1. Strategic Partnership: The MT E.L.K., Inc. Value Proposition
In Montana, your word is your bond, and your gear is the difference between a loaded truck and an empty freezer. Here at MT E.L.K., Inc., we don’t just look at a dealer relationship as a way to move units; we see it as a handshake between folks who respect the high country. When you start stocking your pegs with our calls, you aren’t just adding inventory—you’re bringing in a legacy born on the 31 million acres of public land we call our backyard. With 35% of Montana serving as our testing ground, our "Montana-made" label isn't a marketing gimmick; it’s a field-proven guarantee that these tools will perform when the September rush hits your shop.
For the independent "mom and pop" retailer, competing with the big-box giants is about offering expertise and authenticity they can’t replicate. The MT E.L.K. Inc. edge lies in precision-engineered tools that are easy for a novice to pick up but have the range a professional guide demands. We build "musical instruments" for the woods—calls that provide a realistic, nasally vibration that an elk’s radar-like ears can’t distinguish from the real thing. By filling your shelves with gear that actually works at the moment of truth, you build the kind of trust that keeps customers coming back to your counter season after season.
2. The Livingston Legacy: Our History and the Game Calling Revolution
To truly sell these calls, you have to understand where they came from. We’re headquartered in Livingston, Montana, and our story is tied to the very men who taught the world how to talk to elk. This brand was forged through the legendary collaboration between game calling pioneer Don Laubach and filmmaker Gordon Eastman. Don didn't just "document" hunting; he invented the tools that changed it forever. Through films like The Art of Elk Hunting and Talk to the Deer, Don and Gordon showed the world that you don't have to just scream at a bull to get his attention—you have to speak his language.
The breakthrough came with the "Cow Talk" call. Before Don’s innovation, everyone was focused on aggressive bugling. Don realized that elk communicate year-round through the language of cows and calves. This shift totally revolutionized the sport.
"You invented the cow call which totally revolutionized elk hunting... people don't even use a bugle anymore most of the time." — Gordon Eastman
That historical weight is in every call we ship. We’ve moved from those first prototypes to a catalog of precision instruments that allow every hunter to join the conversation.
3. The Product Edge: Why Hunters Choose MT E.L.K.
Repeat business in a small shop is driven by one thing: results in the field. If a hunter buys a call from you and tags out, you’ve got a customer for life. Our products are designed from the hunter’s perspective, prioritizing that specific "nasally" tone. Why? Because when an elk or deer blows air through its nose, it creates a unique vibration. Most generic calls sound too "clean." Ours provide that gritty, realistic resonance that tricks an animal's natural defenses.
Our Flagship Lineup
The Original "Cow Talk" Call: This is the Montana original that started it all. For $15.99 retail, it’s the most effective tool a hunter can carry. It’s a year-round language tool, capable of calf sounds on one end and adult cow sounds on the other. It’s the "Deer Stopper" for elk—stopping a wounded or moving bull to give the hunter that vital second or third chance.
The Power Bugle (Pro Edition): This isn't just a tube; it’s a fully adjustable musical instrument. All notes and pitches are regulated by the hunter’s blowing, allowing for realistic squeals, grunts, and full-rut bugles.
The Retail Win: The Pro Edition comes standard with a Monster Camo cover, an elastic lanyard, and a protective cap designed to store extra Power Bands.
Versatility: By using the Grey or Black bands, the Power Bugle can even produce cow sounds, making it a multi-purpose tool for the backcountry.
The Deer Talk (The Deer Stopper): Don Laubach and Gordon Eastman discovered that deer have a language all their own. This call mimics the "common doe" and "fawn distress" sounds. It is famous for being the "Deer Stopper"—holding a buck for 5 to 30 seconds to allow for a clean shot. It’s equally effective on Mule Deer, Whitetail, and Blacktail.
The Power Band System
Our technical advantage is our "musical" heart—the Power Bands. We provide three thicknesses to allow the hunter to tune their pitch for different species and social situations:
White Band: The thickest band, producing the deepest, lowest pitches for mature bulls or bucks.
Grey Band: Medium thickness; the "all-around" band for higher pitches and versatility.
Black Band: The thinnest and highest pitch; perfect for sensitive cow vocalizations or fawn sounds.
4. The Dealer Roadmap: Full Expectations from A to Z
We value the operational rigor of our partners. Whether you are a local shop looking to stock a few pegs or a larger regional outfit, we provide a clear path for growth.
Category | Dealer Program | Distributor Program |
Initial Order Minimum | $200.00 (Dealer Cost) | $2,000.00 |
Re-order Minimum | $100.00 | $400.00 |
Primary Function | Direct retail via storefront/web. | Wholesale to established retail accounts. |
U.S. Payment Terms | Credit Card (Initial); Net 30 (Qualified). | 2% 30, Net 60 (Qualified). |
Discrepancy Window | 5 Days from invoice ship date. | 10 Days from invoice ship date. |
The Order Lifecycle
Submission: Purchase orders must be emailed to office@elkinc.com. Include the buyer’s name, phone, and email on every PO.
Payment: First-time orders must be paid in full (including shipping) before we ship. Qualified US accounts can move to Net 30 for re-orders. International orders must be fully prepaid via wire transfer.
Verification: Check your boxes immediately. You have a firm 5-day window to report any discrepancies. We keep our supply chain tight so your shelves stay full.
5. Operational Excellence: Logistics, Shipping, and Terms
Strict compliance ensures we can support "Mom and Pop" shops without the headaches of a messy supply chain.
Shipping: We do not use FedEx. We standardize on USPS Ground or UPS Ground to keep your rates reasonable.
Drop Shipping: To protect our brand and your local territory, we have a No Drop Ship policy. We want our dealers to have the gear in hand for their customers.
Freight Incentive: For those looking to grow, orders over $2,000 qualify for prepaid freight (per PO).
Warranty & Returns: We stand by our craftsmanship. All returns require prior authorization via office@elkinc.com and must be in original packaging within 30 days. Defective merchandise is covered by our manufacturer’s warranty, while a restocking fee may apply to non-defective returns.
6. Brand Stewardship: Marketing and Compliance
A unified brand image helps us all. When a hunter sees the MT E.L.K. logo, they should see Montana quality.
Social Media & Public Relations: We encourage you to share the legacy. However, any customer service issues or technical disputes must be directed to support@elkinc.com rather than being handled in public forums or social media comments.
The "Don'ts": Do not modify, stretch, or recolor our logos. Do not use "MT E.L.K." or "ELK INC" in your independent website domain name (e.g., www.mtelkcalls-yourshop.com is prohibited).
Support Tools: You have access to our official product photography and seasonal digital assets. We also highly recommend our YouTube Membership Program for in-depth training from Ryan Laubach and the team to help your staff become expert callers.
7. Onboarding: Joining the MT E.L.K. Family
Becoming an authorized dealer is a commitment to the traditions of the field and the ethics of the hunt. We’re ready to help you bring the Livingston Legacy to your local hunters.
Your "Welcome to the Family" Checklist:
Application: Complete the Dealer Application in full.
License: Provide a clear copy of your valid Business License.
Tax ID: Submit your EIN for tax purposes.
Credit References: If you’re seeking Net 30 terms, provide three professional credit references.
Opening Order: Submit your initial order of at least $200.00 at dealer cost.
At MT E.L.K., Inc., we don't just manufacture calls—we build the bridge to a successful hunt. We look forward to being your partner in every season.
MT E.L.K., INC. 107 Sun Ave | PO Box 473 Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 517-8923 | office@elkinc.com www.elkinc.com
