Ever wondered what sound makes a coyote or fox perk up their ears in the woods? It’s not magic; it’s a carefully chosen predator call. These tools can unlock incredible hunting opportunities, but stepping into the world of predator calling can feel like entering a noisy store with no map. You see plastic tubes, electronic boxes, and mouth reeds of every shape and size.
Choosing the right call is tough. Should you get a diaphragm call for sharp distress sounds, or maybe an electronic caller with hundreds of pre-loaded tracks? Many hunters buy the wrong gear, waste precious time learning complicated devices, and end up spooking the very animals they hoped to see. Frustration sets in when the woods stay quiet despite your best efforts.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of predator calls available, explain what sounds work best for different situations, and show you how to choose the perfect tool for your hunting style. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge to select a call that brings predators closer, not scares them away.
Top Predator Calls Recommendations
- An industry-leading 300-yard remote range to help you keep hidden when hunting.
- New high fidelity sound technology
- Play multiple sounds simultaneously
- 15 professional sounds included
- Backlit buttons for night hunting
- 150-yard remote range allows for flexibility in caller placement out in the field. More distance from caller = less chance of scaring off your game.
- Easy-to-use remote, giving you access to 15 professionally recorded and composed sounds that are included on every Furnado.
- Wrapped in realistic-looking fur and includes furry decoy topper, both designed to assist in luring in the game you're hunting.
- Up to 40 hours of battery life, outlasting other products in the same category. (4) AA batteries and (1) A23 battery required.
- Top-notch plastic results in our top-notch durability resulting in a much more durable product to throw in the truck and carry in and out of the field.
- Proudly Made in the USA.
- The FOXPRO Hellcat is a digital game call and decoy designed for all hunters, known for its portability and affordability.
- Comes with 175 sounds (75 Premium Sounds plus FOXPRO's Free Sound Library) and can store up to 300 sounds.
- Features the TX433XL transmitter with a larger LCD screen, elastomeric keypad, and easy navigation through sound categories.
- Includes a built-in decoy with a bluebird topper for added realism to attract predators.
- 300 yard remote control range
- 100 yard Bluetooth range
- Plays two sounds simultaneously - Included 2 play buttons and 2 pause buttons
- Includes 165 sounds (Featuring 15 sounds from Tony Tebbe of Predator University)
- Store up to 2,000 sounds on the included 32GB SD card
- 300-yard remote range - Play two sounds simultaneously
- Bluetooth range up to 100-yards
- New crystal audio sound clarity
- 30 professional audio calls
- Backlit buttons for night hunting
- Proudly Made in the USA from the # 1 predator call company in the world. Easy to use, portable all-in-one digital game call and decoy that delivers big volume with advanced features for Coyotes, Fox, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Wolf, Bear, Raccoons, Crows, Deer, Elk, Moose, Hogs and more.
- Features the popular TX-1000 remote control with Full-Color graphic backlit LCD screen with durable raised backlit buttons and includes these Fox Features: FoxBang, FoxCast, and Auto-Volume. Remote operates on 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Lithium Battery Pack and Wall Charger Included
- Includes 100 premium FOXPRO sounds and can store 1000 sounds via the USB-C port. Also includes over 100 sounds from FOXPRO’s free sound library.
- Programmed with 10 Professional Calling Stands/Sequences to take the Pro’s from FOXPRO with you in the field. Simply select a Sequence to target a specific species, and the Hellcat Pro will automatically select all sounds and volume levels. No additional input is needed from you. Keep your eyes out in front of you instead of on the remote control for more success. Create your own sequences for even greater customization.
- 100 Johnny Stewart Premium Calls
- 3.5 Horn Speaker reaching 120dB
- Easily set QSET & Favorite Calls
- Sequential Call Feature - Set calls to play in order
- Powered by 8 AA Batteries (Base) & 4 AA Batteries (Remote)
- The X24 comes with 100 high-quality FOXPRO sounds and over 100 sounds from FOXPRO's Free Sound Library,
- FOXMOTION Mimic moving prey by fading sound from left speaker to right one.
- FOXDATA Activate FOXDATA and it records real time information (temp, barometer, moon phase, stand duration, shot time) from each stand. Over time you will be able to predict animal activity/hunting success based on hard data.
- FOXCAST Virtually hands-free calling with FOXCAST sequence files.
- AUTO VOLUME Automatically ramps up and modulates your volume.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Predator Calls
Calling predators like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats can make your hunting trip much more exciting. A good predator call mimics the sounds these animals make. Choosing the right call makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a predator call, look closely at what it can do. These features help you sound more real to the animals.
Sound Versatility
- Range of Sounds: The best calls produce many different noises. Look for calls that make distress squeals (for rabbits), yips and barks (for coyotes), and chirps. A versatile call lets you adapt to what the predator responds to.
- Ease of Sound Change: Can you switch sounds quickly? If a coyote doesn’t answer the first sound, you need to change fast. Easy-to-use dials or interchangeable mouthpieces are great.
Ease of Use and Control
- Volume Control: You need to call animals near and far. Good calls let you adjust the volume easily. Low volume works best for close encounters, while high volume reaches distant animals.
- Breath Control: How much effort does the call take? Some calls require strong lungs. Others are easier to operate, which helps new users.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your call affects its sound quality and how long it lasts. Good materials resist wear and tear from weather.
Body Material
- Durable Plastics: Most quality mouth calls use hard, tough plastics. These materials hold their shape, which keeps the reed functioning correctly for clear sounds.
- Wood vs. Plastic: Some traditional calls use wood (like cedar or walnut). Wood often produces a warmer, more natural sound, but it can swell or crack in rain or humidity. Plastic is generally more weather-resistant.
Reed Quality
The reed is the most important part; it makes the sound. High-quality reeds are thin and flexible. They should be made from materials that do not warp easily when wet or hot. A damaged reed makes a raspy, unnatural sound that scares animals away.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all calls sound the same, even if they look similar. Pay attention to these quality factors.
What Makes a Call Better
- Consistency: A high-quality call produces the exact same sound every time you blow it the same way. This consistency builds trust with the predator.
- Tuning: Many top calls come “hand-tuned.” This means a skilled person adjusted the reed setup to ensure the pitch and tone are perfect.
What Lowers the Quality
- Manufacturing Imperfections: Cheaply made calls often have rough edges or misaligned parts. These flaws distort the sound, making it sound like a bad imitation.
- Sensitivity to Moisture: If a call starts sounding weak or buzzing after just a little morning dew, its material quality is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and where you plan to hunt. This guides your choice between electronic calls and traditional mouth calls.
Mouth Calls (Diaphragm or Open-Squeaker Style)
- Pros: They are light, silent to carry, and hands-free once you learn how to use them. They are perfect for hunters who move around a lot.
- Cons: They require practice. Beginners often struggle to make clear sounds right away.
Electronic Calls
- Pros: Electronic calls play pre-recorded, perfect sounds. They offer great volume and many sound options. They are easy for beginners to use immediately.
- Cons: They are bulkier to carry, need batteries, and some animals avoid them because they sound too “perfect” or repetitive.
If you hunt in dense brush, a small, easy-to-hold mouth call works best. If you hunt large open fields and need maximum volume, an electronic unit might be your better choice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Predator Calls
Q: What is the most important sound a predator call should make?
A: The most important sound is usually a rabbit in distress (a squeal). Most predators, like coyotes and foxes, hunt rabbits, so this sound often gets their attention first.
Q: Do I need a different call for coyotes and foxes?
A: Not always. Many versatile calls handle both well. However, fox calls often focus more on high-pitched chirps, while coyote calls focus on yips and howls. A call with many sound options is best.
Q: How do I keep my mouth call working well?
A: Always keep your call dry when you are not using it. Store it in a small plastic bag or case. Never leave it in direct sunlight or extreme cold for long periods.
Q: How long does it take to learn how to use a mouth call?
A: It varies for everyone. Some people make a decent sound in an hour. Others might take several weeks of practice to get the clear, consistent sounds needed for hunting.
Q: What is the difference between a yelp and a howl?
A: A yelp is a short, sharp, high-pitched sound often used to challenge or locate another coyote. A howl is a longer, drawn-out vocalization used over long distances.
Q: Should I buy an electronic call if I am a beginner?
A: Electronic calls are often easier for beginners because the sounds are pre-recorded and perfect. They let you focus on setting up your location instead of perfecting your blowing technique.
Q: What does “hand-tuned” mean for a call?
A: Hand-tuning means a person adjusted the reed setup by hand to ensure the call produces the exact right pitch and tone needed to sound like a real animal.
Q: Can predators hear an electronic call too well?
A: Yes, sometimes. If an electronic call sounds too loud or too repetitive, experienced predators might recognize it as fake and avoid the area.
Q: How far away can a good predator call reach?
A: A high-quality mouth call can often be heard clearly for about a quarter mile (400 yards) on a still day. Electronic calls with good speakers can project sound much farther.
Q: What is the best time of year to use predator calls?
A: Calling can work year-round, but it is often most effective during the late winter and early spring when coyotes are establishing territories or breeding. Fall calling is also popular.