Best Small Game Calls

Best Small Game Calls

Small game animals like squirrels, rabbits, crows, and various predators (coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons) are abundant, provide excellent lean meat or valuable fur, and offer fantastic opportunities to hone your hunting skills. Simply walking and waiting for an animal to appear is effective, sure, but imagine being able to draw a curious squirrel out from behind a tree, stop a bolting rabbit in its tracks, or bring a cunning coyote right into your lap by mimicking the distress cries of its prey. Calling adds an interactive, strategic, and deeply rewarding element to your hunt. It’s about understanding animal behavior, mastering their vocalizations, and using sound to bring the action to you.

This brings us to a fundamental choice when selecting your small game calls: do you opt for the versatile, hands-on control of mouth calls (like blower calls or friction calls), or embrace the high-fidelity, remote-controlled power of electronic calls (especially for predators)? Each approach offers a distinct set of advantages, profoundly impacting its realism, its overall versatility for different species and scenarios, and its ease of use. The choice isn't just about what’s cheapest or what looks coolest; it’s a strategic decision that dictates your effectiveness, your level of engagement, and ultimately, your success in putting small game in the bag. So, let’s pucker up and shake, delve into the nuances of various small game calls, dissecting their strengths in realism, versatility, and ease of use, helping you pick the perfect sonic weapon for your next small game adventure.

The Voice of the Wild:
Why Call Small Game?

Before we dive into the specific call types, let's briefly touch on the compelling reasons why adding calls to your small game hunting strategy is a game-changer:

1. Draws Game Closer: The primary purpose. Mimicking distress, territorial, or social calls can attract curious, aggressive, or hungry animals right into your effective range.
   
   

2. Stops Moving Animals: A sharp bark or a distress cry can often cause a running squirrel or rabbit to stop dead in its tracks, providing a stationary target for a clean shot.
   
   

3. Identifies Hidden Animals: A series of barks or chatters can make a squirrel reveal its presence from dense foliage.
   
   

4. Attracts Predators: Distress calls (e.g., rabbit in distress) are incredibly effective at bringing coyotes, foxes, and bobcats to your location.
   
   

5. Increases Success Rates: Turns passive searching into active persuasion, leading to more shot opportunities.
   
   

6. Skill Development: Mastering calls enhances your understanding of animal vocalizations and behavior.
   
   

7. Pest Management: Can effectively draw nuisance animals (raccoons, opossums, coyotes) to areas for removal.
   
   

8. Interactive Hunting: Adds a dynamic, engaging element to the hunt.
   

The Science of Calling:
Mimicking Animal Vocalizations

Effective game calling relies on understanding basic animal behavior responses to specific sounds:

• Distress Calls: The most universally effective. Mimic a wounded or dying animal (e.g., rabbit squeals, fawn bleats). This taps into a predator's hunting instinct (for predators like coyotes, foxes, bobcats) or a larger animal's curiosity (e.g., raccoons, opossums).

• Territorial/Challenge Calls: Mimic a challenge (e.g., crow assembly call, coyote howl, squirrel alarm bark). Used to draw out dominant individuals defending their territory.

• Social/Contact Calls: Mimic vocalizations used for communication within a species (e.g., squirrel chattering, crow caws). Used to draw in curious or social animals.

• Alarm Calls: Less common for calling in, but knowing them helps you identify when an animal is spooked.

Critical Considerations for Any Small Game Call

Regardless of type, a good small game call shares these qualities:

1. Target Species Specificity: Match the call precisely to the animal you're targeting. A squirrel bark won't call a coyote.

2. Realism: The more natural and authentic the sound, the better. Practice is key here.

3. Volume & Tone: Appropriate for the species and environment. A loud call for open fields, a softer call for dense woods.

4. Durability: Must withstand outdoor conditions (moisture, drops, temperature changes).

5. Quietness (of the call itself): No squeaks, rattles, or clanks from the call or its components.

6. Portability: Easy to carry in a pocket, lanyard, or pack.

7. Ease of Use: How quickly and easily you can produce realistic sounds, especially under pressure.

8. Legality: ALWAYS check local hunting regulations. Electronic calls are often highly regulated, especially for deer, but typically legal for predators (coyotes, foxes) and sometimes varmints. For squirrels and rabbits, mouth calls are usually the only legal option.

Types of Small Game Calls:
Mechanisms & Applications

Let's explore the most common and effective types of small game calls:

1. Rabbit Distress Calls (Blower Calls):

   • Mechanism: These are "mouth calls" where you blow air through a reed or a series of reeds.

     • Open Reed: Features an exposed reed that you manipulate with your lips and tongue for varied sounds. Often more versatile for different tones, but require more skill.

     • Closed Reed: The reed is enclosed in a chamber, making it easier to blow consistently. Less versatile but easier to learn.

     • Bite Calls: A type of closed reed where you bite down to change pitch.

   • Target Species: Primarily coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and sometimes other opportunistic predators like raccoons, opossums, and even bears (where legal).

   • Realism: Mimic the high-pitched, frantic screams and squeals of a rabbit caught by a predator. Highly realistic.

   • Versatility: Most are specific to rabbit distress, but some open-reed calls can be manipulated to produce other distress sounds (e.g., bird, mouse).

   • Ease of Use: Closed-reed models are generally easiest for beginners. Open-reed requires more practice.

   • Pros: Highly effective for drawing predators, can be very loud, simple, no batteries.

   • Cons: Single purpose for rabbit sounds, can tire lungs, requires some skill for realism.
     
     

2. Squirrel Calls (Friction/Shaker Calls):

   • Mechanism:

     • Shaker Calls: Contain internal shot or beads that rattle when shaken, mimicking a squirrel's chatter.

     • Friction Calls: Involve rubbing two surfaces together (e.g., wood on wood, plastic on wood) to create a "bark" or "chatter" sound.

     • Blower Calls: Some squirrel calls are small, enclosed reeds you blow into for barks.

   • Target Species: Squirrels.

   • Realism: Mimic the barks, chatters, and warning calls of squirrels, triggering curiosity or territorial responses.

   • Versatility: Limited to squirrel vocalizations.

   • Ease of Use: Generally very easy and intuitive. Most require minimal practice to produce realistic sounds.

   • Pros: Very effective at attracting curious squirrels, stopping moving squirrels, or getting hidden squirrels to reveal themselves. Quiet operation.

   • Cons: Short range, only for squirrels, can be difficult to produce perfect realism consistently.
     
     

3. Crow Calls (Blower Calls):

   • Mechanism: Typically open-reed, often made of wood or plastic, requiring specific breath control and tongue manipulation.

   • Target Species: Crows.

   • Realism: Mimic various crow vocalizations: assembly calls (to gather a flock), challenge calls (to provoke a response), distress calls (to draw crows to investigate a perceived threat to another crow).

   • Versatility: Specific to crow sounds.

   • Ease of Use: Requires practice to master the variety of caws and achieve realistic tones. Beginners often start with basic assembly calls.

   • Pros: Highly effective for decoying crows, can be loud enough to call from a distance, simple, no batteries.

   • Cons: Requires significant practice for advanced calling, only for crows.
     
     

4. Raccoon/Opossum/Varmint Calls (Distress/Pup Calls):

   • Mechanism: Often open-reed or closed-reed calls mimicking generic distress (young animal distress) or specific pup calls.

   • Target Species: Raccoons, opossums, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and other general varmints.

   • Realism: Mimic the cries of a young animal in distress, attracting opportunistic predators or curious animals.

   • Versatility: Can be used for multiple predator/varmint species, though less specific than rabbit distress.

   • Ease of Use: Moderate, requires practice for varied cries and desperation sounds.
     
     

5. Electronic Game Calls (for Predators/Varmints):

   • Mechanism: Digital player with an internal speaker (or separate speaker unit), controlled by a remote or smartphone app. Stores a vast library of pre-recorded animal sounds.

   • Target Species: Primarily coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, and often wild hogs.

   • Realism: Extremely high realism due to high-fidelity digital recordings of actual animal vocalizations. Sound libraries can include hundreds to thousands of specific sounds (e.g., various rabbit distresses, coyote pup distress, challenge howls, mouse squeaks, bird distress, crow calls, racoon squalls).

   • Versatility: Unparalleled versatility. Can switch between dozens of species and scenarios instantly. Can blend multiple sounds (e.g., rabbit distress with a coyote howl), create custom sequences, and adjust volume precisely. The remote allows hands-free operation and placing the sound away from the hunter.

   • Ease of Use: Very simple to operate with a remote or smartphone app, even for beginners. No physical technique is required to produce sounds.
     
     

   • Pros:

     • Hands-Free Operation: Keeps hands on weapon, focus on game.

     • Remote Placement: Draws attention away from hunter.

     • Vast Sound Library: Access to virtually any sound needed.

     • Superior Realism & Volume Control: High-fidelity recordings, precise volume adjustment.

     • Multi-Sound & Sequencing: Creates complex, realistic scenarios.

     • Highly Effective: Can be devastatingly effective for predator calling.
       
       

   • Cons:

     • Cost: Significant upfront investment.

     • Battery Dependent: Requires batteries, which can die in the field.

     • Legality: Highly regulated. Often allowed for predators/varmints, but strictly illegal for most small game (squirrels, rabbits, birds) in many states, and universally illegal for big game.
       
       ALWAYS CHECK LOCAL REGULATIONS.

     • Can Spook Birds/Game: If sounds are unrealistic or used improperly.

     • Can Be Bulky: High-output speakers and large batteries add weight.

Calling Strategy & Best Practices for Small Game

No matter your call type, effective calling relies on strategy:

1. Set Up Downwind: Always position yourself downwind or crosswind of where you expect the animal to approach. A call might bring them in, but if they hit your scent, the game's over.
   
   

2. Patience & Sequence: Call in short bursts or sequences (e.g., 20-30 seconds of calling, then 1-2 minutes of silence, repeat). Don't overcall. Let the call work.
   
   

3. Combine with Decoys (for Predators): A spinning wing decoy or a small, lifelike rabbit decoy (for predator calls) provides crucial visual confirmation that animals are looking for when they hear a sound.
   
   

4. Use Natural Cover: Concealment is key. Use natural features to break up your outline.
   
   

5. Practice: Practice your calls often to achieve realism. Listen to real animal vocalizations.
   
   

6. Situational Awareness: Always be ready for a shot. Animals can come in fast and from unexpected directions.
   

My Recommendation:
Tailor to Species & Legality

For small game hunters, the "best" call depends heavily on the specific animal and the legal framework for calling that species.

• For Squirrels and Crows:
  High-quality mouth calls (shakers, friction, blower) are your go-to. They are inexpensive, effective, and always legal.
  
  

• For Rabbits:
  A rabbit distress mouth call is paramount for drawing predators.
  
  

• For Predators (Coyotes, Foxes, Bobcats, Raccoons, Opossums):
  A high-quality electronic game call with a diverse sound library (especially rabbit distress, pup distress, coyote vocalizations) is usually the most effective and versatile tool. Supplement this with a mouth call for realism or backup.
  
  

Always verify legality! This cannot be stressed enough. The rules for using electronic calls, and even specific types of mouth calls, vary widely by state and species.

Mastering a few specific calls for your target species can dramatically enhance your small game hunting success, turning you into a more active, engaged, and effective hunter.

Now, let's explore some of the real-world small game calls that have earned their reputation for bringing game into range and consistently helping hunters fill their limits.

Product Reviews:
My Top Small Game Call Picks

Here are seven excellent examples of real small game calls, covering various types and target species, from reputable manufacturers known for their realism, effectiveness, and reliability.

Primos Still Buster Squirrel Call (Friction/Shaker)

Price Range: $$10 - $$15

The Primos Still Buster Squirrel Call is a popular and effective friction-style squirrel call. It typically works by rubbing two surfaces together (or shaking) to produce realistic squirrel barks and chatters. It's designed to bring curious squirrels out from behind trees, stop moving squirrels for a shot, or get them to reveal their presence in dense foliage. It's incredibly easy to use, requiring minimal practice for realistic sounds. For squirrel hunters who want an affordable and reliable way to increase their opportunities, the Still Buster is a top choice.

Primos Hunting Catnip Call (Rabbit Distress - Open Reed)

Price Range: $$15 - $$25

The Primos Catnip Call is an open-reed rabbit distress call, highly effective for attracting various predators. It produces the high-pitched, frantic screams of a rabbit in distress, which taps into the predatory instincts of coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and other opportunistic varmints. Its open-reed design allows for some versatility in tone and volume with practice. It's compact, durable, and provides a powerful, realistic sound. For hunters targeting predators, the Catnip Call is a proven performer.

Foxpro X-Wave Electronic Game Call (Electronic - Predator Focused)

Price Range: $$650 - $$800

The Foxpro X-Wave is the gold standard in electronic game calls, primarily for predators but featuring a vast library of small game-relevant sounds (various rabbit distresses, coyote pup distress, crow calls, bird distresses, mouse squeaks, etc.). It offers unparalleled realism and volume from its high-definition speakers. The remote control allows for hands-free operation, remote placement, multi-sound blending, and precise volume adjustment, making it incredibly versatile and effective for calling coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. While a significant investment, its performance and sound library are top-tier for predator hunters.

Haydel's Game Calls Cottontail Rabbit (Rabbit Distress - Closed Reed)

Price Range: $$10 - $$20

Haydel's Game Calls are known for their user-friendly and realistic calls, and their Cottontail Rabbit Distress Call (often a closed-reed design) is a strong performer. It's designed to be relatively easy for beginners to produce realistic, high-pitched rabbit screams, making it accessible to a wide range of predator hunters. Its consistent sound and durable construction make it a reliable choice for attracting coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. For hunters wanting a quality, easy-to-use rabbit distress call, Haydel's is a great option.

Flambeau Crow Call (Crow Call)

Price Range: $$10 - $$20

The Flambeau Crow Call is a traditional, durable crow call, often made from wood or plastic. It's designed to produce realistic crow caws, including assembly, challenge, and distress calls (with practice). Crow calls are highly effective for drawing in crows, whether for pest control or simply for the challenge of calling them in. While it requires a bit of practice to master the variety of caws and achieve maximum realism, the Flambeau Crow Call offers a reliable and affordable way to engage these intelligent birds.

Primos Mouse Squeaker (Small Varmint/Predator Call)

Price Range: $$5 - $$10

The Primos Mouse Squeaker is a very simple, compact, and effective call for attracting small predators and varmints. It produces a high-pitched, realistic mouse squeak that taps into the acute hearing and predatory instincts of coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, and even house cats. It's often used for finishing off a call sequence or for drawing in a wary animal that's hung up. Its minimalist design means it's always ready, requires no batteries, and can fit into any pocket.

ICOtec Outlaw Programmable Game Call/Decoy Combo (Electronic - Predator Focused)

Price Range: $$250 - $$350

The ICOtec Outlaw offers a compelling combination of features and value in an electronic game call, primarily for predators but also useful for general varmint control. It comes with an extensive 240-sound library (expandable) that includes various rabbit distresses, pup calls, and other small game-related sounds. It also features an integrated, remote-controlled motorized decoy for added visual attraction. Its GCX+ Remote Control is intuitive with illuminated buttons. For hunters seeking a versatile, reliable electronic call with a built-in decoy for predator and varmint hunting, the ICOtec Outlaw is an excellent choice.

The Hunter's Symphony:
Mastering the Language of Small Game

Calling small game isn't just about making noise; it's about engaging in a strategic dialogue with the animals, understanding their responses, and using sound to bring them into your effective range. Whether you prefer the hands-on mastery of a mouth call or the high-tech versatility of an electronic device, mastering the art of the call can dramatically enhance your small game hunting success.

Don't underestimate the power of vocal deception. Choose calls that align with your target species and hunting style. Practice diligently, understand animal behavior, and always adhere to local hunting regulations regarding specific call types. Because when you can speak the language of the wild, you transform from a mere observer into an active participant, leading to more intimate encounters and successful hunts. Speak the language, and happy hunting!