Attracting crows and other birds requires the right tool for the job. Whether you’re a hunter using crow calls as a turkey locator, a wildlife photographer seeking to bring subjects closer, or simply enjoy observing these intelligent birds, a quality caller is essential. The market offers everything from simple, traditional mouth calls to advanced electronic systems, each with its own advantages.
Selecting the best crow caller depends on your skill level, intended use, and personal preference. This roundup examines nine top-rated options, from trusted brands known for their realistic sound and durability. We break down the features and benefits of each to help you find the perfect call for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Crow and Bird Callers
- Faulk’s Game Calls Walnut Crow Call C-50
- Primos Hunting Power Crow Call
- Haydel’s DR-85 Mallard Duck Call
- FOXPRO X24 Electronic Predator Call
- Quaker Boy Old Boss Hen Call
- Haydel’s TC-87 Triple Tone Crow Call
- Primos Hunting Crow Call
- Johnny Stewart PC-1 Predator Call
- Icotec GEN2 GC300 Electronic Caller
Faulk’s Game Calls Walnut Crow Call C-50
For a classic, no-fuss crow call, the Faulk’s C-50 is a time-tested favorite. Crafted from solid walnut, this call is not only durable but also develops a rich patina over time. Its primary benefit is producing an excellent tone that accurately mimics an adult crow, which is highly effective for attracting birds.
The design is straightforward, making it very easy to blow even for those new to using mouth calls. Its simplicity and consistent performance have made it a reliable tool for hunters and bird watchers for generations. If you want a traditional, effective crow call that works straight out of the box, this is a strong candidate.
Primos Hunting Power Crow
The Primos Power Crow is built for volume and impact. Marketed as the loudest locator call available, it is designed to cut through tough environmental conditions and reach distant birds. This makes it an exceptional tool for locating turkeys in the spring, as a loud crow call often triggers a shock gobble from a tom.
Beyond turkey hunting, it serves as a powerful crow hunting call. Its construction is tested for durability in demanding situations. For hunters who need a call that can project sound over long distances to locate game, the Power Crow offers a significant advantage.
Haydel’s Game Calls Inc. DR-85 Mallard Duck Call
While not a crow call, the Haydel’s DR-85 “The Deceiver” is included for those interested in attracting waterfowl. This double-reed duck call is legendary for its effectiveness and is known as a proven “meat call.” Its fully adjustable floating wedge allows you to personalize the tone to your liking, which is a valuable feature for fine-tuning your sound.
It is designed to be very easy to blow, making it suitable for both professional callers and beginners. The call is hand-tuned and can even be blown “wet” for realistic feeding chatter. For dedicated duck hunters, this call offers professional-grade performance in a user-friendly package.
FOXPRO X24 Electronic Predator Call
For the ultimate in versatility and technology, the FOXPRO X24 is a top-tier electronic caller. It comes pre-loaded with 100 high-quality sounds, including crow calls, and has access to a vast free library. This allows you to attract not just crows but also coyotes, foxes, and hogs with precise, realistic audio.
Advanced features like FOXMOTION, which mimics moving prey by panning sound between speakers, and FOXDATA, which logs environmental conditions for later analysis, set it apart. This caller is ideal for serious hunters who want maximum control, programmability, and data-driven results from their setup.
Quaker Boy Old Boss Hen Call
The Quaker Boy Old Boss Hen Call is a specialized tool for turkey hunters. This call is designed to produce the raspy, mature sounds of an old hen turkey, which can be incredibly effective for luring in gobblers during the season. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and use in the field.
While its primary function is turkey calling, the realistic hen sounds can also pique the curiosity of other birds and wildlife. For hunters focused on spring turkey seasons, adding a dedicated hen call like this to your kit can provide more vocal variety and realism.
Haydel’s Game Calls Inc. TC-87 Triple Tone Crow Call
The Haydel’s TC-87 stands out with its unique triple-tone capability. Its exclusive three-position teeth setting allows you to sound like an adult, young, or baby crow in distress. This range of sounds can trigger different responses from birds, making it a highly versatile and effective crow call.
It is also a very effective turkey locator call and has a proven track record, having won numerous crow-calling contests. This call offers significant flexibility in a single, simple device, allowing you to adapt your calling strategy based on what the birds are responding to.
Primos Hunting Crow Call
This Primos Crow Call is designed for authenticity. It focuses on producing the subtle, accurate sounds of crows, recognizing that individual birds have different voices. This realism is key for both locating turkeys and for calling in crows themselves during hunting seasons.
The call is straightforward to use and is perfect for the hunter who wants a dedicated, realistic crow sound without extreme volume. It serves as a reliable dual-purpose tool for spring gobbler location and for actual crow hunting, providing great value.
Johnny Stewart PC-1 Predator Call
The Johnny Stewart PC-1 is a compact electronic caller known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It comes pre-programmed with a variety of sounds, including crow calls, which are excellent for locating turkeys or attracting curious crows. Its main benefit is providing realistic electronic calling in a user-friendly format.
These types of calls are ideal for hunters who want the consistency of a recorded call without the complexity of full programming. You can place it at a distance from your position to draw attention away from you, making it a useful tactical tool in the field.
Icotec GEN2 GC300 Electronic Caller
The Icotec GEN2 GC300 is a modern electronic caller that balances performance with value. It typically features a remote control, multiple built-in sounds (including crow calls), and a weather-resistant design. This allows for hands-free operation and the ability to switch sounds based on animal response.
For hunters looking to step into electronic calling without the highest-tier investment, the GC300 offers a strong set of features. It provides the advantage of realistic, consistent calls that can work on a variety of game, from predators to crows, increasing your versatility in the field.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Crow Caller
Choosing the best crow caller to attract birds isn’t just about grabbing the loudest one off the shelf. I’ve found that success comes from matching the tool to your specific situation and skill level. The first thing I consider is the type of call. There are two main styles: mouth-blown calls and electronic callers. Mouth calls, like reed-based diaphragms or tube calls, require some practice to master but offer incredible control over tone and cadence. They’re also lightweight and easy to carry. Electronic callers, on the other hand, play pre-recorded sounds of crows fighting, feeding, or in distress. They’re fantastic for covering more ground and can be very convincing, but they’re bulkier and require batteries.
Next, I think about realism and sound quality. A good crow caller should produce clear, convincing sounds that mimic real crow behavior. For mouth calls, look for ones made from durable materials like acrylic or polycarbonate that won’t warp and will maintain a consistent sound. For electronic units, check the quality of the speaker and the library of sounds. Having a variety of calls—like distress calls, gathering calls, and challenge crows—can make a big difference in pulling in birds from a distance.
Portability and durability are huge for me. If I’m hiking into a remote area, I don’t want a heavy, fragile unit. Many hunters and photographers prefer compact, rugged calls that can survive being knocked around in a pack or exposed to the elements. Finally, don’t forget about your own experience. If you’re new to this, starting with a simple, reliable mouth call or a user-friendly electronic model is wise. You can always upgrade as you learn what sounds and features work best in your area. The goal is to find a tool that you’re comfortable using consistently, because that’s what ultimately brings the crows in close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between a mouth call and an electronic crow caller?
The biggest difference is how you operate them. A mouth call is a small device you blow into with your own breath to create the sound. It takes practice to get the right crow sounds, but it gives you a lot of control. An electronic caller is a speaker that plays digital audio files of real crow sounds. You just press a button. It’s much easier for beginners to get realistic sounds immediately, but it’s a larger piece of gear that needs power. For many people, having both in their kit is the ideal setup.
When is the best time of year to use a crow caller?
You can use a crow caller year-round, but I find the late fall and winter months to be particularly effective. With the leaves off the trees, crows can see and hear much farther, and they’re often in larger, more responsive flocks. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active times for crow movement, making those the prime windows to try calling. During spring and summer, be mindful of nesting seasons and local regulations.
How close do I need to be for a crow caller to work?
This depends on conditions and the caller’s volume. A loud, high-quality electronic caller can grab the attention of crows over a mile away on a calm day. A mouth call is generally effective for a few hundred yards. Remember, the initial call is to get their attention from a distance. Once they’re interested and flying your way, you’ll often switch to softer, more subtle sounds to keep them curious and bring them the final distance into range for observation or photography.
Are there any legal restrictions on using crow callers?
Yes, absolutely. Laws vary widely by country, state, and even county. In many places, crows are classified as a game bird or pest species, and using electronic callers may be restricted to certain times of year or require a specific hunting license. Even for wildlife photography, using calls to attract birds can sometimes be regulated. I always make it a point to thoroughly check the current wildlife regulations with my local fish and game department before I head out. It’s your responsibility to know the rules.
What other gear should I use with my crow caller?
Camouflage and concealment are just as important as the call itself. Crows have incredibly sharp eyesight. I always wear full camouflage, including a face mask and gloves, and set up in a shaded spot with a broken silhouette. Decoys can be a massive help too. A simple setup with one or two stationary crow decoys, or even an owl decoy, can give incoming birds a visual target and boost their confidence to come in close. Pairing the right decoy with your chosen crow caller creates a much more convincing scenario.