Locating a wary gobbler is often the first and most crucial step in a successful turkey hunt. An owl call, used at dawn or dusk, can provoke a shock gobble that reveals a turkey’s position from a long distance. Choosing the right call for your environment and skill level can make all the difference in turning a quiet morning into an action-packed hunt.
From simple mouth calls to advanced electronic systems, owl callers come in various forms to suit different hunting strategies. This roundup examines eight effective options, highlighting the key features that make each one a valuable tool for hunters seeking to pinpoint their target.
Top Owl Callers for Your Next Hunt
- HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Mega Hoot Owl Call
- PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call
- Haydel’s PW-90 Pileated Woodpecker Turkey Locator Call
- Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart Executioner Electronic Caller
- Quaker Boy Screamin’ Owl Call
- Lohman 886 Owl Call
- FOXPRO Shockwave Electronic Caller
- Icotec GEN2 GC300 Electronic Caller
HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Mega Hoot Owl Call
This mouth call is engineered for long-distance communication. Its unique design features three holes on the end that create a funnel effect, producing a distinct, raspy sound that carries exceptionally well. This makes it a reliable choice for locating gobblers across large fields or in dense timber where sound needs to penetrate.
A significant benefit of the Mega Hoot is its efficiency. It requires less air pressure to operate effectively compared to some other mouth calls, allowing for easier use and reducing user fatigue during long sessions. This combination of power and ease makes it a comfortable and strategic addition to any turkey hunter’s vest.
PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call
The PRIMOS Power Owl is designed to replicate the specific, close-range rasp of a barred owl’s eight-note call, a sound known to be highly effective at triggering a gobbler’s response. This focus on acoustic accuracy helps hunters produce convincing calls that can locate even the most cautious birds.
This call is built for volume and reliability. Its improved design helps prevent the reeds from sticking, a common issue with mouth calls, ensuring consistent performance. The ability to use back pressure to vary tones and pitches gives the hunter more control, allowing for a more natural and dynamic series of calls.
Haydel’s PW-90 Pileated Woodpecker Turkey Locator Call
When traditional owl hoots are overused in an area, a smart hunter switches tactics. The Haydel’s PW-90 offers an excellent alternative locator call by mimicking the loud, distinctive sound of a pileated woodpecker. This sound can surprise pressured turkeys into gobbling when they ignore other common calls.
This call is noted for being extremely loud, ensuring the sound travels far to reach distant birds. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable secondary locator tool. Keeping one in your kit provides a strategic advantage in heavily hunted public or private lands where turkeys have grown wary of standard owl calls.
Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart Executioner Electronic Caller
For hunters who prefer electronic assistance, the Johnny Stewart Executioner provides a comprehensive solution. It comes pre-loaded with 100 premium game calls, including various owl and locator sounds, offering immense versatility for different hunting scenarios and species beyond just turkey.
Its powerful 3.5-inch horn speaker can reach volumes up to 120dB, projecting sound over great distances. Features like the QSET function for quick access to pre-programmed call sequences and the ability to save favorites make it a user-friendly and potent tool for serious hunters looking to maximize their calling range and consistency.
Quaker Boy Screamin’ Owl Call
As a classic in the world of locator calls, the Quaker Boy Screamin’ Owl has earned its reputation for reliability and ease of use. This mouth call is favored by many for its ability to produce a loud, clear, and convincing owl hoot with minimal practice required, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Its design focuses on delivering consistent volume and tone, which is essential for early morning or late evening locating when you need to cover a lot of ground acoustically. The durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of being carried in a pocket or pack throughout the season.
Lohman 886 Owl Call
The Lohman 886 is another well-established manual owl call known for its realistic sound. It provides hunters with a simple, effective tool that doesn’t rely on batteries or complex settings, offering a pure and direct method for provoking a shock gobble.
This call’s design typically allows for good control over the pitch and intensity of the hoot, enabling the user to sound like a distant owl or a close one. Its compact size and dependability have made it a staple for generations of hunters who appreciate traditional, hands-on gear.
FOXPRO Shockwave Electronic Caller
The FOXPRO Shockwave represents the high end of electronic calling systems. Known for exceptional sound quality and amplification, it can project owl calls and hundreds of other sounds with crystal-clear precision at very high volumes, making it effective in vast or windy terrains.
These systems often include advanced features like remote control operation, extensive sound libraries, and programmable sequences. For the hunter who wants the ultimate in versatility, power, and remote functionality for predator and turkey hunting, the Shockwave series is a top-tier option.
Icotec GEN2 GC300 Electronic Caller
The Icotec GEN2 GC300 is a robust and user-friendly electronic caller that provides great value. It offers a strong combination of volume, a wide selection of pre-loaded calls including owl hoots, and straightforward operation with a capable remote control.
This caller is built to be durable and weather-resistant, ready for use in various outdoor conditions. Its balance of performance, essential features, and reliability makes it a popular choice for hunters seeking an effective electronic calling tool without an excessive number of complex features.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Owl Caller
If you’re looking to get into owl calling, whether for wildlife observation, photography, or research, picking the right tool makes all the difference. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field, and not all callers are created equal. The goal is to find one that’s effective, easy to use, and suits your specific needs. Let’s break down what I look for when choosing the best owl caller for effective use.
First, consider the type of caller. You have two main choices: mouth-blown calls and electronic callers. Mouth-blown calls, like reeds and tubes, are classic. They’re portable, require no batteries, and offer a lot of control for an experienced user. The downside? There’s a learning curve to producing realistic sounds. Electronic callers, on the other hand, play pre-recorded, high-quality owl calls at the push of a button. They’re incredibly consistent and easier for beginners, but they need power and can be bulkier.
Next, think about sound quality and species specificity. A good caller should produce clear, convincing sounds. For mouth calls, this means finding one made from durable materials that won’t warp. For electronic units, look for high-fidelity speakers and authentic recordings. Also, ask yourself which owls you’re targeting. A general “hoot” might work for Great Horned Owls, but species like Screech Owls or Barred Owls have very distinct vocalizations. Some callers are designed for one specific species, while others offer multiple sounds.
Durability and portability are huge for me. I’m often hiking through woods in the dark or in less-than-ideal weather. A caller needs to be tough enough to handle being in a pack and resistant to moisture. For mouth calls, a lanyard is a must-have to avoid dropping it. For electronic callers, check the battery life and housing. Is it easy to operate with gloves on? Can it attach to a branch or sit on the ground securely?
Finally, never forget ethics. Our goal is to observe, not to stress the wildlife. I always use calls sparingly, especially during nesting season. The best owl caller is the one that helps you have a meaningful encounter without disrupting the owl’s natural behavior. Start with short calling sequences and always prioritize the animal’s well-being over getting the perfect shot or close view.
FAQ
Is it legal to use an owl caller?
Laws vary significantly by location and purpose. In many areas, using calls for non-hunting activities like birdwatching or photography is perfectly legal on public and private land (with permission). However, using calls to lure owls for hunting is heavily regulated and often prohibited. I always check my state and local wildlife agency regulations before heading out. It’s my responsibility to know the rules.
What’s the best time of day to use an owl caller?
Dusk and dawn are typically the most active times for many owl species, making them prime times for calling. However, owls can be vocal and responsive at night, especially during their breeding season. I’ve had good success in the hour after sunset and the hour before sunrise. Avoid calling in the middle of the day when most owls are roosting and less likely to respond.
Can using a caller harm or stress the owls?
Yes, if used irresponsibly. Excessive or aggressive calling can stress owls, disrupt their feeding, and draw them into conflicts with other territorial birds. I follow a strict rule of minimal use: short calling sessions (a few minutes at a time) with long periods of quiet listening in between. I completely avoid calling during sensitive times, like when owls are likely to have dependent young in the nest.
How close will an owl come to a caller?
It depends on the species, the season, and the individual owl’s curiosity. Sometimes an owl will call back from a distance. Other times, especially with territorial species during breeding season, they may fly in silently to investigate. You might not see them at all, or they might land surprisingly close. I never expect or try to force a close approach; I’m just happy to get any response.
What should I do if an owl does respond to my call?
Stay calm and still. The moment you get a response, stop calling. Continuing to call can be seen as an escalating threat. Use your ears and eyes to try to locate it without making sudden movements. Enjoy the moment quietly. This is why you’re out there! After the encounter, leave the area calmly to let the owl return to its normal activities.
As a beginner, what is the best owl caller for effective use I should start with?
I usually recommend a simple, inexpensive mouth-blown reed call for a specific owl common in your area, like a Barred Owl tube. It forces you to learn the rhythm of the call and is less intimidating for the birds than a loud electronic speaker. Practice at home first! If you want guaranteed sound quality from the start, a compact electronic caller with a volume control is a solid choice, letting you focus on fieldcraft instead of your blowing technique.