Buying guide for best predator calls
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Hunting can be pretty tricky, especially for beginners who aren’t skilled at tracking animal activity. Even if you are an experienced hunter, you can increase your success rate by a large margin by using a predator call to attract animals such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons and rabbits. A predator call is essentially a whistle of sorts that emits a sound to lure game into your vicinity, making it easier to track animals rather than blindly searching for them.
The best predator calls are easy to use and feature a few distinct sounds for attracting different animals. It’s also best to consider the range of a predator call since the farther away it works, the more effective and helpful it is. We’ve rounded up the best predator calls for improving your hunting skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vet.
Our top pick is the FoxPro X-Series, which offers more than a hundred calls and sounds as well as special features that accurately mimic moving prey.
Which predator call is best?
FoxPro X-Series
Best of the Best
Battery Life/Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium Battery | Volume Control: Auto Volume | Weather Resistance: IPX4 | Portability (size/weight): 11.5" x 10.5" x 8.25"; 5 lb | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Horn
The FoxPro X-Series X24 is a sophisticated predator call that mimics moving prey by fading sound from the left to right speaker. It’s a compact option featuring an Xtreme High-Definition speaker with a tweeter for improved frequency response and a color LCD that displays active sound lists and categories.
The handle folds out so the call can be positioned correctly on different terrains, and the audio jack allows you to connect an external device, such as a Jack Predator Decoy, for increased volume and range. It features more than a hundred sounds and calls, a barometer indicator, battery life indicator, moon phase indicator and temperature indicator.
It’s one of the most expensive predator calls, but for hunting enthusiasts, you won’t want to consider anything else. It records data in real time, and over time, you can accurately predict animal activity for greater success in the long run.
Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls
Best Bang for the Buck
Power Source: NA | Volume Control: Yes | Weather Resistance: NA | Portability (size/weight): NA; 5.29 oz | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Horn
This bare-bones predator call is a fine choice for novice hunters or anyone who wants something cheap for tracking prey. Able to produce natural tones that are effective for attracting coyotes, it has an impressive range and is versatile for various hunting situations.
It has an innovative design that provides two distinct calls: a coyote rage call and a dying rabbit call. The coyote rage call allows you to produce realistic-sounding yips, howls and barks without having to use your hand too much to change tones. The dying rabbit offers a long-distance range for grabbing the attention of faraway critters and a short-distance range for luring nearby animals. To adjust the volume and tones, all you need to do is squeeze the exhaust bell.
If you’re just starting to get into hunting, we recommend forgetting about one of the more expensive predator calls for this easy-to-use and affordable option. It can work just as well as the best predator calls, and once you master it, you can easily attract coyotes, foxes and other animals.
Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call
Professional-quality Sounds
Power Source: 4 AA Batteries and 1 A23 Battery | Volume Control: Yes | Weather Resistance: NA | Portability (size/weight): NA | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Cone
The Icotec 300+ is a mid-tier predator call that’s best for experienced hunters who want to increase their hunting success rate. Its 300-yard remote range is perfect for helping hunters stay hidden while drawing out predators.
It boasts high-fidelity sound technology that produces lifelike tones, and unlike some of the more basic predator calls on the market, this one can emit multiple sounds simultaneously. It comes loaded with 15 professionally recorded sounds, and the long-lasting battery life means you can hunt for hours without worrying about changing batteries. Plus, it has backlit buttons for nighttime hunting and a Bluetooth connectivity range of up to 100 yards for situations calling for increased stealth.
The sound quality is superb, and it has a sturdy build with a rubber handle that makes it convenient for carrying in the field. It also features an audio jack for an external speaker, and the remote is compact enough to clip onto your belt or utility bag. Overall, it’s a solid call and one of the best values considering the price.
FoxPro Prowler
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Power Source: 4 AA Batteries | Volume Control: Yes | Weather Resistance: IPX4 | Portability (size/weight): 7.5" x 3.75" x 5" / 1.45 lb | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Horn
The FoxPro Prowler isn’t nearly as comprehensive as our top pick, the FoxPro X24. However, it’s an excellent option for those who want a predator call that’s easy to use and delivers results while hunting.
For starters, the FoxPro Prowler weighs under 2 pounds, making it one of the lightest and most compact digital game calls. The large LCD screen lets you navigate through 175 calls, including 75 premium FoxPro calls. It has an external speaker jack and an auxiliary jack that work with the FoxJack 5, X-Decoy and other devices that can enhance your hunting experience. The battery life can last anywhere from three to seven hours, depending on usage.
If you’re looking for a mix of value and performance, the FoxPro Prowler is a no-brainer. Its super-portable build and long-lasting battery life make it suitable for extended hunting sessions, and although it comes with 175 sounds, the USB port allows for expansion for up to 300.
Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call
Best Handheld Predator Call
Power Source: 3 AAA Batteries | Volume Control: NA | Weather Resistance: NA | Portability (size/weight): 4” x 7” x 9”; 7.2 oz | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Horn
Most of our top picks are predator calls packed with features that are designed to enhance the hunting experience. However, if you’re a novice or beginner and want something basic for luring animals, this call is more than enough to get you started.
The neat thing about this predator call is that, unlike others that have LCDs for sound navigation, this one has dedicated buttons for the five preloaded calls. It doesn’t offer as much diversity or options as other calls, but it’s perfect for beginners who prefer something more practical and easy to use. Its portability is also one of its key features, as this call can fit in your pocket, and the ergonomic design with the EZ thumb dial makes it a snap to interrupt calls on the fly.
It comes equipped with the five essential calls for attracting the most common game species: a coyote howl, a cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit distress, pup yips and fawn distress. It’s not the most comprehensive predator call by any means, but it’s excellent for newbie hunters and gets the job done.
Icotec Furnado Predator Game Caller Decoy Combo
Best for Racoons
Power Source: 4 AA batteries and 1 A23 Battery | Volume Control: NA | Weather Resistance: NA | Portability (size/weight): NA | Speaker Type (horn/cone): Cone
A solid mid-tier predator call, the Icotec Furnado Predator Game Caller offers an innovative strategy for attracting critters. It’s the most unique-looking predator call out of all our favorites, and most of that can be attributed to the fact that it’s a stationary call wrapped in realistic-looking fur.
It has a 150-yard remote range for placement in the field, which decreases the chance of scaring off attracted game. The remote is easy to use and comes loaded with 15 sounds. The high-quality plastic gives it a durable construction that’s built to last. Plus, the 40-hour battery life is among the best you’ll get for any predator call.
This predator call is much more strategically focused than our other favorites, as it requires hunters to plant it and lure animals toward it with remote calls. It’s not as versatile as other predator calls, but it’s an excellent call/decoy combo that works wonders at attracting animals such as raccoons and coyotes.
How we analyzed the best predator calls
There are countless predator calls on the market, but not all are created equal. To find the best options, we scoured the internet for data and reviews on various predator calls. Researching customer reviews and user reviews, combined with an analysis of specs, features, design and performance, allowed us to compile our list of the best predator calls. We also searched for products in multiple price ranges so our top picks can suit any skill level and budget.
Types of predator calls
Mouth (manual) calls
Mouth calls work like traditional whistles, as you blow into the call, it creates sounds that imitate distress calls, prey animal calls or predator calls. They’re the most lightweight and portable predator calls and provide greater control over the sound than digital predator calls, which have preset sounds. They’re also highly affordable, costing under $30, and don’t require batteries or other power sources.
It’s important to note that it takes practice to master a mouth call, and it may be challenging for a complete beginner to use it effectively. It may not be as loud or varied in sounds as electronic calls.
Electronic calls
Electronic calls are devices that play pre-recorded sounds, such as distress calls, mating calls, or the sounds of other animals, with a simple push of a button. They offer a wide variety of sound options, are easy to use and often have long-range capabilities. Many models are programmable, allowing you to load additional calls as needed. They’re more expensive and bulkier than mouth calls but excellent for beginners due to ease of use. Also, they require batteries or an external power source. Some models use disposable AA or AAA batteries, while others feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Key features to consider
Sound quality
Whether you’re using an electronic or mouth call, the sound must be clear and realistic. High-quality predator calls produce sharp, accurate sounds that closely mimic the prey or predator you're trying to imitate. Mouth calls let you adjust the tones to produce different sounds, and electronic calls often come with a variety of pre-loaded sounds, such as distress calls, howls and animal calls like rabbits or birds. More sounds give you flexibility in different hunting scenarios.
Our top picks: Sound quality
- FoxPro X-Series X24: The sound quality is superb, and it comes preloaded with more than 100 calls for attracting coyotes, foxes, crows, hogs and more.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: It’s a mouth call, so it’s not as versatile as electronic calls, but it offers two distinct calls.
- Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call: It features high-fidelity sound technology, 15 preloaded sounds and allows users to play two sounds simultaneously.
- FoxPro Prowler: This call comes with a whopping 175-sound library, and thanks to a USB port, it can store up to 300 sounds.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: It’s a solid call for beginners, featuring five calls for drawing out rabbits and coyotes.
Volume and range
Calls with adjustable volume allow you to control how far the sound will travel, which is crucial in windy or noisy environments. For electronic calls, louder sounds can reach predators from a greater distance. Especially important for open terrain, the range should be sufficient to attract predators from far away, increasing your chances of success.
Our top picks: Volume and range
- FoxPro X-Series X24: It has an operating distance of over 100 yards and features auto volume, which automatically regulates volume.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: The exhaust bell has to be squeezed to adjust volume, and the rabbit call works best for close-range luring while the coyote call is best for long-range hunting.
- Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call: The remote's buttons allow you to adjust the sound volume, and the range is roughly 100 yards.
- FoxPro Prowler: The range is roughly 200 yards, and the remote features volume buttons.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: The volume can be adjusted with the side buttons, and the range doesn’t exceed 100 yards.
Durability
Since hunting often takes place in various weather conditions, ensure the call is durable and weather-resistant, particularly electronic models, which should be able to withstand rain, snow and dust. For both manual and electronic calls, choose one that is built from sturdy materials. Look for impact-resistant casings for electronic calls and durable materials for mouth calls that can handle harsh outdoor environments.
Our top picks: Durability
- FoxPro X-Series X24, FoxPro Prowler and Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator: These three calls are all made of durable plastic and are splash-resistant.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: This call is made from a blend of cheap plastics, but it’s durable enough to withstand rain.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: It’s made of plastic, giving it a solid build, but it’s not as durable as some of our other top predator calls.
Ease of use
User-friendly controls are essential for electronic calls, especially when you need to switch sounds quickly in the field. Most electronic calls come with a remote control, allowing you to change sounds from a distance without disturbing the setup. Some calls have an LCD screen that you can use to navigate through different sounds and categories. Calls come in various sizes, but some are more portable than others, depending on their size and build.
Our top picks: Ease of use
- FoxPro X-Series X24, FoxPro Prowler and Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call: All three predator calls have a similar design and are remote-controlled.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: This is a mouth call, so it’s highly portable. All you have to do is blow into it to use it.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: It’s compact and lightweight, fitting easily into pockets. The onboard buttons control each call, volume, interruption and power.
Programmability and customization
Some electronic calls allow you to program additional sounds or create sequences of different calls. This feature is ideal for experienced hunters who want to tailor their calling strategy based on specific predators or environments. If you hunt a range of predators, consider a call that offers a wide variety of sounds, such as prey distress, mating calls or challenge howls.
Our top picks: Programmability and customization
- FoxPro X-Series X24: This call has 100 high-quality FoxPro sounds and more than 100 sounds from FoxPro’s free sound library, giving you more versatility when game hunting.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: The coyote rage call works best for attracting animals at a distance, while the dying rabbit is excellent for close-range luring.
- Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call: It features 15 professional, realistic animal sounds for drawing in game.
- FoxPro Prowler: It’s one of the most comprehensive predator calls, featuring 175 sounds and 75 Premium Sounds from FoxPro’s sound library.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: This game call features five distinct sounds for basic game hunting: coyote howl, cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit distress, pup yips and fawn distress.
Battery life
Battery life is a critical factor when choosing an electronic predator call. You don’t want a call that only lasts one or two hours, as it’ll make it frustrating for you to get into a rhythm, and it means you’ll have to charge or change batteries often. Look for models that offer extended battery life or ones that support rechargeable batteries to ensure you don't run out of power in the field. The best calls last anywhere from three to 10 hours, but the best ones can last up to 40 hours.
Our top picks: Battery life
- FoxPro X-Series X24: It has a rechargeable battery, and the battery life is rather impressive, lasting several hours on a full charge.
- Flextone Double Up Predator Combo Calls: It’s a mouth call, so it doesn’t require batteries.
- Icotec 300+ “The Reaper” Predator Call: The battery life is adequate, even in colder temperatures, so you should be good for roughly five to 10 hours before they need swapping, depending on usage.
- FoxPro Prowler: It uses disposable AA batteries, but it typically lasts seven to eight hours.
- Cass Creek Ergo Predator Call: Battery life can vary depending on usage, but typically, you should get well over eight hours of battery life with this call.
Predator-specific considerations
If you’re just starting out, you may be wondering which sounds are best for the type of animal you’re hunting. Here’s a quick look at what works.
Coyotes
- Sounds to use: Coyote howls, pup distress, and rabbit or rodent distress calls are all effective. Coyote calls mimic territorial or mating sounds, which can lure in coyotes looking to defend their territory or find a mate.
- Frequency of calling: Varies by season, with more aggressive calling during breeding season.
Foxes
- Sounds to use: Rodent and bird distress calls are adequate, as foxes tend to go after smaller prey. Fox-specific mating and territorial calls are also helpful.
- Calling strategy: Typically involves softer, higher-pitched calls that mimic smaller prey animals.
Bobcats
- Sounds to use: Bird distress calls are particularly effective as bobcats often prey on birds. Rodent distress sounds can also attract them.
- Calling strategy: Bobcats tend to be more cautious, so calls should be spaced out and softer than what you might use for coyotes.
