Ever heard that lonesome howl echoing across the prairie at dusk? Coyotes are fascinating creatures, and for many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, calling them in is a thrilling challenge. But if you’ve ever tried to pick out the “best” coyote call, you know it can feel like a guessing game. So many brands, so many sounds – how do you know which one will actually bring a coyote trotting into view?
Choosing the right coyote call can be frustrating. You want a call that sounds realistic, one that can mimic the yips, barks, and distress cries that coyotes recognize. Without the right sound, you might be wasting valuable hunting time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices and wonder if you’re spending your money on something that will truly work.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll cut through the confusion and look at some of the top-rated coyote calls on the market. You’ll learn what makes a call effective and discover which ones are most likely to get a response. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about choosing a call that helps you achieve your hunting goals.
Our Top 5 Rated Coyote Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Coyote Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Primos Hunting Bear Buster
Rating: 9.2/10
The Primos Hunting Bear Buster, Versatile Coyote Call for Hunting Enthusiasts is a powerful tool for any hunter. This call, officially the Primos Coyote Bear Buster PS313 Howler & Distress Predator, is designed to attract a variety of predators. Its key feature is its ability to mimic the distress bleat or bawl of a young deer. This sound is a favorite meal for coyotes, bears, and other hunting targets. The call is incredibly versatile because you can control its volume. You can blow it very softly for a subtle sound or extremely loud to reach further. This makes it useful in many different hunting situations.
What We Like:
- Effectively mimics a young deer’s distress call, a prime attractant for predators.
- Offers a wide range of volume control, from soft to very loud, for different hunting scenarios.
- The versatile sound can attract coyotes, bears, and other predators.
What Could Be Improved:
- The name “Bear Buster” might be a bit misleading as it’s primarily a coyote call.
- While versatile, mastering the sound variations might take practice for some users.
This Primos Bear Buster call is a solid addition to any serious hunter’s gear. It offers the flexibility and realism needed to increase your chances of a successful hunt.
2. Icotec 320+ Predator Call/Decoy Combo – Perfect for Coyote
Rating: 9.3/10
The Icotec 320+ Predator Call/Decoy Combo is a powerful tool for hunters targeting coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. Its impressive 300-yard remote range gives you plenty of freedom to set up your hunting spot. You can even play two different sounds at the same time to really attract those predators. The new crystal audio technology makes the calls sound incredibly clear, making them more realistic and effective. Plus, with 30 professional audio calls to choose from, you’ll have a great variety of sounds to try. The backlit buttons are a lifesaver for those early morning or late evening hunts.
What We Like:
- The 300-yard remote range offers great flexibility.
- You can play two sounds at once for more effective calling.
- Crystal clear audio sounds very realistic.
- Comes with 30 different professional animal calls.
- Backlit buttons make it easy to use in the dark.
- The included AD400 decoy with two toppers adds visual attraction.
- The battery life on the unit is very long.
- Bluetooth connectivity works well up to 100 yards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries are not included, so you need to buy them separately.
This combo provides an excellent combination of sound and visual attraction for successful predator hunting. It’s a smart investment for any serious hunter.
3. FOXPRO Prowler American Made Electronic Predator Call Remote Operated and Programmable Coyote
Rating: 9.3/10
The FOXPRO Prowler is a top-notch electronic predator call built right here in the USA. It’s designed for hunters who want to attract coyotes, foxes, crows, hogs, and many other predators. This call is super easy to use and small enough to take anywhere.
What We Like:
- Proudly made in America by the leading predator call company.
- It’s portable and simple to operate, making it great for any hunting trip.
- The remote control has a comfortable grip and a clear, backlit screen with easy-to-see buttons.
- Comes with 75 awesome FOXPRO sounds and can hold up to 300 sounds downloaded from your computer.
- You also get over 100 free sounds from the FOXPRO sound library.
- It features a powerful horn speaker and an extra jack to connect the FoxJack 5 decoy (sold separately).
- FOXPRO backs this call with a 3-year warranty and excellent customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The remote control needs a 9-volt battery, which isn’t included.
- The main unit requires 4 double A batteries, also not included.
The FOXPRO Prowler is a reliable and powerful tool for any serious predator hunter. Its user-friendly design and vast sound library make it a standout choice for success in the field.
4. FOXPRO Hellcat American Made Electronic Predator Call Remote Operated and Programmable Coyote
Rating: 8.6/10
The FOXPRO Hellcat is an electronic predator call that helps hunters attract coyotes, foxes, crows, and hogs. It’s proudly made in the USA and is known for being portable and affordable. This call is designed for all hunters, whether they’re just starting or have been hunting for years.
What We Like:
- It’s proudly made in the USA, which means good quality.
- It comes with 175 sounds and can hold up to 300, so you have plenty of options.
- The remote control has a big screen and easy buttons to find the sounds you want.
- It has a built-in decoy with a bluebird topper to help attract animals.
- It’s lightweight, weighing only 2.2 pounds with batteries, making it easy to carry.
- It runs on 4 AA batteries and lasts for 3-7 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery life could be longer for very long hunting trips.
- While affordable, it’s still an investment for some hunters.
The FOXPRO Hellcat is a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use predator call. Its features and portability make it a great addition to any hunting gear.
5. Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Predator Call
Rating: 9.5/10
The Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Predator Call is a game-changer for hunters. This compact device packs a punch with its realistic animal sounds, designed to lure predators right to you. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to operate with just one hand, so you can stay focused on the hunt.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use with one hand.
- The grip feels good and stays put.
- Volume control is simple with a thumb dial.
- It has five important calls: Coyote Howl, Cottontail Rabbit, Jackrabbit Distress, Pup Yips, and Fawn Distress.
- The sounds are clear and sound real.
- It’s small and light, fitting easily in your pocket.
- You can attach a lanyard to carry it.
- The sound projects far, up to 200 yards.
- It’s built tough for any weather.
- It works for a long time on three AAA batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- The batteries are not included, which is a small extra step.
This predator call offers a great way to improve your hunting success. Its combination of realistic sounds and easy operation makes it a valuable tool for any serious hunter.
Choosing the Best Coyote Calls: Your Guide to Success
Coyote hunting is an exciting sport. A good coyote call can make all the difference. This guide will help you pick the right call. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes them good, and how to use them.
Key Features to Look For
Sound Variety
The best calls can make many different sounds. Coyotes make many noises. They yelp, howl, bark, and whine. A call that can make a few of these sounds is better. Some calls are specialized for one sound, but versatile calls are often more useful.
Ease of Use
You want a call that is easy to use. Some calls require a lot of practice. Others are simpler. If you are new to coyote hunting, start with an easier call. You can learn more complex calls later.
Durability
Your call will go through a lot. It will be in the weather and maybe dropped. A durable call will last longer. Look for calls made from strong materials.
Portability
You’ll carry your call with you. It should be small and light. Many calls can fit in your pocket or a small pouch.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a coyote call affect its sound and how long it lasts.
Plastic
Many calls are made of plastic. Plastic is light and can be shaped easily. Good quality plastic will make clearer sounds.
Wood
Wood calls can produce a natural sound. Different types of wood make different sounds. Wood can be heavier than plastic.
Rubber and Silicone
These materials are often used for reeds or diaphragms inside calls. They help create realistic sounds. They are also durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Sound Quality
The most important thing is how the call sounds. A good call sounds like a real coyote. Poorly made calls sound fake. This can scare coyotes away.
Design and Construction
How the call is put together matters. A well-designed call is easier to use. It will also make better sounds. Simple designs can be very effective.
User Skill
Even the best call won’t work if you don’t know how to use it. Practice is key. Learning to make different sounds will improve your results.
User Experience and Use Cases
Coyote calls are used for hunting. They are also used for predator calling in general. Hunters use them to attract coyotes by imitating their sounds. This can bring them closer for a shot.
Beginner Hunters
If you are new, choose a call that is easy to learn. Mouth calls or simple open reeds are good choices. They are forgiving and produce decent sounds quickly.
Experienced Hunters
Experienced hunters might want calls that offer more control and a wider range of sounds. They might experiment with different types of calls like diaphragm calls or tube calls for specific situations.
Different Hunting Styles
Some calls work better in certain environments. Open country might need louder calls. Thick woods might need calls that are easier to control at closer ranges.
Finding the right coyote call takes a little research. Consider the sounds it makes, how easy it is to use, and what it’s made of. With practice, you’ll be calling in coyotes like a pro!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main types of coyote calls?
A: The main types are mouth calls (diaphragm calls), locator calls (howlers), and open reed calls. Each makes different sounds.
Q: Which type of call is easiest for beginners?
A: Open reed calls are generally the easiest for beginners to learn. They are simple to blow and produce a good range of sounds.
Q: Do I need to practice to use a coyote call?
A: Yes, practice is very important. Learning to make realistic coyote sounds takes time and effort.
Q: What sounds should a good coyote call make?
A: A good call should be able to make sounds like yips, howls, barks, and distress cries.
Q: Can I use a coyote call for other animals?
A: Some calls, especially distress calls, might attract other predators like bobcats or foxes.
Q: How do I clean my coyote call?
A: Most calls can be cleaned with water. Some manufacturers suggest specific cleaning methods for reeds.
Q: Is a more expensive call always better?
A: Not necessarily. While quality materials and design can cost more, many affordable calls are very effective.
Q: What is a diaphragm call?
A: A diaphragm call is a small call that you place inside your mouth. You use your tongue and air to make sounds.
Q: How far away can a coyote call be heard?
A: This depends on the call and the wind. Louder calls, like howlers, can be heard for a mile or more.
Q: When is the best time to use a coyote call?
A: Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk. Winter is often a good time because they are looking for food and are more vocal.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.