Choosing the right coyote call can be the deciding factor between a successful hunt and a quiet day in the field. Electronic callers offer versatility and realism, allowing you to play distress sounds, challenge howls, and other critical audio from a distance. This roundup focuses on reliable and effective calls, from advanced programmable systems to straightforward, powerful options, to help you bring predators into range.
Modern predator calls are technological tools designed for efficiency. Key features to consider include remote range, sound quality, library size, and portability. Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking for data-driven insights or a beginner needing an easy-to-use model, there is a call here to match your strategy and improve your results in various hunting conditions.
Our Recommended Coyote Calls for Hunters
- FOXPRO Electronic Predator Call – Inferno
- Icotec 300+ Predator Call with Bluetooth
- FOXPRO X24 American Made Electronic Predator Call
- Haydel’s Game Calls DR-85 Mallard Duck Call
- FOXPRO Hellcat American Made Electronic Predator Call
- Primos Hunting Alpha Dogg Electronic Predator Call
- FOXPRO CS-24C Compact Electronic Predator Call
- Johnny Stewart PC-1 Preymaster Electronic Call
FOXPRO Electronic Predator Call – Inferno
The FOXPRO Inferno is a robust and versatile caller built for serious hunters. It comes pre-loaded with 75 high-quality sounds and has a total storage capacity for 200, giving you a massive library of distress calls, howls, and other predator vocals at your fingertips. The large, easy-to-read screen on the remote makes operation simple in low-light conditions.
This American-made unit is fully programmable via its integrated USB port, allowing you to customize sound sets from your home computer. The remote-operated design lets you place the caller away from your position, helping to conceal your location while effectively drawing in coyotes, foxes, and hogs with realistic audio.
Icotec 300+ Predator Call with Bluetooth
For hunters who need maximum separation from their caller, the Icotec 300+ offers an industry-leading 300-yard remote range. This extended distance helps you stay completely hidden while operating the device. A key feature is the ability to play two sounds simultaneously, such as a rabbit distress paired with a bird sound, creating a more convincing and chaotic scene.
Adding to its flexibility, this call includes Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 100 yards. You can use a compatible device to control the caller or stream additional sounds, providing another layer of convenience and customization for your hunting setup.
FOXPRO X24 American Made Electronic Predator Call
The FOXPRO X24 is a feature-rich caller designed for the tech-savvy hunter. It includes 100 premium sounds and access to over 100 more from FOXPRO’s free library. Its standout feature is FOXMOTION, which mimics moving prey by fading sound from the left speaker to the right, adding a critical element of realism that can fool wary predators.
Perhaps its most innovative tool is FOXDATA. When activated, it records environmental data like temperature, barometric pressure, moon phase, and stand duration. Over time, this information helps you identify patterns and predict animal activity based on hard data, turning your experience into a science.
Haydel’s Game Calls DR-85 Mallard Duck Call
While not an electronic coyote call, a reliable duck call like the Haydel’s DR-85 is an essential tool for hunters using prey distress sounds. Nicknamed “The Deceiver,” this double-reed call is legendary for its effectiveness and realistic tone. It features a fully adjustable floating wedge, allowing you to personally tune the call to match your preference and hunting conditions.
This call is known for being very easy to blow, making it suitable for both professional callers and beginners. It is hand-tuned and performs reliably even when wet, ensuring consistent sound quality during early morning hunts or in damp weather.
FOXPRO Hellcat American Made Electronic Predator Call
The FOXPRO Hellcat strikes an excellent balance between performance, portability, and value. Proudly made in the USA, it is a great choice for hunters who want a capable digital call without a premium price. It comes ready to use with 175 sounds—75 premium sounds plus access to the extensive free sound library—and can store up to 300 total.
Designed for all hunters, the Hellcat is known for being user-friendly and compact enough for easy transport into the field. Despite its affordability, it doesn’t sacrifice the remote-operated functionality and programmable features that make FOXPRO calls so effective for coyote, fox, crow, and hog hunting.
Primos Hunting Alpha Dogg Electronic Predator Call
The Primos Hunting Alpha Dogg is a popular choice known for its straightforward operation and effective sound library. It is designed to deliver clear, loud, and realistic predator calls that can carry across open terrain. Users appreciate its durable construction and simple control layout, which allows for quick sound changes during a hunt.
This caller often includes a variety of proven sounds, from coyote vocals to prey distress cries, curated by hunting experts. Its reliability and ease of use make it a solid option for hunters who prefer a no-fuss electronic caller that performs consistently in the field.
FOXPRO CS-24C Compact Electronic Predator Call
The FOXPRO CS-24C emphasizes compact design without sacrificing capability. This smaller unit is ideal for hunters who prioritize mobility and a lightweight pack. Despite its size, it typically offers a strong remote range and a quality speaker system for clear sound projection.
It provides access to FOXPRO’s respected sound library and programmable features, all in a more portable package. The CS-24C is a great solution for spot-and-stalk hunters or anyone who needs to cover ground quickly while still having a powerful electronic calling tool at their disposal.
Johnny Stewart PC-1 Preymaster Electronic Predator Call
The Johnny Stewart PC-1 Preymaster is a classic name in electronic calling, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. These callers are built to be rugged and dependable, offering a selection of high-quality sounds that have been tested and proven over many hunting seasons.
Its straightforward operation makes it an excellent choice for beginners or hunters who prefer a traditional, reliable tool. The Preymaster focuses on delivering the essential sounds you need without complicated menus, helping you concentrate on the hunt itself.
How to Choose the Best Coyote Call for Effective Hunting
Picking the right tool from the list of the 8 best coyote call for effective hunting can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, staring at a wall of options, wondering which one will actually bring a dog in close. The truth is, the “best” call depends heavily on your skill level, hunting style, and budget. Let’s break down what really matters so you can make a smart choice.
First, consider the call type. Electronic callers are incredibly versatile. They store dozens of sounds, from distressed rabbit cries to coyote vocalizations, and can project them loudly and consistently. This is a huge advantage for beginners or hunters covering big, open country. Manual calls, like mouth-blown howlers and closed-reed calls, require practice but offer unmatched control. With a good diaphragm call, I can start with soft whimpers and build into frantic distress without moving a muscle. Many experienced hunters, myself included, use both: an e-caller for the main attraction and a mouth call for subtle finishing sounds.
Next, think about features. For electronic callers, sound quality is non-negotiable. Listen to samples if you can; you want clear, realistic sounds, not tinny or distorted recordings. Remote control range is critical—I look for at least 100 yards. Battery life is another big one; the last thing you need is your caller dying mid-set. For mouth calls, look for durable construction. Reeds made from quality latex or Mylar will last longer and be more responsive. A call that comes with multiple reeds or inserts gives you more sound options in one package.
Finally, match the call to your typical hunt. If you’re a mobile hunter walking ridges, a lightweight, simple mouth call or a compact e-caller is perfect. For stationary truck or blind hunting, a larger e-caller with a bigger speaker and more features makes sense. Don’t ignore volume control, either. Sometimes you need to blast a sound across a canyon; other times, a faint, curious sound works better on pressured coyotes. My advice? Start with a proven, mid-priced option in the category that fits your style. Master it, learn what the coyotes in your area respond to, and then build your collection from there.
FAQ
What is the most versatile type of coyote call for a beginner?
For someone just starting out, I recommend a good electronic caller (e-caller). The learning curve is much shorter. You can play professional-grade sounds right away, focus on your setup and wind direction, and not worry about mastering breath control on a mouth call. A basic model with a remote lets you place the sound away from your position, which is a key tactic. It’s the fastest way to get into the game and start seeing results.
How important are coyote vocalizations versus prey distress sounds?
Both are essential tools. Early in the season or in areas with less hunting pressure, prey distress sounds—like a crying rabbit or a fawn bleat—are incredibly effective. They tap into a coyote’s primary drive: an easy meal. As coyotes get smarter from being hunted, or during the breeding season, vocalizations become powerful. A lone howl can locate a coyote, while challenge howls or female whimpers can trigger a territorial or breeding response. I always carry calls for both situations.
Can I use a coyote call effectively without a decoy?
Absolutely. While a decoy can add visual confirmation and hold a coyote’s attention, calling is the primary attractant. Your setup is more important. Always call with the wind in your face, use the terrain for concealment, and stay as still as possible. A coyote’s nose and ears are its best defenses. If your sound is convincing and you’re well-hidden, you can be very successful with just a call. A decoy is a helpful bonus, not a requirement.
How long should I call at one stand location?
This is a common mistake—calling too long. I typically start a set with 20 to 30 minutes of total calling time. I begin with moderate volume for a few minutes, then take longer pauses between sound sequences. If a coyote is coming, it will usually show within that window. If not, you’re likely calling to empty country or the coyotes are pinned down and not moving. Over-calling can make educated coyotes wary. It’s often better to move quietly to a new location a few hundred yards away.
What’s one feature I shouldn’t overlook on an electronic caller?
Beyond sound quality, remote control functionality is a game-changer. The ability to start, stop, and change sounds without movement or sound from your position is critical. Look for a remote with a good range (over 100 yards) and reliable signal. The second feature is volume control that’s accessible from the remote. Being able to turn the sound down to a whisper or crank it up for long-distance work from your hiding spot makes a single caller adaptable to many more situations.