Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call Review

Using the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call in the Real World

For years, I’ve relied on Primos Hunting gear for its perceived reliability and straightforward approach to game calls. My journey into elk country has been marked by a constant pursuit of authentic sounds, and the allure of mastering different elk vocalizations is a significant part of that. The Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call promised a comprehensive solution to reproducing every distinct elk sound, from cow chirps to mature bull bugles, all in a value-packed set. My primary motivation for purchasing this pack was to add a versatile set of mouth calls to my hunting vest, aiming to increase my calling success and overall engagement with elk. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of practical utility; the calls felt standard, and the included protective case seemed like a sensible addition. I had briefly considered other brands known for their advanced diaphragm designs, but the appeal of a three-call pack at this price point was compelling. The overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, hoping this pack would live up to its claims of speaking the “LanGauge” of elk.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call took place during late summer scouting trips in areas known for elk activity, and later, during an early archery season hunt. I focused on replicating various cow and calf sounds first, as these are often the foundation for eliciting responses from bulls. The pack includes three distinct calls: a Mini Sonic Dome Double, a Sonic Dome Single, and a Sonic Dome Triple, each intended for different sound profiles. Unfortunately, my first few attempts were met with a distinctly unpleasant, raspy sound, far from the clear tones I was aiming for. It seemed that achieving a clean cow mew or a calf’s distress call was proving to be a significant challenge.

The diaphragms felt a bit too stiff, and the reed placement required a considerable amount of air pressure and precise lip and tongue manipulation to produce anything remotely resembling an elk vocalization. After considerable effort, I managed to produce a weak, choked sound that barely resembled a cow call, and even then, it was inconsistent. There was a noticeable learning curve with these calls, much steeper than with other diaphragm calls I’ve used for different species. The protective case, while functional for storage, didn’t offer much in terms of usability in the field; it was a bit cumbersome to quickly swap calls.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use, including multiple days in the field during the hunting season, the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call pack remained my primary calling tool. Despite my initial struggles, I persevered, spending time before and during hunts practicing with each of the three calls. The “dying kitten” sound I initially described became a recurring theme, especially with the double and triple reed calls, which seemed to be particularly prone to unwanted rasp and choking. The single reed call offered slightly more control, but still lacked the clarity and range I expected for realistic elk sounds.

In terms of durability, the calls themselves have held up physically; there are no cracks or tears in the diaphragms, and the latex remains intact. However, the consistent struggle to produce quality sounds suggests a functional wear-and-tear on my ability to use them effectively rather than on the calls themselves. They haven’t shown any signs of physical degradation, but their performance hasn’t improved significantly with practice. Cleaning is straightforward – a quick rinse with water is all that’s needed for this type of call, and they dry reasonably quickly. Compared to some high-end, custom-tuned mouth calls I’ve used in the past, these felt distinctly less responsive and more demanding in terms of user technique, often to the point of frustration.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call

Specifications

The Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call is presented as a solution for hunters seeking to mimic a wide array of elk vocalizations. The pack contains three distinct mouth calls, designed to cover the spectrum from cow and calf sounds to mature bull grunts and bugles. The calls utilize a Sonic Dome technology, offered in Mini Sonic Dome Double, Sonic Dome Single, and Sonic Dome Triple reed configurations.

These varying reed counts are intended to provide different tonal qualities and volumes, with the intention of mimicking the subtle nuances of elk communication. The calls are designed to be simple to use, making them suitable for beginners, and come with a See Thru Mouth Call Case for storage and protection. The manufacturer, Primos Hunting, positions this pack as offering excellent value for its intended purpose.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – producing realistic elk sounds – the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call falls short for me. While the concept of having single, double, and triple reed options is sound, the execution seemed to result in a consistent, unwanted rasp. The calls produced were often difficult to control, with a tendency to choke up, making clear cow mews or sharp bull bugles elusive. It felt like I was fighting the call to get any usable sound out of it.

The only sounds I could reliably produce were rough, breathy grunts or a weak, dying-animal squeal. Achieving the advertised ability to “reproduce every distinct sound that elk make” felt like an overstatement based on my experience. While they might produce a sound, the realism and range required for effective elk calling were significantly lacking for my skill level and expectations. This is a noticeable weakness when compared to other calls where even basic practice yields more authentic results.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call is typical for most diaphragm calls: latex reeds stretched over a frame, designed to be held against the roof of the mouth. The frames themselves feel standard and robust enough, and the latex material appears to be of decent quality. The concept behind the Sonic Dome design is to channel sound effectively, and in theory, it should enhance clarity.

However, the ergonomics are heavily dictated by the user’s ability to manipulate their tongue, lips, and diaphragm. For me, the reed thickness and placement on these calls made them less forgiving than other models. There was a definite learning curve, and even after considerable practice, the calls felt somewhat awkward to control, often requiring excessive air and precise placement to avoid that characteristic rasp. The See Thru Mouth Call Case is a practical inclusion for organization, but it’s not particularly ergonomic for quick access during an active calling sequence.

Durability & Maintenance

As mentioned, the physical durability of the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call seems adequate. The latex reeds have not torn, and the plastic frames are intact. For a consumable item like a mouth call, which can degrade over time due to saliva and use, these seem capable of lasting a reasonable period if their performance were satisfactory. However, the constant effort required to produce usable sounds might actually accelerate wear on the reeds due to the excessive air pressure and manipulation involved.

Maintenance is minimal, consisting of simple rinsing and air-drying. There are no complex parts to worry about. Potential concerns lie more in the long-term effectiveness of the calls rather than their physical breakdown. If the sound quality remains consistently poor, their lifespan becomes a moot point, as a hunter would likely seek more effective alternatives.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call is the See Thru Mouth Call Case. This case holds all three calls securely and allows for quick identification of which call is which. It’s a simple, functional protective case that helps keep the calls clean and organized in a hunting pack.

There are no inherent customization options for the calls themselves, as they are pre-set with their specific reed configurations. The pack is designed to offer variety within its three included calls, rather than allowing for user modification. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is not applicable, as these are standalone mouth calls.

Pros and Cons of Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call

Who Should Buy Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call?

The Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call is best suited for absolute beginners to elk calling who are looking for an inexpensive way to experiment with mouth calls. If you’re just starting out and want to understand the basics of diaphragm calling without a significant financial investment, this pack can serve as a starting point. It allows you to try different reed counts to see what feels most comfortable to manipulate.

However, serious or experienced elk hunters who demand realism and control should probably skip this product. If you need to produce nuanced cow calls, challenging bugles, or realistic bull grunts with confidence, you will likely find these calls lacking. Instead, consider investing in higher-end, professionally tuned calls from reputable brands known for their sound quality and responsiveness. For those starting out, I’d also recommend looking for online tutorials that specifically address diaphragm call technique, as mastering any mouth call requires practice and good instruction.

Conclusion on Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call

The Primos Hunting MTA Elk 3 Pack Game Call presents a clear dilemma: it offers undeniable value in terms of quantity and price, but critically falters on the quality of sound production for realistic elk communication. While the Primos Hunting brand is generally respected, this particular offering, in my hands, struggled to deliver on its promise of “speaking the LanGauge” of elk effectively. The physical build is sound, and the inclusion of a protective case is a practical touch.

However, the persistent rasp and lack of control over vocalizations make it a frustrating tool for anything beyond basic, rudimentary sounds. The price point of $17.95 is certainly attractive for a three-pack, but the performance does not justify it if your goal is to reliably call elk. I cannot personally recommend this pack for anyone other than the most absolute beginner who is simply trying to get a feel for mouth calls without much investment. For those seeking to improve their odds in the field, a more refined and responsive call set, even if it means spending a bit more, would be a far wiser choice.