Predator calls are one of the most important tools in predator hunting. Whether using an electronic caller or a traditional mouth call, the purpose remains the same: imitate realistic prey or predator sounds that trigger a response from animals such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, wolves, mountain lions, and other predators.

Choosing the right predator call depends on many factors including your target species, terrain, hunting style, experience level, budget, portability needs, and the type of sounds you want to produce.

• Electronic calls offer convenience, realism, volume, and advanced features.
• Mouth calls offer portability, affordability, simplicity, and unmatched flexibility.
• Many experienced hunters use both styles together depending on the situation.

Predator hunters commonly debate electronic calls versus mouth calls, but both systems are highly effective and each offers unique advantages.

Electronic Call Advantages

• Hands-free operation
• Consistent sound quality
• Higher volume capability
• Remote operation for ambush setups
• Large sound libraries
• Easier learning curve for beginners

Electronic Call Disadvantages

• Higher cost
• Heavier and larger
• Battery dependency
• Electronics can fail in harsh conditions

Mouth Call Advantages

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Lower cost
• Infinite sound flexibility
• No batteries required
• Excellent for close-range realism

Mouth Call Disadvantages

• Requires practice
• Limited volume compared to larger e-calls
• Requires hunter movement while calling

Many successful hunters combine both styles depending on the terrain, species, and hunting conditions.

Read Electronic Calls vs Mouth Calls →

Modern electronic predator calls vary dramatically in quality, loudness, features, portability, sound quality, battery systems, remotes, and overall performance.

Cost & Performance

Electronic calls generally improve in features and performance as price increases.

• Entry-level calls are usually smaller, quieter, and simpler.
• Mid-range calls often provide the best balance of price, portability, volume, and features.
• Premium calls typically offer maximum volume, advanced remotes, better speakers, more sounds, advanced processors, ultrasonic capability, and longer warranties.

Speaker Quality & Audio Clarity

One of the most overlooked factors in predator calling is audio quality. Better calls use higher quality speakers, amplifiers, and processors that maintain clarity across all volume ranges without distortion.

• Cheap speakers often distort at high volume.
• Premium speakers maintain clarity and realism.
• Better audio quality often improves realism and long-range sound projection.

Sound Library & Sound Quality

Not all predator sounds are created equal.

• Live animal recordings generally sound more realistic than studio-produced mouth call recordings.
• Higher-definition recordings (24-bit, 32-bit) provide greater realism and audio depth compared to lower-quality files.
• Advanced callers now offer ultrasonic frequencies for improved extreme high and low frequency reproduction.

Programmability & Custom Sounds

Some electronic calls allow hunters to fully customize and add sounds later.

This is especially important for hunters targeting multiple predator species or wanting highly specific sound libraries.

Learn About Custom FOXPRO Programming →

Battery Systems & Runtime

• AA batteries are common but can become expensive over time.
• Lithium battery packs offer longer runtime and recharge convenience.
• Larger battery systems commonly support louder speakers and longer runtime.

Remote Quality

Remote quality improves dramatically as electronic call price increases.

• Larger screens improve readability.
• Better remotes offer more range and features.
• Larger buttons improve usability in cold weather and at night.

Call Size & Portability

• Smaller calls are lightweight and portable.
• Larger calls usually provide more volume and better speaker systems.
• Hardcore hunters often prioritize maximum performance over size.

Decoys

Some electronic calls include built-in decoys or allow decoy attachments.

• Combining the decoy and caller improves convenience.
• Elevated decoys improve visibility.
• Some decoys pull power from the caller battery which may reduce runtime.

Brand Loyalty & Reliability

Predator hunters often develop strong brand loyalty based on reliability, customer service, warranty support, sound quality, and manufacturing quality.

• FOXPRO electronic calls are proudly made in the USA.
• Many competing calls are manufactured overseas.
• Warranty length and customer support often improve with premium brands.

Shop Electronic Predator Calls → Read Electronic Calling Techniques →

Mouth calls remain one of the most versatile and effective predator hunting tools ever created.

They are lightweight, affordable, reliable, and capable of producing incredibly realistic sounds when mastered.

Mouth Calls can be organized into several different categories:

• Predator Species: First, you need to determine what species of predator you want to target (Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, etc). Different species require different sounds. See "Choosing Calls By Predator Species" below.
• Type of Call: Then, you need to determine what type of mouth call you want ot use (Closed Reed, Open Reed, Howler, Coaxer, etc). Different types require different skill sets. See "Choosing Calls By Call Type" below.
• Type of Sound: Then, you need to determine what type of sound you want to make (Rabbit Distress, Coyote Howls or Pup Distress, Rodent Squeaks, Bird Distress, etc). Each sound type can be effective in different scenarios. See "Choosing Calls By Sound Type" below.

Read How To Use Mouth Calls To Call Predators →

Different predator species commonly respond better to specific sounds, tones, and calling styles.

• Coyote Calls: Focus on rabbit distress, howls, pup distress, rodent distress, and territorial vocals.
• Fox Calls: Higher-pitched distress sounds commonly excel.
• Bobcat Calls: Bird distress, rodent squeaks, and subtle prey sounds are highly effective.
• Mountain Lion Calls: Long calling sequences with prey distress and cat vocalizations work well.
• Wolf Calls: Wolf vocalizations and large prey distress sounds are commonly used.
• Bear Calls: Fawn distress and prey distress often attract bears.
• Raccoon Calls: Fighting sounds, pup distress, and raccoon distress work extremely well.
• Crow Calls: Crow distress and social crow vocalizations are highly effective.

Shop Calls By Predator Species →

• Closed Reed Calls: Extremely easy to use and beginner friendly.
• Open Reed Calls: Highly versatile with a massive sound range.
• Howlers: Designed specifically for coyote and wolf vocalizations.
• Coaxers: Excellent for subtle close-range calling.
• Diaphragm Calls: Hands-free calling for advanced hunters.
• Bite Calls: Extremely easy operation and compact portability.

Shop Calls By Call Type →

• Rabbit Distress: One of the most universally effective predator sounds.
• Bird Distress: Extremely effective for bobcats and foxes.
• Rodent Squeaks & Coaxers: Excellent for close-range finishing sounds.
• Fawn Distress: Effective for coyotes, mountain lions, and bears.
• Coyote Howlers: Used for territorial and breeding vocalizations.
• Wolf Howlers: Designed for wolf communication sounds.
• Cat Distress: Highly effective for coyotes and bobcats.
• Raccoon Squallers: Designed specifically for raccoon hunting.
• Squirrel Distress: Effective in timber and wooded terrain.

Shop Calls By Sound Type → Read What Sounds To Play And When →

Every hunter has different needs, preferences, budgets, and goals.

• Beginners often prefer closed reed calls or mid-range electronic calls.
• Hardcore hunters often prefer premium electronic calls with maximum volume and advanced features.
• Mobile hunters may prioritize compact lightweight gear.
• Long-range open-country hunters may prioritize loudness and speaker quality.
• Timber and close-range hunters may prioritize portability and subtle sound quality.