Game Calling Techniques and Devices

Hunting styles can broadly be divided into two methods. In one, the hunter typically sits silently in one place, probably on a tree stand on known animal trails, along with all his hunting equipment and waits for the game to come within striking distance, before shooting. The other type of hunter actively seeks game by going out in the wilderness, and if he spots game, he then approaches the game, before shooting. Both these types of hunters use certain devices called game calls to attract game towards their spot. Game calling is actually an art and requires some training before producing a convincing call that will attract the game. The hunter has to be aware of when to call, where to call, how to call, and how much to call.

Waterfowl, turkey, deer, elk, moose, coyote, and wolf among many other animals are hunted using game calls. It takes some education and a lot of practice for hunters to become expert game callers.

Game calls can be classified into two types, electronic and non-electronic. The non-electronic game calls are hand operated and the hunter has to blow through a tubular inter-fitting structure with a mouthpiece at one end and amplifier at the other. Some non-electronic game calls also called as mouth calls or diaphragm calls are blown from inside the mouth, while others are manipulated by hand. The non-electronic game calls can be further classified as:

Position calls: these calls indicate the location of a member of the clan, while putting the game at ease. Turkey is hunted using this type of call.

Distress calls: these calls imitate the distress call of prey such as squealing rabbit or pig indicating to the fox or coyote that dinner is nearby.

Aggression calls: these calls sound like two bucks fighting over mating rights. Hunters usually rattle antlers to produce this effect.

Mating calls: these calls are produced using grunt tubes. These calls mimic the grunt made by bucks and bulls looking to mate.

Electronic calls have transistors; memory chips and has a remote control. It has prerecorded sounds, which can be selected by a switch. These types of calls are lightweight and compact. Using the remote control the hunter can call different game from his or her stand without manually selecting the call. These days with the advancement in technology both the range of the remote and the volume has increased compared to first generation electronic calls. With remote, the limitation of cord length is eliminated and the speakers can be placed at various places of the hunter’s choice.

Electronic calls are more expensive than hand calls, but do not require the hunter to move. A hand call is taxing on the hands, while the electronic call can be used whole day without any fatigue to the hunter. Life has become easier for the hunter with the advent of the electronic game call. Game calls are legal in many states however there may be restrictions on certain hunting techniques in specific zones within the state or province. It is advisable that the hunter checks the local game laws every season as hunting regulations change on a yearly basis. Man has been using all kinds of aids and decoys to attract game for centuries the hunter should take the call on whether using game calls is ethical or unethical before deciding to use one. Once the hunter decides to use the game call all that he or she has to do is set the caller either crosswind or upwind and wait patiently.

However having a good sophisticated game call does not guarantee a successful hunt. Availability of prey animals or forage, the topography, breeding season, wind conditions, weather conditions and even time of the day has a direct bearing on the success of the hunt. When the weather turns cold the prey animals seek cover and almost disappear, at the same time the predators caloric requirements are greatest, so there is a greater chance of the hunter luring a predator. However, if the conditions go from bad to worse the predator might abandon the hunt for prey.

Some of the popular brands of game calls available are:

Extreme Dimension Mini Phantom Digital Game Callers: this is lightweight and a very versatile caller with high quality sound.

Cass Creek Nomad Series Game Calls: generates high definition sound, speakers can be located almost 100 yards and is fully automatic.

Primos Deer Hunting Calls: offers a complete range of calls to meet every deer hunting expedition. I use the buck grunt tube and the estrus doe can call.

Primos Elk Calls: this series has many easy to use models and produces life like elk sounds. I use the different mouth calls, hoochie momma hand call, cow girl mouth call, and the bull bugle tube.

These are just a few of the many good brands available. Do some comparison-shopping and research on the Internet before buying the one most suited to your needs.