Choosing the right predator call can be the difference between a quiet morning and a successful hunt. Coyotes and foxes are intelligent, wary animals that require convincing sounds and smart tactics to bring into range. The market offers a wide array of options, from simple mouth calls to advanced electronic systems with remote controls.
This roundup breaks down eight of the best calls available, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology, proven simplicity, or budget-friendly performance, there is an effective tool here for every predator hunter’s style and needs.
Top Predator Calls for Coyotes and Foxes
- FOXPRO Electronic Predator Call – Inferno
- Icotec 300+ Predator Call with Bluetooth
- FOXPRO X24 American Made Electronic Predator Call
- Primos Hunting Dogg Catcher 2 Electronic Predator Call
- FOXPRO Hellcat American Made Electronic Predator Call
- Primos Hunting Primos Ki-Yi Call
- Haydel’s Game Calls DC-88 Double Reed Predator Call
- Icotec GEN2 GC350 Electronic Predator Call with Remote
FOXPRO Electronic Predator Call – Inferno
The FOXPRO Inferno is a powerful and versatile American-made caller built for serious hunters. It comes pre-loaded with 75 professional sounds and has the capacity to store up to 200, giving you an extensive library of coyote, fox, hog, and crow calls at your fingertips. The integrated USB port makes managing this library straightforward, allowing you to easily add new sounds from your computer.
Its remote control features a large, easy-to-read screen, which is a significant advantage in low-light conditions. This caller is designed for reliability and user-friendly operation, providing the sound quality and programmability needed to outsmart pressured predators. It represents a strong balance of performance and value in the electronic call market.
Icotec 300+ Predator Call with Bluetooth
Stand out from your setup with the impressive remote range of the Icotec 300+. Its industry-leading 300-yard remote control distance allows you to place the call far from your position, keeping you completely hidden from approaching predators. This extended range provides a major tactical advantage, especially in open terrain.
This unit also includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to control the call from a smartphone app at distances up to 100 yards. A key feature is the ability to play two sounds simultaneously, such as a prey distress sound combined with a coyote howl, to create a more realistic and compelling scenario that can trigger aggressive responses.
FOXPRO X24 American Made Electronic Predator Call
The FOXPRO X24 is a feature-rich, top-tier electronic call for hunters who want data-driven results. It includes 100 high-quality sounds and access to a vast free sound library. Unique features like FOXMOTION allow you to mimic moving prey by fading sound between its left and right speakers, adding incredible realism to your setup.
Perhaps its most innovative tool is FOXDATA. This function records environmental data like temperature, barometric pressure, moon phase, and stand duration. By logging this information over time, you can analyze patterns to better predict predator activity and increase your success rates, making your hunting strategy more scientific and effective.
Primos Hunting Dogg Catcher 2 Electronic Predator Call
The Primos Dogg Catcher 2 is designed to offer maximum effectiveness with minimal complexity and cost. This compact caller is simple to operate but doesn’t sacrifice useful features, including a 100-yard remote and the ability to play two sounds at once. It provides excellent value for hunters seeking reliable electronic calling without a high price.
It comes programmed with 12 proven sounds from expert caller Randy Anderson. These curated sounds are selected specifically for calling in wary predators like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. For hunters who want a straightforward, no-fuss electronic caller that works right out of the box, the Dogg Catcher 2 is a compelling choice.
FOXPRO Hellcat American Made Electronic Predator Call
Proudly made in the USA, the FOXPRO Hellcat is built to be a portable and affordable digital game call without cutting corners on performance. It strikes a smart balance, offering a substantial sound library and capacity in a user-friendly package. It arrives with 175 sounds and can store up to 300, ensuring you have ample options for any hunting situation.
Known for its portability, the Hellcat is easy to carry into the field and quick to set up. It maintains the programmability and sound quality FOXPRO is known for, making advanced electronic calling accessible to a wider range of hunters. It’s a reliable workhorse call for consistent performance.
Primos Hunting Primos Ki-Yi Call
For hunters who prefer the control and tradition of a mouth call, the Primos Ki-Yi is a classic and effective tool. Constructed to be durable and perform in tough conditions, this call is a staple in many hunters’ kits. Its simple design belies its effectiveness at producing the sharp, convincing cries of a distressed rabbit.
The call features a removable mouthpiece, which allows for easier cleaning and also lets you adjust the reed for a wider variety of distress sounds and volumes. An included instructional mini-CD helps you learn the techniques needed to master this call. It’s an inexpensive, lightweight, and highly effective option that requires only your skill to operate.
Haydel’s Game Calls DC-88 Double Reed Predator Call
The Haydel’s DC-88 is another excellent mouth-blown call known for its versatility and realistic sound. Its double-reed design makes it easier to blow than some single-reed calls, allowing hunters to produce loud, clear distress sounds with less effort. This can be a major benefit during long calling sequences or in cold weather.
This call is capable of producing a range of convincing prey animal cries that are irresistible to coyotes and foxes. Like all mouth calls, it offers complete silence and requires no batteries, giving you the ultimate in stealth and portability. It’s a proven, dependable choice for close-range calling or as a backup to your electronic caller.
Icotec GEN2 GC350 Electronic Predator Call with Remote
The Icotec GEN2 GC350 is designed to be a straightforward and reliable electronic caller for hunters at any skill level. It offers the convenience of remote operation, allowing you to trigger sounds and adjust volume from a distance without revealing your position. This basic tactical advantage is key for fooling sharp-eyed predators.
Expect a selection of pre-loaded, high-quality sounds tailored for coyotes, foxes, and other game. Icotec calls are known for their clear, crisp audio output, which is critical for sounding authentic. The GC350 model provides an accessible entry point into remote electronic calling, combining essential features with dependable performance in the field.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the 8 Best Predator Call for Coyotes and Foxes
Choosing the right call can feel like a big decision, and honestly, it is. The best tool for the job depends a lot on your style, your budget, and what you’re trying to accomplish. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field, and I can tell you there’s no single “perfect” call, but there is a perfect call for you. Let’s break down what I look for.
First, you need to decide between electronic and mouth calls. Electronic callers are fantastic. You get a huge library of sounds, from distressed rabbits to challenging howls, and you can operate them remotely. This lets you set the call away from your position, which is a huge safety and tactical advantage. They’re great for covering ground and seeing what works. Mouth calls, on the other hand, are all about simplicity and instinct. There’s no batteries to die, and you have total, immediate control over the volume and cadence. For close-in work or when you want to travel super light, a good mouth call is hard to beat.
Sound quality is king, no matter which type you pick. For electronic callers, look for a unit with a high-quality speaker. A tinny, cheap speaker won’t carry the nuance of a real animal in distress, and predators are smart enough to tell the difference. For mouth calls, it’s about finding a reed design that you can blow consistently. Some are easier than others, so don’t be afraid to practice.
Next, think about versatility. Are you only targeting coyotes, or do you want to bring in foxes too? While many sounds overlap, some calls are tuned specifically for one species. An electronic caller with a wide variety of sounds gives you the most options. For mouth calls, you might end up buying a few different ones for different prey sounds. Durability is another big one. This gear gets banged around in your pack, dropped in the mud, and exposed to all kinds of weather. You want something built to last.
Finally, consider your skill level. If you’re just starting out, a simple electronic caller with pre-loaded sounds or an easy-to-blow mouth call can build your confidence. As you get more experience, you can graduate to more advanced, customizable systems. My advice is to start with a solid, mid-range option in the category that appeals to you most. That way, you’re investing in a tool that will actually help you learn without breaking the bank. Finding the right tool from a list of the 8 best predator call for coyotes and foxes is all about matching the gear to your personal hunt.
FAQ
What’s the most effective sound for calling in coyotes?
In my experience, you can’t go wrong with a cottontail rabbit distress sound. It’s a staple for a reason—it works year-round and across most territories. For foxes, a high-pitched rodent squeak is often the ticket. Later in the season, especially during breeding, coyote vocalizations like howls and challenge barks can be incredibly effective for locating and bringing in dominant dogs.
How close should I set my electronic call to my position?
I typically set my e-caller between 20 and 40 yards away, and always downwind of where I plan to sit. This does a couple things: it pulls the predator’s attention away from me, and it often positions them nicely for a shot as they circle downwind to approach the “prey.” Just make sure you have a clear line of sight to the caller and the area around it.
Is it worth learning to use mouth calls if I have an electronic caller?
Absolutely, yes. I always carry at least one mouth call as a backup. Batteries die, electronics fail. More importantly, there are times when a subtle, low-volume whimper or squeak made with a mouth call can seal the deal on a wary animal that hung up just out of sight. It gives you a level of instant, quiet control that an e-caller sometimes can’t.
How long should I call at one spot before moving?
My standard routine is to call for about 20-30 minutes per set. I start low, bring the volume up, and mix up the sounds. If I’m in really good territory and I’m patient, I might stay for 45 minutes. Coyotes, especially pressured ones, will often take their time circling downwind before they show themselves. If you don’t see anything after a solid 30-minute effort, it’s probably time to quietly move to your next location.
Can I use the same calls for both coyotes and foxes?
You often can, especially distress sounds. A good rabbit distress will bring in both. However, foxes sometimes respond better to higher-pitched sounds like a mouse squeaker. If your goal is to specifically target foxes, having a call that can produce those tinier, squeakier noises will improve your success. Many electronic callers have sounds labeled specifically for fox.