Imagine this: You are out in the quiet woods, the sun is just starting to set, and you hear the faint yip of a coyote in the distance. That sound sends a thrill down your spine, but how do you answer back effectively? Choosing the right coyote call can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types—hand calls, electronic callers, even mouth calls—and each one promises the best results. It’s frustrating when you invest time and money, only to have the coyotes ignore you.
Many hunters struggle to know which call truly mimics the sounds coyotes expect to hear, or how to use that call at the right time. If you pick the wrong tool, you might as well be whistling into the wind. This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what makes a call effective, whether you are hunting for predator control or just the thrill of the chase.
By the end of this post, you will understand the strengths of different coyote calls. You will learn which one fits your hunting style best, boosting your chances of success on your next outing. Let’s dive into the world of coyote calling and learn how to make nature listen.
Table of Contents
Top Coyote Calls For Hunting Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Primos Coyote Bear Buster PS313 Howler & Distress Predator
- Reproduces the distress bleat or bawl of a young deer - a favorite food source for coyotes, bears, and other predators
- Can be blown very softly or extremely loud
- Quality materials used for all primos products
- 100 percent designed and tested for the toughest situations and environments
- Whether you are a professional, recreational user, or even casual, primos will fit the mold for all types of people
- Hands-free option
- Sport type: Hunting
- 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
- Realistic Motion and Sound: This predator hunting gear features a lifelike magnetically connected topper with realistic motion and built-in MOJO Cottontail sound; these elements create an irresistible combination attracting coyotes, bobcats, and more
- Multiple Mounting Options: Includes built-in disappearing tripod legs and a MOJO peg with 1/4” camera thread; these versatile options allow you to securely position the decoy on uneven terrain or use a remote caller for seamless control
- Durable ABS Housing: The tough ABS plastic construction resists wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting use in rugged outdoor environments; a wireless removable battery holder stores neatly in a recessed compartment with an easy-to-remove cover
- Long Battery Life for Extended Use: Operates up to 20 hours on 4 AA batteries (not included), letting you focus on your hunt without interruptions; our hunting decoys are great for all-day predator hunting trips or multi-day excursions
- Compatible with Remote Callers for Enhanced Control: Designed to connect with most remote callers using a 3.5mm auxiliary port (double male cord sold separately); use your preferred remote device to control sound and motion
Choosing Your Perfect Coyote Call: A Hunter’s Buying Guide
Coyote hunting is an exciting sport. A good call can make all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best coyote call for your needs. We look at what makes a call work well.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a coyote call, several features matter most. These features help you sound like a real coyote.
- Sound Variety: The best calls offer many sounds. Look for calls that produce yips, howls, barks, and distress cries. More sounds mean you can react better to the coyotes you hear.
- Ease of Use: A complicated call frustrates hunters. Simple, easy-to-grip calls are better. If you are new, start with a simple mouth call. Electronic calls need easy-to-navigate menus.
- Volume Control: You need to adjust the sound level. You might need a loud call for long distances or a quiet one when coyotes are close. Good volume control is vital.
- Durability: Coyote calls go outside in all weather. They must handle rain, cold, and drops. Strong construction keeps your call working season after season.
Important Materials
The material used affects the sound quality and lifespan of your call.
Mouth Calls (Diaphragm or Open-Piped):
- Reed Material: Most good mouth calls use thin latex or a special plastic reed. Latex reeds generally produce the most realistic, varied sounds.
- Body Material: Hard, smooth plastic or wood makes up the call body. Wood often gives a warmer tone, but plastic is very durable and easy to clean.
Electronic Calls:
- Housing: Look for tough, weather-resistant plastic housing. This protects the electronics inside.
- Speaker Quality: High-quality speakers reproduce sounds clearly. Poor speakers make distress cries sound fake.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one call better than another? It often comes down to realism and design.
Improving Quality:
- Realistic Tone: The call must mimic natural coyote vocalizations. Expert hunters often prefer calls tuned by experienced callers.
- Ergonomics: A call that fits your hand well allows you to control the sound better. Good airflow in mouth calls creates smoother volume changes.
Reducing Quality:
- Stiff Reeds: If the reed in a mouth call is too stiff, it becomes hard to make soft sounds or yips.
- Poor Sealing (Mouth Calls): Air leaks around the reed or body ruin the sound. A leaky call sounds raspy or weak.
- Low Battery Life (Electronic Calls): If your electronic call dies quickly in the cold, it reduces your chances of success.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you hunt when choosing a call.
Mouth Calls (Best for Close Range/Stealth):
Mouth calls require practice. You control everything—pitch, volume, and speed. They are fantastic when coyotes are already close because they make almost no noise when setting up. They are lightweight and never need batteries.
Electronic Calls (Best for Long Range/Variety):
Electronic calls excel at distance. They broadcast loud sounds across open fields. They often come with remote controls, letting you keep your firearm aimed while changing sounds. Many come pre-loaded with dozens of predator sounds.
Choose a mouth call if you like the challenge and hunt dense cover. Pick an electronic call for open areas and when you need hands-free operation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coyote Calls (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a mouth call and an electronic call?
A: A mouth call uses your breath and your lips to create sound. An electronic call uses recorded sounds played through a speaker. Mouth calls offer more control but take practice. Electronic calls are louder and easier to start using immediately.
Q: Do I need a separate call for pup distress sounds?
A: Many quality calls, especially electronic ones, include pup distress sounds. These are very effective for calling in dominant coyotes. Check the sound list before you buy.
Q: How long does it take to learn a mouth call?
A: Learning basic sounds like a simple howl might take a few hours of practice. Mastering realistic yips and challenging sounds can take several weeks or months of dedicated practice.
Q: Can I use a coyote call to call in foxes or bobcats?
A: Yes, you often can. Distress cries and certain howls work well for foxes and bobcats too. However, specialized calls might be slightly better if you target those animals often.
Q: What is the best time of day to use a coyote call?
A: Dawn and dusk are usually the best times. Coyotes are most active then. However, calling during the day can sometimes work, especially when challenging a territorial male.
Q: Should I use a call when it is windy?
A: Wind makes calling harder. Use an electronic call with high volume when it is windy. Position yourself so the wind carries your sound toward where you expect the coyotes to approach.
Q: How should I store my coyote call?
A: Always store mouth calls in a cool, dry place, away from extreme heat. Heat warps the latex reeds, ruining the sound. Keep electronic calls in their protective case.
Q: What sound should I start with when calling?
A: A good starting sound is an open, confident howl. This lets other coyotes know you are there. After a few minutes, switch to a soft yip or a short series of barks.
Q: Do I need to keep calling if I don’t get an immediate response?
A: No. Coyotes might be far away or cautious. Call for about 10 to 15 minutes, then remain silent for 15 to 20 minutes. This quiet time lets curious coyotes move closer without hearing you repeat the same sound.
Q: Are expensive coyote calls always better?
A: Not always. A moderately priced, well-made mouth call can outperform a very expensive electronic call if the user has great calling skill. For beginners, a mid-range electronic call offers good features without a huge price tag.