Best Hunting Deer Calls

Let’s get real for a second. We’ve all been there. You're in your stand, the wind is perfect, and you're feeling confident. The sun is starting to set, and you're ready for that monster buck to make his way down the trail. But just as the magic hour begins, you see a flash of antlers in the distance. He’s walking down the edge of the field, just out of range. He’s a beautiful animal, but he's on a mission, and he's not coming any closer. You could just sit there and hope for the best, or you could try to talk to him, to get his attention, to lure him in for a closer look. The truth is, a good deer call isn't just a piece of plastic; it's a piece of gear that allows you to engage with the deer on their terms. It’s a powerful tool that can turn a silent, frustrating hunt into a heart-stopping, unforgettable encounter. Trying to hunt deer without a call is like trying to fish without bait—it’s a frustrating and, ultimately, inefficient task.

For three decades, I've had the pleasure of watching this process unfold. I've sold countless deer calls to hunters, from the simple, no-fuss can calls to the complex, professional-grade grunt tubes. I've listened to their stories of success and frustration, and I can tell you, the one thing that separates the successful from the unsuccessful is a dedication to a solid calling strategy. Calling deer isn't some black art reserved for pro-shop technicians or world champion callers. It's a skill that can be learned with a little bit of practice and, most importantly, the right tools. The products you use in this process are the language you speak to the deer, the silent commands that they will come to understand.

But just like everything else in the hunting world, the market for deer calls is a minefield of options. You've got everything from simple squeeze calls to complex rattling bags that look and sound like two bucks fighting. So how do you know what to use? Do you need a grunt call or a doe bleat? What's the difference between a snort wheeze and a fawn distress call? Don’t worry, we're going to break it all down. We'll explore the essential features of a great deer call, from its material and durability to its sound quality and ease of use. We’ll talk about the different types of calls and what makes each one great for a specific situation. And, of course, we’ll review seven of the best, most effective, and most trusted deer calls on the market today, helping you build a kit that will turn you into a deer-calling machine.

The Foundation of a Great Call:
Understanding the Types

Deer calls can be a little confusing at first, but they can be broken down into a few main categories. Understanding these categories is the key to choosing a call that is right for your needs and your skill level.

• 1. Grunt Calls:
  This is the most versatile and common type of deer call. A grunt is a low, guttural sound that bucks and does make to communicate. A good grunt call will be able to produce a variety of sounds, from a soft, social grunt to a more aggressive tending grunt. The best grunt calls will also have a snort wheeze, which is a sign of aggression that can lure a dominant buck in for a closer look.
  
  

• 2. Bleat Calls:
  A bleat is a high-pitched sound that a doe makes to signal that she is ready to mate. A good bleat call will be able to produce a realistic estrus bleat, which is a powerful tool for a hunter during the rut. A fawn bleat is also a great option, as it can be used to attract a doe that is in a motherly mood.
  
  

• 3. Rattling Antlers or Bags:
  Rattling is the sound of two bucks fighting. It's a powerful tool that can be used to lure a curious or aggressive buck in for a closer look. A good rattling bag or a set of rattling antlers will be able to produce a variety of sounds, from a light sparring match to a full-blown battle.
  
  

• 4. Squeeze Calls or Can Calls:
  These are a great option for a beginner, as they are incredibly easy to use. A can call is a small, can-shaped device that you simply tip over to create the sound of a doe bleat. It's a great way to get started with deer calling, and it's a great backup for a more advanced call.

Now that we have a solid understanding of the basics, let's look at some specific products that can help you take your deer calling to the next level.

Product Reviews:
The Best Calls for Your Kit

I've personally used, sold, and heard countless stories about these products, and they are all incredibly useful and well-regarded in the hunting community.

Primos Buck Roar II Grunt Call (All-in-One)

Price Range: $$30 - $$40

• Why it's a winner: This is a gold-standard call in the deer hunting world. The Primos Buck Roar II is an all-in-one call that can produce a variety of sounds, from a soft grunt to a loud, aggressive snort wheeze. It's an excellent option for a hunter who wants a single call that can do it all. The call is easy to use, and it's a great way to get started with deer calling.
  
  
  

Hunter's Specialties True Talker OG Grunt Call

Price Range: $$20 - $$30

• Why it's a winner: The Hunter's Specialties True Talker OG is a classic for a reason. It's a simple, no-frills, and incredibly effective grunt call that can produce a variety of sounds, from a mature buck grunt to a young buck grunt. It's a great option for a hunter who wants a reliable, durable call that will last for years. The soft rubber exterior provides a great grip, and the freeze-proof design makes it a great option for a cold day in the stand.
  
  
  

Primos The Original Can Estrus Bleat (Beginner-Friendly)

Price Range: $$10 - $$15

• Why it's a winner: This is the perfect call for a new hunter who wants to get started with deer calling without a lot of practice. The Primos The Original Can is a simple, no-fuss can call that creates the sound of a doe bleat with a single tip. It's a great way to get started with deer calling, and it's a great backup for a more advanced call. It's also a great option for a hunter who is in a high-distraction environment, as it's a great way to get a buck's attention in a pinch.
  
  
  

Knight & Hale Pack Rack Rattling System

Price Range: $$30 - $$40

• Why it's a winner: This is a fantastic, no-nonsense rattling system that is perfect for a hunter who wants a realistic, loud rattling sound. The Knight & Hale Pack Rack is made from a high-density plastic that is designed to create a loud, realistic sound of two bucks fighting. It's a great option for a hunter who wants to lure a dominant buck in for a closer look. The best part is that it can be carried silently, as it pieces together for a quiet carry.

Illusion Systems Extinguisher Deer Call (Adjustable)

Price Range: $$30 - $$40

• Why it's a winner: The Illusion Systems Extinguisher is a fantastic, all-in-one call that is perfect for a hunter who wants to be able to change sounds on the fly. It features a simple, easy-to-use slide that allows you to change the call from a buck grunt to a doe bleat and even a fawn bleat with a simple slide. It's a great option for a hunter who wants a single call that can do it all.
  
  
  

Flextone HeadHunter's Extractor Deer Call

Price Range: $$20 - $$30

• Why it's a winner: The Flextone HeadHunter's Extractor is a versatile call that is perfect for a hunter who wants to be able to create a wide variety of sounds. It can produce a variety of deer vocalizations, from a social grunt to a fawn bawl and even a snort wheeze. It also has a unique, flexible throat tube that allows you to add inflection to your calls. It's a great option for a hunter who wants a call that can do it all, and its freeze-proof design makes it a great option for a cold day in the stand.

Buck Gardner The Original Can Estrus Bleat

Price Range: $$10 - $$15

• Why it's a winner: This is a classic, no-frills, and incredibly effective can call that is perfect for a hunter who wants a simple, easy-to-use call. The Buck Gardner The Original Can is a simple, no-fuss can call that creates the sound of a doe bleat with a single tip. It's a great way to get started with deer calling, and it's a great backup for a more advanced call. It's also a great option for a hunter who is in a high-distraction environment, as it's a great way to get a buck's attention in a pinch.
  
  

The Final Call:
The Art of the Conversation

Choosing the right deer call is a decision you should never take lightly. It's a piece of gear that directly impacts your ability to communicate with the deer, and it's a piece of gear that can make or break your hunt. The right call will give you the confidence to talk to the deer, and it will give you the ability to lure them in for a closer look.

So, take the time to choose the right call for your needs. Do you prefer a grunt call or a bleat call? Do you need a rattling bag or a simple can call? No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is that you practice. A good call in the hands of a bad caller is a useless tool. A bad call in the hands of a good caller is a deadly tool. The art of deer calling is a conversation, and a great call is how you make your voice heard.