised having a couple of spares in the field. I called Hunter's Specialties and within minutes they directed me to Western Recreation Industries. Apparently, HS doesn't want to do business any other way than through their retailers, and that's fine with me, as long as they answer their phones and tell me where to go to get what I need.

An Evening with Wayne Carlton

I went down to my local Bass Pro Shop to hear Wayne Carlton speak tonight. The topic was "Calling Elk to the Gun". I knew of course that there would be the usual product pitch, but that didn't bother me - we all have to make a living.

Wayne was great! He has an amazing mastery of the diaphragm call and it seems like he can create any sound he wants at will. The part I went for was to see and hear him use the Mac Daddy. He didn't disappoint. Seeing him use it to emulate a bull bugling was like watching an artist create a masterpiece. He's that good. Of course, I still have a LONG way to go, but at least I have somewhere to start now.

Thanks Wayne!

Good News, Bad News

The wait has been over for a while, I just forgot to write about it...

I drew a bull tag for the 1st Rifle Season AND I was picked for one of 8 slots in the Green Ranch lottery! That's the good news.

The bad news is that I'm not going back to Seedhouse north of Steamboat with my buddies this year. I just don't have the time to travel to a distant camp, so I'm sticking close to home. Very close to home - my backyard! Good old Unit 38.

Now I have to get my butt out to the shooting range and make sure I'm dialed into my rifle again. That, and learn how to use my nifty new "Mac Daddy" elk call...