Successfully calling in a wary hog requires the right tool for the job. With a variety of calls available, from simple mouth calls to advanced electronic systems, hunters can mimic everything from a feeding frenzy to a distressed piglet. Selecting a call that matches your hunting style and environment is key to turning a quiet hunt into an exciting encounter.
This roundup covers eight of the most effective hog calls on the market. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a handheld call or the advanced capabilities of a remote-operated system, there is an option here to help you bring hogs into range. We have evaluated each for sound quality, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in the field.
Our Selection of Effective Hog Hunting Calls
- Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Boar Call
- Primos The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
- Primos 321 Hog Squealer Game Call
- Icotec Outlaw+ Electronic Predator Call
- Haydel’s Game Calls Hog Wild Boar Call
- FOXPRO Shockwave Electronic Game Call
- Knight & Hale Ultimate Hog Caller
- Quaker Boy Old Yeller Hog Call
Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Boar Call
This compact electronic caller is built for the hog hunter who wants realistic sounds without complicated equipment. It features five expertly recorded boar calls, including Feeding Frenzy, Social Grunts, and Fighting Boar sounds. These authentic digital recordings are designed to accurately lure hogs by replicating natural herd behavior.
The ergonomic design allows for simple one-thumb control, making it easy to operate even with gloves on. An instant interrupt feature lets you stop the call immediately if needed. Its small size makes it the smallest handheld boar call available, fitting comfortably in a pocket or pack, and it includes a lanyard loop for secure carrying.
Primos The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
While primarily a deer call, the Primos “CAN” is frequently used by hog hunters with great success. The estrus bleat sound tells bucks a doe is ready to breed, but this sound of a distressed animal can also attract curious or opportunistic hogs. Its versatility makes it a valuable multi-species tool to have in your hunting pack.
The call is known for its consistent and reliable sound, thanks to a raised thumb hole locator that ensures an airtight seal every time you use it. Its simple operation involves turning the can over to start the sound and back upright to stop it. This straightforward design has made it one of the most popular game calls available.
Primos 321 Hog Squealer Game Call
The Primos 321 Hog Squealer is a classic mouth call designed for producing the high-pitched sounds of distressed piglets. These sounds can trigger a strong response from nearby hogs, especially sows. Its lightweight and compact design means it takes up almost no space, allowing you to carry it on every hunt.
Using a reed system, this call gives you control over the pitch and intensity of the squeal. With a little practice, you can create convincing sequences that sound like a piglet in trouble. This hands-free operation is a significant benefit, as it allows you to keep your hands on your firearm or bow while calling.
Icotec Outlaw+ Electronic Predator Call
For the hunter seeking a powerful and versatile electronic system, the Icotec Outlaw+ is a top choice. It comes pre-loaded with 165 sounds, including specific hog hunting sounds, and can hold up to 2,000 more on an SD card. This gives you an extensive library to match any hunting scenario.
Its major advantage is the 300-yard remote control range that does not require line-of-sight, giving you great flexibility in setting up your call. The unit also features Bluetooth connectivity for shorter ranges. The improved speaker provides ultra-clear sound quality, projecting calls effectively to draw in hogs from a distance.
Haydel’s Game Calls Hog Wild Boar Call
Haydel’s Hog Wild call is a durable and effective mouth call designed to produce a variety of hog sounds. It allows hunters to create everything from low grunts to sharp squeals, providing the flexibility to communicate different messages to a herd. This call is built to withstand tough field conditions and repeated use.
The call operates using a simple reed and diaphragm system that is easy to learn for most hunters. By controlling your breath and the pressure on the call, you can generate realistic sequences that mimic feeding, social, or distressed hogs. Its compact size makes it an easy addition to any hunting vest or pocket.
FOXPRO Shockwave Electronic Game Call
FOXPRO is a respected name in electronic game calls, and the Shockwave model is a robust system suitable for hog hunting. It comes equipped with a wide array of pre-programmed hog hunting sounds designed to attract both solitary boars and entire sounders. The sound quality and speaker output are engineered for maximum projection.
This unit typically features a capable remote control, allowing you to change sounds and volume from a distance. The ability to program sound sequences and control them remotely lets you set a realistic scene without alerting game to your position. It is a professional-grade tool for serious predator and hog hunters.
Knight & Hale Ultimate Hog Caller
The Knight & Hale Ultimate Hog Caller is a mouth-blown call known for producing realistic hog vocalizations. It is designed to help hunters replicate the grunts, squeals, and other sounds that hogs use to communicate. This call can be particularly effective during the rut or when trying to stop a moving hog.
Its construction focuses on ease of use and consistent sound production. Many hunters appreciate the tactile feedback and control it offers, allowing for subtle variations in call sequences. As a no-battery, always-ready option, it provides a reliable method for close-range calling situations.
Quaker Boy Old Yeller Hog Call
The Quaker Boy Old Yeller is a straightforward and effective hog call that uses a reed and tube system. By blowing into the tube and manipulating the end, hunters can create a range of sounds from low grunts to high-pitched distress squeals. This design allows for a lot of expressive control over the call’s output.
This type of call is excellent for hunters who want to add nuance and realism to their calling sequences. It is relatively simple to operate after some practice and is another example of a tool that requires no batteries or electronics. Its classic design has proven effective for attracting hogs for many years.
What to Look For in the Best Hog Call for Hunting
Choosing the right hog call for hunting can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field trying different calls, and I’ve learned that the “best” one really depends on your specific situation and what you’re trying to do. It’s not just about picking the loudest or the most expensive; it’s about matching the tool to the job. Let’s break down the key things I consider before I buy.
First, think about the type of call. Electronic calls are incredibly effective because they can play a wide library of realistic, high-volume sounds like distressed piglets, breeding grunts, or feeding frenzy noises. They’re great for covering a lot of ground and getting the attention of hogs from a distance. On the other hand, mouth calls (like grunt tubes or squealers) offer a hands-free, silent approach until the moment you need them. They require some practice to master, but they give you instant control and are perfect for close-range situations or when you need to make subtle adjustments to your calling sequence.
Next, consider the features. For electronic calls, look at sound quality, volume, remote range, and battery life. A call with clear, non-looping sounds is vital. You also want a remote that works reliably at a good distance so you can set the call away from your position. Durability is non-negotiable for any hunting gear. Your hog call will get knocked around, exposed to weather, and covered in dirt. Look for models built from tough, waterproof materials. Finally, don’t forget about practicality. How easy is it to operate with gloved hands? Is it lightweight enough to carry on a long stalk? Answering these questions will steer you toward the best hog call for hunting that fits your style and budget.
FAQ
What sounds are most effective for calling hogs?
In my experience, distressed piglet sounds are the most universally effective. They trigger a strong response from both sows and boars, as sows come to protect and boars come looking for an easy meal. Other great options include feeding sounds (like rooting and crunching) and breeding grunts, especially during the rut. I often start with a piglet distress and switch to feeding sounds if hogs are hesitant to come in closer.
How far away can hogs hear an electronic call?
Under good conditions, hogs can hear an electronic call from several hundred yards away, sometimes even a half-mile or more. Wind, terrain, and background noise are huge factors. In thick woods, sound doesn’t travel as far. I always try to set up with the wind in my face and place my call downwind of my position, so the sound carries toward areas I think hogs might be.
Do I need to use a decoy with my hog call?
You don’t need one, but a decoy can significantly increase your success, especially for wary hogs or in open areas. A simple motion decoy can give incoming hogs a visual target to focus on, making them feel more confident and causing them to commit fully to the area. It gives them something to look at besides your hiding spot.
How long should I call before giving up on a spot?
I usually give a spot 20 to 30 minutes of intermittent calling. Hogs might hear you immediately but take their time coming in. I’ll start with a sequence of calls, then wait in silence for 5-10 minutes, then call again. If I haven’t seen or heard anything after half an hour, it’s likely time to quietly move to a new location. Patience is key, but so is knowing when to switch tactics.
Can I use predator calls for hog hunting?
Yes, absolutely. Many hunters, myself included, have great success using distressed rabbit or coyote pup calls. The theory is that predators often attack young pigs, so the sound of a predator with a catch can attract a dominant boar looking to chase off the threat or scavenge the meal. It’s a great alternative if pig-specific sounds aren’t working.
What’s the biggest mistake beginners make with a hog call?
The most common mistake is calling too loudly and too often. It’s easy to get excited and blast the sound continuously. In reality, less is often more. You want to sound like a real animal, not a broken speaker. Start with lower volume and short calling sequences with long periods of silence in between. Let the curiosity and instinct of the hog do the work for you. Picking from the list of the best hog call for hunting is the first step, but learning to use it properly is what fills the freezer.