Predator Call Basics: The Two Types Of Predator Calls

Introduction

For us at All Terrain Outdoors, the most enjoyable part of hunting any type of game is using our calls to successfully draw in our quarry. Having the ability to produce the sounds that are “convincing till the end” starts with a great quality call and extensive practice. Use these predator call basics to help improve your hunts.

Predator Calls Are Difficult

predator calls

Predator calling can be just as demanding as duck calling or turkey calling. Unlike duck calls or turkey calls, a predator call is typically not designed to sound like a predator, whether it is a coyote, fox, or bobcat.

Most predator calls produce the sounds of a fawn, rabbit distress, bird chirps, etc. A predator call plays on the predatory instinct and response of the animal you are hunting or rather the animal that is hunting you.

The Two Types Of Predator Calls

To be an effective predator caller, you must learn which sounds will attract a predator and which type of predator call will produce those sounds. With hand calls, there are two main types: a closed-reed predator call and an open-reed predator call.

Closed-Reed Calls

A closed-reed predator call typically creates cottontail distress sounds or jackrabbit distress sounds. Rabbit distress sounds are very effective and easily produced with a closed-reed call, even by a novice predator hunter.

The drawback to a closed-reed call is its lack of versatility. You are limited to the particular distress sound the call is tuned to imitate. Although the easy and simplistic operation of a closed-reed predator call makes it a great choice for a beginning predator caller.

Open-Reed Call

An open-reed call is the choice of experienced hand call predator hunters. An open-reed call does not have a barrel to protect or house the reed. The reed is exposed allowing you to change or manipulate the sound by positioning your mouth at different locations on the reed.

The open-reed predator call design offers extreme versatility in distress sound intensity and sound variations. The open-reed call can produce cottontail distress, jackrabbit distress, fawn bleats, bird chips, coyote pup yelps, and young coyote howls and barks.

Even though an open-reed predator call offers a greater range of sounds and tones, it requires more practice to learn how to manipulate the call to produce those sounds. If you enjoy the challenge of calling, an open-reed predator call may provide more enjoyment during your hunt.