Entering the world of deer calling can be as exciting as it is intimidating. The right call can turn a quiet hunt into a successful one, but with so many options, where should a beginner start? This roundup cuts through the noise to present nine of the best deer calls for those new to the sport. We’ve focused on calls known for their ease of use, realistic sound, and proven effectiveness in the field to help you attract more deer this season.
Understanding deer vocalizations is a key skill for any hunter. From soft grunts to aggressive snorts, each sound communicates a different message to deer in the area. The tools featured here are designed to help you replicate those sounds accurately, giving you the confidence to call effectively. Whether you’re targeting whitetail bucks during the rut or trying to lure in a curious doe, one of these calls will be a great addition to your gear.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Deer Calls
- Nationwide Scents Deer Call | Custom Cherry Wood Grunt Tube
- Extinguisher Deer Call by Illusion | Adjustable 10-in-1 Call
- Primos Hunting Power Buck and Doe Call, Dual-Reed Design
- Hunters Specialties Carlton’s Calls Series Squeeze Me Elk Call
- BARSKA Quick and Easy Large Access Biometric Rifles Safe
- Primos Hunting The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
- Bone Collector Challenger Grunt and Snort Wheeze Deer Call
- Knight & Hale EZ Grunter Plus Deer Call
- Haydel’s Game Calls Johnny Stewart PC-91 Grunt Call
Nationwide Scents Deer Call | Custom Cherry Wood Grunt Tube
For hunters who appreciate traditional craftsmanship, the Nationwide Scents grunt call offers both beauty and performance. It is expertly crafted from premium cherry wood, which not only gives it a classic look but also contributes to a deep, resonant tone that carries well across distances. The extra-long grunt tube is designed specifically to mimic the natural sounds of whitetail bucks, including rutting grunts and breeding calls.
This call benefits from over 28 years of experience in deer husbandry, meaning its design is backed by real-world testing and proven field results. It is built to fool mature bucks, especially during the peak of the rut. The authentic sounds it produces make it a reliable and trusted tool for beginners who want a straightforward, effective grunt call that works.
Extinguisher Deer Call by Illusion | Adjustable 10-in-1 Call
The Extinguisher Deer Call stands out for its incredible versatility, making it an excellent single-call solution for a beginner. Its patented ModiSlide adjustable reed system allows you to quickly change between over ten distinct deer vocalizations. You can replicate everything from soft fawn bleats and doe grunts to aggressive buck contact grunts, tending grunts, and even roars.
This call has earned a top reputation, receiving a 99.6% approval rating from the NAHC. The new 2.0 version features a wider range of tone and volume control, deeper buck grunts, and a more realistic flexible rubber throat tube for directional calling. Each unit is hand-tuned and tested, ensuring you get a reliable and effective call right out of the package.
Primos Hunting Power Buck and Doe Call
The Primos Power Buck and Doe Call is a classic choice favored for its simplicity and effectiveness. Its dual-reed design is the key to its versatility, allowing you to produce a wide spectrum of sounds. With a little practice, you can generate everything from aggressive, challenging grunts to softer, submissive bleats, making it useful for attracting both bucks and does throughout the season.
Engineered for authentic sound quality, this call helps hunters simulate realistic deer vocalizations. Its user-friendly operation means beginners can start making effective sounds quickly, without a steep learning curve. It serves as a great all-in-one call for new hunters who want to cover multiple scenarios without needing a bag full of different calls.
Hunters Specialties Carlton’s Calls Series Squeeze Me Elk Call
While labeled as an elk call, this versatile tool from Hunters Specialties is also highly effective for blacktail deer. It is designed to replicate the full range of buck vocalizations, from the soft, curious grunts of a young buck to the bold, aggressive calls of a mature animal. This range makes it perfect for enticing nearby deer or drawing out a dominant buck.
The call features a durable maple-wood barrel that produces clean, natural, and resonant sounds. The attached flexible rubber tube with a flared end gives you significant control over the direction, volume, and tone of your call. By simply flexing the tube or cupping your hand over the end, you can add realism to your calling sequence.
BARSKA Quick and Easy Large Access Biometric Rifles Safe
While not a deer call, safe firearm storage is a critical part of responsible hunting. The BARSKA Biometric Safe provides a secure and dedicated space to store your hunting rifles and accessories. It is California DOJ approved, ensuring it meets rigorous safety standards for firearm storage and compliance.
This safe offers quick and silent access via biometric fingerprint recognition, which is ideal for situations where discretion and speed are important. With 5.52 cubic feet of space, it is designed to accommodate up to ten rifles without accessories, and features removable shelves for organizing ammunition and other gear.
Primos Hunting The Original CAN Deer Estrus Bleat Call
The Primos “CAN” call is famously simple and incredibly effective. It replicates the sound of a doe’s estrus bleat, a powerful signal to bucks that a doe is ready to breed. This sound can be irresistible to bucks during the rut, often drawing them in from a considerable distance.
Its operation is straightforward: just turn the can over. A raised thumb hole locator helps ensure a consistent seal and sound every time. Known as one of the most popular deer calls of all time, its ease of use makes it a perfect first call for any beginner looking to add a potent sound to their arsenal.
Bone Collector Challenger Grunt and Snort Wheeze Deer Call
Trusted by the professional Bone Collector Team, this call is designed for hunters who want to sound like a challenging buck. It is a 2-in-1 tool that combines a standard grunt call with a snort wheeze call. The snort wheeze is an aggressive vocalization bucks use to intimidate rivals, making it highly effective during the rut.
The call features an innovative reed system that optimizes back pressure. This design allows you to produce a deeper, louder sound with less effort, making it easier to use for extended periods. For beginners ready to try more advanced calling tactics, this call provides a professional-grade tool in a manageable format.
Knight & Hale EZ Grunter Plus Deer Call
Knight & Hale is a respected name in game calls, and the EZ Grunter Plus lives up to that reputation with a focus on user-friendly operation. This call is built to produce realistic grunts and bleats without requiring complex techniques, making it very accessible for those just starting out.
Its design prioritizes consistent sound production, helping hunters make accurate deer vocalizations with minimal practice. The “EZ” in its name is a direct reference to its ease of use, allowing you to focus on your hunt rather than struggling with your call. It’s a solid, no-fuss option for reliable performance in the field.
Haydel’s Game Calls Johnny Stewart PC-91 Grunt Call
Haydel’s Game Calls brings dependable quality with the Johnny Stewart PC-91 Grunt Call. This call is known for its realistic sound and durable construction, built to withstand the rigors of hunting season after season. It provides a straightforward approach to deer calling, perfect for mastering the fundamentals.
The call is designed to produce authentic buck grunts that can attract deer from a distance. Its reliable performance and simple operation make it a trustworthy tool for beginners who want a call that works without unnecessary complications. It’s a classic design that has helped many hunters achieve success.
What to Look For in the 9 Best Deer Calls for Beginners – Dec. 2025
When I first started looking at deer calls, the options were overwhelming. Grunt tubes, bleat cans, rattling antlers—it’s a lot. The key for a beginner is to keep it simple and focus on tools that are easy to use and effective. You don’t need a symphony orchestra in your pack; you need one or two reliable calls that you can use with confidence. The goal is to sound like a deer, not a confused human with a strange noise-maker.
First, think about the type of call. For most beginners, I suggest starting with a grunt call. It’s versatile, used for both bucks and does, and mimics a common social sound. Look for a grunt tube with an adjustable reed or a simple one-tone design. This lets you control the pitch, which is important for sounding realistic. A bleat can is another fantastic starter option. It’s literally “can” simple: you turn it over or shake it to make a fawn or doe bleat. There’s no technique to mess up, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
Next, consider the build quality. You want something durable that can handle being in a cold, damp hunting pack. Plastic is fine, but check that it feels solid, not flimsy. O-rings on grunt tubes should seal well to keep moisture out of the reed. For rattling, synthetic antlers or a rattle bag are much easier for a beginner than carrying real antlers. They’re lighter, quieter to carry, and still make a convincing clash.
Finally, and this is the big one: practice. The best call in the world is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Before the season, watch some videos online to hear the real sounds. Then, practice in your car or at home. Learn what a few soft grunts sound like versus a loud, aggressive one. With a bleat can, practice the rhythm. The point is to sound natural. When you’re looking at our list of the 9 best deer calls for beginners, remember that the right one is the one you’ll actually take the time to learn.
FAQ
How often should I use a grunt call?
Less is usually more. I like to start with a couple of soft grunts every 20-30 minutes. If I see a deer that’s not coming closer, I might try a few more to get its attention. Over-calling is a common mistake. You want to sound like a relaxed deer in the woods, not one that’s screaming for constant attention.
Can I use a fawn bleat call during any season?
Yes, a fawn bleat is a great year-round sound. In early season, it sounds like a lost fawn. During the rut, it can attract does, which might then bring in bucks. Later in the season, it mimics a social sound. It’s a very non-threatening call, which makes it one of my top picks for the 9 best deer calls for beginners list.
Is rattling effective for beginners?
It can be, but I suggest starting with a rattle bag instead of antlers. A bag is easier to control and much quieter to carry in and out of the woods. The trick is to keep rattling sessions short—like 30 seconds of intense clashes followed by a few minutes of silence. It works best in areas with a good buck population and during the pre-rut and rut phases.
What’s the biggest mistake new callers make?
Calling too loud and too much. In most situations, deer are close. A loud, harsh grunt can sound unnatural and spook deer. Your first calls should be quiet, as if the deer is just out of sight. Volume is a tool for distance, but you should almost always start soft.
Do I need to buy multiple calls right away?
Not at all. I recommend picking one primary call, like a grunt tube, and maybe a secondary simple one like a bleat can. Master the basics of making realistic sounds with those before you add more to your vest. Becoming proficient with one call is better than being mediocre with five.
How do I maintain my deer calls?
Keep them dry. After a hunt, especially in wet weather, open up your grunt call and let the reed and internal parts air dry. For bleat cans, make sure no moisture is trapped inside. A little care prevents mold and keeps the reeds working properly for seasons to come.