Predators are elusive creatures. They have mastered the game of hiding, hunting, and just being plain sneaky. That’s how they catch their prey. So expect these wild creatures to be the masters of their game. And the wild is indeed their territory. That’s why you need the best predator calls to lure them out of their hiding.
Coyotes, wolves, lions, cheetahs and other big cats- these are the common predators of the wild. And it’s challenging to catch them. Even the slightest movement can be detected right away.
So don’t bother about making distress rabbit noises yourself. These beasts won’t buy it! Because they’re just plain smart and it won’t be as good as our top picks! Let’s see what brands are worth buying in our electronic predator calls review.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!
Quick Summary
This is a quick overview of some of the Best Predator Calls that we have on our list. We have mentioned a few brands that are well acknowledged by the critics and users based on their functionality and usage. For a detailed review of all our fifteen picks, head to our 10 Best Predator Calls.
- FOXPRO Shockwave is our overall choice. Even the sneakiest predator will not be able to discover this decoy. It has everything you’d want in a predator caller, plus a hundred different sounds to choose from.
- The FOXPRO Hammerjack has more free animal sounds. If you think you have a lot of options with the FOXPRO Shockwave, you’ll get 111 more free tops.
- The ICOtec Gen2 GC320 Has the fanciest tail of all predator callers on our list. Coyotes will go gaga over this.
- The ICOtec GC101XL is our budget option. You can enjoy a decent and functional predator caller that will not break your bank.
- If you are new to hunting, the ICOtec Gen 2 GC300 Is the most suitable predator caller. Also, veterans will still find it very useful.
| Brand | Dimensions | Weight | # of sounds | Batteries needed | Warranty | Button |
| FOXPRO Shockwave | 5.75″ x 12.25″ x 7″ | 3.9 lbs with batteries | 100 | 10 AA batteries | 5 years limited | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| FOXPRO Hammerjack | 8″ x 5.5″ x 6″ | 2.5 lbs with batteries | 100 plus 111 free | 8 AA | 3 years | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| ICOtec Gen2 GC320 | 0.1 x 6.4 x 6.3 inches | 1 lb | 24 | 4 AA | 1 year warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| ICOtec GC101XL | 4 x 2 x 4 inches | .75 lbs | 12 | 4 AA batteries | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| ICOtec Gen 2 GC300 | 5 x 4 x 3 inches | 3 lbs | 12 | 4 AA batteries | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| Primos 3755 Turbo Dogg | 9.38 x 6.38 x 6.44 inches | 2.6 lbs | 36 | 4 AA batteries | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| FOXPRO Deadbone | 7″ x 4″ x 5.5″ | 1.6 lbs with batteries | 15 | 4 AA batteries | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| Primos Dogg Catcher | 10 x 7 x 5 inches | 2 lbs | 12 | 4 AA batteries | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| Primos 3756 Alpha Dogg | 12.7 x 11.7 x 14.5 inches | 3.63 lbs | 75 | 11 AA batteries | 180 day limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
| Lucky Duck Revolt | 11.5″ x 4″ x 10.5″ | 4.7 lbs | 100 | 10 AA | 1 year limited warranty | Check Latest Price Read Full Review |
The 10 Best Electronic Predator Calls for a Successful Hunting
Sure you can make those coyote calls. But depending on your vocal impersonification skills, the success rate is not assured. It might even send your kill running for safety.
These predator calls will lure that coyote out of its hiding hole. Let’s get started.
1. FOXPRO Shockwave– Best Overall
The FOXPRO Shockwave is the king of the hills when it comes to predator calls. It’s the integrated package complete with all the works.
When you’re a professional hunter, a basic predator call or even one with a decoy might not be enough. So you end up buying accessories to upgrade your existing caller.
Now with the FOXPRO shockwave, you don’t need to buy anything else. This is what the seasoned hunter is looking for. It has a lot of features and accessories that are built for the big league. But of course, the price is higher too. Why no? It has amazing features to boot.
First, it can make around 100 sounds and it can make up to a thousand calls. That’s a lot of different animal sounds to work with. And the sound can be made more audible with four horn style speakers and two tweeters. Even the most elusive beast will surely come out of the cave.
And if the 100 sounds aren’t enough, you can customize those sounds according to your liking. You can even change the pitch or maybe do a fade out to make it sound more natural.
Features:
- 3-7 hours run time
- Can make 100 different sounds
- Has a remote with LCD screen
- Made in the US
- 5 years warranty
- Complete with horn-type speakers and tweeters
- 10 AA batteries, NiMH rechargeable
Pros
- You can customize the sounds
- Easy to navigate
- Can record information your hunting
- Offers a wide variety of sounds
Cons
- Range is low at 100 yards
2. FOXPRO Hammerjack– Best Value
FOXPRO fanatics would fall in love with this caller! This multispecies caller offers a ton of free sounds, 111 of them.
The lack of multiple animal sounds can be frustrating. Especially if it doesn’t even have the one particular animal sound that you need. Well, you are in for a big treat with the FOXPRO Hammerjack.
We’re not surprised that it made it to our top list. FOXPRO is indeed a household and popular brand when it comes to predator callers. The Hammerjack will elevate your hunting experience.
It has 100 varying animal sounds. And to top it off, it offers an additional 111 free sounds. And if that’s not enough for you, this unit is programmable too. So you can download more to your heart’s content.
It comes complete with all the accessories that you’ll ever need- a charging jack, 2 jacks for speakers and an auxiliary jack. It also features a decoy.
And speaking of decoy, it isn’t just like an ordinary fake rabbit tail. The hammer jack is equipped with the FOXPRO 4. It’s the brand’s natural-looking decoy that mimics the bushy tail of a prey.
And at 3.53 lbs, it’s not even heavy but it packs all these features in a decently sized unit.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- 3 year warranty
- Dual amplified speaker system
- Foxjack decoy included
- 8 AA batteries
Pros
- Has a lot of features
- It’s very versatile and offers 100 sounds plus 111 free more
- It has an advanced technology and can program call sequences
Cons
- Expensive
3. ICOtec Gen2 GC320– Best Compact
It’s an upgraded version of ICOtec Gen2 GC300. It’s updated with a fancy tail to boot and it’s a more compact version.
Predators can really be intelligent. Sometimes they’re so intelligent that they can discern a real animal sound from a fake one. Now if you have a cheetah with more protein in its DNA, it’s high time to use a decoy.
ICOtec Gen2 GC320 features bunny fur that ‘ll make that big cat come out of his shell. This built-in feature can make things surreal for your prey. It offers the best realistic scenario. It can make 24 varying animal sounds that you can use for your hunting. Like the first version, you can play 2 sounds after one another. That makes the sound seem more natural too.
Another great feature is that you can set this predator call. Or set it to run intermittently. And the 500 range is already impressive. But if you need to have it louder, it has a connection for an audio jack.
Features:
- 24 varying sounds
- LED lights
- 300 yard remote range
- Operates on 4 AA batteries
- 1 year warranty
- Speed control dial and an audio jack
- Intermittent motion modes
Pros
- Changeable PD400 decoy
- It’s compact and lightweight
- 2 sounds can be played together
Cons
- Short warranty period
4. ICOtec GC101XL– Best Budget
It’s one of the most mobile and perhaps the cheapest predator calls in the market today.
If you want a basic caller, you don’t want to shell out that much money. Especially if you just want to try out predator callers. This model is the perfect brand for you. It’s priced so low that you won’t even notice that you spent money on it. But it does have decent features that make it useful too.
Sometimes you just don’t want to be bothered with heavy predator calls, especially if you’re packing light. Then you’ll find ICOtec GC101XL quite convenient. It fits easily in your pocket and it’s the lightest but decent predator call that you can find in the market.
This predator makes about 12 different animal sounds with a range of 100 yards.. That’s plain and simple. And for a small and compact predator call, the sound is audible and loud.
Another interesting feature is the remote control. You don’t need to have a line of sight for it to work. The remote has a 100-yard range. So you can easily change the sounds even if you can’t even see the small caller from afar. For a simply priced caller, this is one of the best predator calls with a low price. It truly gives more value for the money.
Features:
- 4 AA batteries
- 12 preprogrammed calls
- Remote comes with 12 volt battery
Pros
- Cheapest price
- It’s quite loud for a small unit
- 100-yard range remote control
- Simple to operate
Cons
- Shorter range
5. ICOtec Gen 2 GC300– Best for Beginners
Priced under 80 dollars, the ICOtec Gen 2 GC300 is a first entry predator call. But even though it’s made for the newbies, veteran hunters would still find it useful.
Looking for a predator caller with a variety of animal sounds can be a dilemma. Sometimes you end up with a band that can only make one or two animal sounds. That’s why the ICOtec Gen 2 GC300 is highly recommended.
First, this predator features 12 different sounds. You can choose from a range of raccoon pup in distress and even up to a bobcat adult. It also makes sounds for coyotes, cottontail, rabbit, fawn, crow and even a fox. So you have a wide range of animal sounds that can suit your predator’s taste buds, so to speak.
Another great feature is that it’s really small and lightweight too. You will surely appreciate how solid it is despite its small size. It looks better than its price.
Also, the remote conveniently lights up. It’s perfect for night hunting. And the sounds are audible and loud enough so these kings of the jungle can clearly hear it as far as 300 yards. In addition, it operates with 4x AA and 1x A23 batteries. Though it’s not included in the package. So you have to purchase it separately.
Though it’s not programmable, the range of animal sounds is quite a lot for a newbie, or even for some seasoned hunters. Another advantage is that you can have two sounds playing simultaneously. You just need to press the button.
Furthermore, the remote can be easily snuck in your pocket. But a lanyard would be nice to have. Overall, it’s an impressive predator call priced under 100. If you’re a newbie, it may be all you’ll need for your first few catches. It’s one of the best
electronic predator caller for the newbie.
Features:
- 1 year limited warranty
- 300 yard range
- Comes with light for illumination
Pros
- It’s easy on the pocket
- It’s compact, light, and a well built unit
- Loud and clear sound
- Great range for a small unit
Cons
- Not programmable
6. Primos 3755 Turbo Dogg– Best Programmable
This programmable predator caller allows you to add more animal sounds to increase your rate of success.
Sometimes you’re looking for a specific animal sound but you can’t find it anywhere. This is where a programmable caller comes in very handy. You can customize and download additional animal sounds.
The Primos 3755 Turbo Dogg is a programmable predator caller that offers a lot more convenient features. It boasts 36 pre-programmed sounds. But you can connect it to your computer and download more animal sounds.
You’d be happy that it includes 4 HyperHunt sounds in the package. Instead of repeated sounds that may sound fake, expert Hyperhunt has different sequences. It makes the sound seem more natural.
And if you’re looking for the best predator call with a powerful volume, this is also the caller for you. It boasts of a 25-watt amp speaker. The wider the frequency, the more natural it sounds.
You’d need 11 AA batteries to keep this baby happily running.
Features:
- 36 sounds and 4 preprogrammed hunting calls
- Turbo-charged 25-watt amplifier and rotating distortion-free speaker
- audio-out port
- 10 -20 minute call sequence comes with USB port
- 150 yard range
Pros
- Inclusive of 4 Hyper Hunt sounds
- It’s highly programmable
- Loud volume
- Has a port for additional speaker
Cons
- The remote doesn’t work if you’re lying on the ground
7. FOXPRO Deadbone– Best Brand
If you love the popular US brand Foxpro but find their products too expensive, you’ve landed on the right page! The DEAD BONE is a cheaper predator call from FOXPRO.
Branding spells a lot about a product. And we feel you when you want a high-end predator caller from a famous brand. But then again, it has a hefty price tag. So you’d be glad to hear that FOXPRO has launched a low-end predator call, the DEADBONE.
It’s the brand’s entry-level product but contains the same sophistication that you’d expect from a FOXPRO brand. It boasts of 15 varying animal sounds. As an entry-level predator call, this is a lot. Most brands offer 12 sounds.
Also, you can use the remote at a distance of 200 yards. The sound is decent enough to call out predators from their hiding.
Priced under 100 dollars, it’s a real steal. Though the sound isn’t as loud as the other high-end FOXPRO callers, it has an external jack where you can connect additional speakers.
Moreover, DEAD BONE is made of an ABS material, making it so lightweight. Overall, it’s a great entry-level product coming from a high-end brand.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- External audio jack
- 15 animal sounds
- Range of 200 yards
- High-efficiency horn speaker
- Has aPilot Lamp/low Battery indicator glows green while on, blinks when batteries are getting low
Pros
- It has an affordable price coming from a premium brand
- Lightweight and compact
- It can play 2 sounds simultaneously
Cons
- The remote is so small that the text becomes hard to read
8. Primos Dogg Catcher– Best Basic
Primos Dogg catcher is a very simple and inexpensive predator caller that works.
Some callers can be hard to navigate. And some can be easy to use but are expensive. We’ve discovered a predator caller that is easy on your wallet but very easy to navigate at the same time.
Even newbies can easily find their way through a Primos Dog Catcher. It’s also very portable and light. It features the standard 12 animal sounds, the same that you would find in most entry-level callers. But the difference is the price. It costs only around 90 dollars. As for the remote, it has a range of 100 yards. That’s not too shabby for a caller priced under 100 dollars.
So this is recommended for newbies who are just starting to venture into the hunting scene.
Features:
- 95-100 decibels
- 12 animal sounds
- Range of 100 yards
Pros
- Portable and light
- It can play 2 sounds simultaneously
- It has an affordable price
Cons
- Doesn’t have an external jack for extra speakers
9. Primos 3756 Alpha Dogg– Best Speakers
Some concerns on predator callers are that the animal sounds don’t seem like the real deal. The secret also lies within the speakers. And this product rises above.
One directional speaker can spill out the beans. On the other hand, this Primos predator caller boasts of multidirectional speakers. It makes the sound come out more realistic as it comes out for several angles instead of just one.
Another advantage is that it’s a programmable predator caller. And you can download up to 1000 sounds. That’s an addition to this caller’s 75 programmed sounds. And it comes with 6 Expert Hunt sounds too, the full version!
The design blends in the wild pretty well. It has this fatigue like design that bends with the greenery and the shrubs. It’s quite light too and made of rugged plastic.
To keep this caller running, you need 8 AA batteries for the caller and 3 AA batteries for the remote. Though it’s not included in the package.
Features:
- Made of rugged plastic
- 180 degree speakers
- 75 programed sounds
Pros
- 3 Multi-Directional speakers
- Has an LCD screen on the remote
- Has tripod mounting threads
Cons
- Needs 11 AA batteries to run
10. Lucky Duck Revolt – Best Audible Sound
This heavy duty predator caller can store as much as 100 animal sounds. And the sounds are very clear and natural.
So that’s a lot of enticing and varying sounds that even the picky predator will not pass on. Moreover, it has very audible sounds and it is pretty loud So it has a very good range and the sounds will be pretty irresistible to even the smartest coyote.
It also feels well built, and the remote has three backlights settings. So it can provide a sufficient illumination during the night.
Features
- 100 predator sounds
- 50 to 80 yard reception
- Can hold up to 1000 sounds
- High output e-caller with ear piercing volume and additional tweeter speaker
- 4 channel remote
- Rotational base broadcasts sounds 360 degrees
Pros
- The sounds are audible and pretty loud
- It is robust, heavy duty, and a well built unit
- Can store a lot of sounds
Cons
- Has a weird battery compartment design
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Buying Guide: How to Select the Best Coyote Calls for Your Hunting
With a myriad of predator calls in the market, it’s easy to get lost. Should you get a programmable one? Or is the one with the most sounds the best for you?
Every hunter has different needs. So the best electronic game call for you will be the one that suffices those needs. It doesn’t matter if it’s the most expensive or the cheapest, it’s the one that could give you the best value for your money.
So let’s see some of the basic features that you have to consider when buying the best predator calls.
Weight and size:
It’s no brainer that as a hunter, you’re always on your feet. You won’t be able to bring your wheels all the time. So you should consider the weight of predator calls.
So you need something portable and light enough for you to carry. It should not be a burden. But does it mean that you have to buy the lightest one on the market? Not exactly. It must be portable too. So it must be relative to its size.
The decoy:
Sometimes, there are cunning coyotes that won’t give in to the sound unless they see a tail somewhere in the fields. This is where a decoy comes in handy. It resembles the tails of their prey and can increase the success rate of your hunting.
Some brands have a built-in decoy already. But these don’t come cheap. Especially high-end decoys that look realistic, you’ll have to shell out more dough.
But what if you’re on a budget? The solution is you can forgo the decoy for the meantime. You can always buy one whenever the need arises and your wallet allows.
Programmable predator calls:
Programmable predator calls allow you to download additional sounds to the unit. There’s a bit of customization going on. But there are trade-offs as well. Apart from the added cost, it can be more comprehensive. Thus, it’s for seasoned hunters.
While non-programmable ones usually have a range of 12-15 preset sounds that you can work with. The advantage is that it’s easy to use. Thereby, these are suited for the newbies.
Speakers:
No matter how much sound your calls make if it can be heard within a decent range, it’s useless.
Double speakers work best if you have a large hunting field to cover. Multi-Directional speakers can be handy in this situation. This will make the sound seem more realistic. Especially for a big land, prey sounds need to come from multiple directions to seem natural.
If you’re hunting on a smaller land, however, a single speaker would suffice. Especially if you have neighbors nearby, they might call the sheriff on you for noise disruption.
Range:
The range indicates up to how far the sound can be heard. Decent brands usually have 100-300 yards. So should the wider range be better? Maybe get 400?
You don’t need to call the device that far, 300 is a pretty much large range already.
Number of sounds:
While it’s nice to have a broad range of animal sounds to work with, sometimes all you need is 2-3 different sounds.
Picky and cunning predators might have a liking for a particular sound. But oftentimes, most members of the pack can’t distinguish between a platinum grey fox and a red fox.
Advantages of Electronic Predator Calls
Should you go manual or electronic? Predator calls are categorized into these two.
Now, all the items on our list are electronic predator calls. Let’s see how it has an edge over manual ones.
Weather-resistant:
Most electronic predator calls can survive extreme weather conditions. May it be the rain, snow or wind, this can pretty much hold and still function.
A number of these devices are programmable:
Some electronic predator calls can be programmed. So you can download additional sounds or change the pitch or tone of the existing animal’s sound. Though not all electronic predator calls have this function, several electronic calls are programmable. Where manual predators are, yes manual.
Lightweight yet durable:
Electronic predator calls are designed to be lightweight, compact and portable. And you’d be surprised how long it can last.
Variety Of calls:
Electronic predator calls enable you to store multiple calls. Sure you can also do that with manual electronic calls, but you have to do a ton of calls. Then you might miss out on an opportunity when your predator has already come out of its hiding.
And lastly, it’s easier to survey the scene from a distance with an electronic predator call. It adds a layer of protection for yourself too,
Hunting Hand Call Vs Electronic Call
Hunting hand calls are the primitive way of luring out predators. Here are some of the pros and cons
The Pros:
- It’s relatively inexpensive
- Sky’s the limit when it comes to a variety of sounds.
- You can be as creative as possible
- You’ll not be hassled with electronic glitches
The Cons:
- Draws the attention to you
- If you’re not creative, you might not come with a viable sound
Now we have to stress the importance of safety here. In using hand calls, you’re pretty much the same position as to where the sound is coming from. Predators such as coyotes are very intelligent. They can determine the exact source of the noise.
The danger of hand hunting is you’re directly calling the coyote to come to where you’re located. And you’re not sure as to him many will show up, right? Especially if they belong to a large pack, you’d be in for a nasty surprise
The best electronic predator calls, on the other hand, also have its share of cons. But the pros further outweigh the cons
The Pros:
- You can set the sound away from your location
- You can focus more on the kill rather than the sounds you’re making
- Safer
- Perfect for those who can’t carry out an attractive prey sound
The Cons:
- Need for batteries
- There can be glitches
We find it safer and more viable. Since you’re going to position yourself away for the source of the sound, you can focus. And it gives you time to prepare if a coyote suddenly appeared right before your eyes. And let’s face it, some hunters haven’t developed the art of creating a valuable prey sound. So the best electronic predator calls have got it all figured out.
There can indeed be glitches along the way. But the best predator calls on hand limit those occurrences.
But some seasoned hunters swear by the use of both manual and the best electronic predator calls. It may enhance the effectiveness of your coyote calling. You can do that as well, you just have to know how to go about hand calling to avoid the risks
Tips for Calling Coyotes More Effectively
There are educated coyotes and there are just ruler ones. Educated coyotes learn overtime on how to evade predator calls. Especially If they have been lured to the trap a couple of times. These educated coyotes are the most elusive. And they may have mastered the art of discerning a fake call from a real one.
That’s why you have to step up your game with the best predator calls. So how do you do it?
Let’s see some pointers
1. Technically, you have to use a combination of sounds. Multiple sounds can mimic the real scenario. You can use a combination of sounds, say sounds of birds meshing with the sound of distress pup and a yodeling female fox.
Chances are the combination of sounds that may be new to the coyote. As compared to a single sound that it might have heard from other hunters before.
2. Mind the wind
These predators have an amazing sense of smell. They can smell you for miles away. So it’s a must to keep the wind on your face.otherwise, they’ll know instantly that you’re there.
3. Camouflage
Even if you’re located away from the device, it’s a must to do a camouflage. Blend with your surroundings to give yourself more advantages.
4. Strategic location
Set yourself up in a spot where you can see your coyote approaching. The best location would be on top of the hills.
5. Complete your arsenal.
A rifle might not be enough. You also have to have a shotgun. Rifles are for long shots while shotguns come in handy when a coyote suddenly runs up to you.
6. Park somewhere where they can’t see you
Common sense it is, you have to park your truck away from the coyote. They shouldn’t be able to see or hear from you. It can be miles of walking.
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FAQs
From how much distance a predator can hear the sounds?
Coyotes and other predators can hear sounds from a log mile. But it also depends on the volume of your calls. Midrange calls have a range of 200-300 yards while long-range calls can be heard farther at 400-500 yards.
Can I choose sounds according to my choice?
With programmable predator calls, you can. You can download a variety of coyote calls. Yodeling, and other animal sounds to your liking.
What is the difference between a smaller and a bigger e- caller?
When it comes to hunting, the smaller the device the better. This allows for more movement. And since you’re going to park your truck away from the setup. You would want something lighter.The best predator calls shouldnt’ be a burden to carry.
Are manual calls suitable for modern-day hunting?
There are still some veteran hunters who make a combination of both manual and best predator calls.. It may create more sense of realism. But it’s very rare for a hunter to rely only on manual calling these days.
Conclusion
In this electronic age, even hunting has grown in leaps and bounds. The birth of electronic predator calls makes hunting more precise and more accessible even to newbies. While some veteran hunters may use the combination of both manual and electronic calls. But they can’t go without using e-calls.
There’s no denying that the best electronic predator calls allow hunters to step up their game. Our predator caller review will let you lead the pack in your hunting!
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATIONS
FOXPRO Shockwave
The FOXPRO Shockwave is the best FOXPRO model for us. And the brand is one of the frontrunners when it comes to predator calls. And this unit is a beast. It’s very easy to use and has a variety of animal songs for a number of predators.
It will not leave you clueless in the woods because it’s very easy to hover through the settings. We also find this very useful even in low temperatures of 15 degrees, we had no problems using it.
Really interesting post!
This is an excellent list of the best predator calls. I’m definitely going to check out some of these calls for my next hunting trip. Thanks for the great information!
I’m looking forward to trying out some of these calls!