Using a predator call may be the only way to hunt predators. They are, after all, widely seen as good trackers who also know how to avoid dangers. In various ways, hunting a predator means beating it at the very game it plays to survive.
You are attempting to beat it at its reality. You’d better be prepared to redefine its world— classic Matrix-style (hello, Keanu Reeves!).
There’s hardly a better technique of confusing an animal than imitating a sound that may trigger it.
The predator call is typically an attempt to mimic a specific animal’s sounds to trap it or another animal. A skilled hunter should make a predator call with his voice, but if —like most others— he cannot, the predator calls to the rescue!
Predator calls are devices used to mimic the cry of an animal instead of doing so with your voice.
Considerations for Using a Predator Call
Since predator calls are technological tools, you would be forgiven for thinking that it takes nothing to use them. Contrarily though, there is a lot to know & consider before you can put your predator call to good use. Let’s see what these things are below.
Type of Animal You’re Hunting
The animal type you’re going after largely determines the predator call to buy. Some animals respond better to the cries of prey in distress, while others react better to mating calls. Others, meanwhile, require a combination of various sounds to respond.
By knowing beforehand the type of animal you’ll be hunting, you’ll have a clearer picture of what predator to go for.
Type of Call
Additionally, you have to be aware of the various call types you may have to imitate in the woods. Typically, they include pup calls, prey in distress, lone/group calls, male/female cry & mating cry.
There are various products that combine these calls, but you need to know what sound will trigger the most intense response. Failure to know this simple knowledge can render your predator call useless.
This is because you may unknowingly make errors that’ll give you away to the game. An example would be repeating a particular sound over & over again. Trust the predator to suspect a foul play.
Assesses & Know the Area
A key aspect to consider when using a predator call is the environment you’ll be hunting in. Large predators are typically territorial & can, as a result, be found only in specific places. Being able to tell where these areas are gives you a significant head start in your hunting trip.
Alongside knowing the environment sits figuring out the appropriate sound to make in a region. It would be wrong to make the call of an animal that’s rarely found in a particular location. The cry of prey in distress may even be ineffective if it’s an animal that never comes to that place. This is because the predators in a region are very much aware of the prey to find.
Practice Until You’re Perfect
Even technically, a predator call is not easy to use. So, before you hit the woods to hunt, you must practice the calls to make with the machine, doing so in the appropriate sequence. Remember that predators are quite tactical, and a mistake may be all it takes for you to be identified as an imposter, and that’s the end for that day.
You must have a clear plan of how to use your predator call before leaving home, as this will help to be more clinical, thereby increasing the chances of a kill.
Specifications to Note Before Choosing a Predator Call
Like all tools used in the wild, there are various models of predator call by different manufacturers. It is necessary to know what to consider before making a choice to get the best value for money.
Here we go.
Size & Dimensions
Size is always a paramount consideration when buying an item to carry along to the wild. No? Generally, the agreement that the lighter, the better since you’ll be able to move faster. But except if you’ll be using a very high-tech model that performs very well regardless of its small size, there is an avoid argument for selecting something quite sizable.
Usually, the smaller the predator calls, the less its range & amplification. Bigger models are therefore more advisable, although they can be difficult to move about. In the end, what matters most is what you want to carry & what your hunting goals are.
Sounds Available
Gone are the days when users had to key in specific codes before the predator call would make a sound. Nowadays, all you need to do is hit a single button, although these models often have fewer options in lieu of convenience. In fact, some models work well with Bluetooth connections now.
There are also products that can play customized sounds that are downloaded online. The number of sounds available and how they can be modified are relevant factors to consider.
Battery Life & Type
The predator call’s key advantage is its mobility, indicating that most models these days are powered by batteries that can be replaced anywhere you go. You need to know that there are different battery options, the two basic ones which are replaceable & rechargeable. While the former is old-school, I believe it holds an edge since they can be replaced at any time — be it in the middle of the night within the forest or wherever. The latter, meanwhile, obviously does not require going about with batteries, but you may as well fold up for the night if the power goes low while hunting.
Needless to say, you need to consider the estimated battery life, especially if you’re going for a rechargeable option.
Range
Range simply describes how far the sounds from your speakers can make, as well as the distance from which you could control the sounds with a remote. Mind you; you don’t want to be exactly where the speaker is when the animal comes.
I suggest a device with a considerable range, so the amplifier can be left in a spot & get operated while you move about.
Final Thoughts on Using a Predator Call
Using a predator call is one of the actions that make hunting predators easier. Take note of every point this article has raised, and wait for our follow-up, which shortlists the best predator call products to buy now. Bookmark page now.