Any Suggestions on a Varmint Call?

[stoutstuff]

Anyone have a recomendation of an elctronic varmint call to take to the field?

[Jerry Lester]

You probably should've posted this in the varmint/predator section.

To answer your question though, I use a Fox Pro 16 sound with remote. In my opinion, the Fox Pro just can't be topped, and I've used a lot of other E-Callers over the years.

[S.B.]

I have handgun hunted for coyotes and an electronic call is far too heavy to carry with my other gear. I use mouth calls, now. In my experience, electronic calls sound much like a taped version of an animal? To be fair, I have no experience with the Fox Pro but, have quite a bit with the Johnny Walker unit. A good howler for locating them, a single reed rabbit in distress for bringing them in, and a mouse squeeker for in close works great in my area, and a lot lighter.

[lovedogs]

I've hunted coyotes since 1972, including 14 years when I worked for USFWS with the National Refuge System.  While I may not be the best in the country I feel pretty well qualified.  The Fox Pro callers are, without a doubt, the best in electronics.  Myself, I can't afford them.  I am still using an OLD Johnny Stewart that uses cassette tapes.  Being actual recordings of critters they are authentic sounding and very effective.  But they are very heavy.  I put a butt pad in my daypack to cushion my back when I pack this unit.  This unit gets used more than hand calls because I can pop in any tape and get any sound quite easily and it has an advantage of being able to be set off to the side.  That, along with the use of a decoy, keeps the coyote's focus in another direction instead of directly at me.  Another advantage of an electric is that you can adjust volume and keep it calling while you aim at the incoming dog.  You can't do that with a hand call.  The remote control feature on some of the electronics is also really nice.

I only use hand calls when I really want to travel light.  And I always leave one in my truck in case I see something while just out driving around.  I've called in quite a few just by running into them while out doing other things and using my stowaway call.  All hand calls seem to work well.  It's not as important as some would make you believe about how you use the hand call.  Howling takes some knowledge and practice but squeals vary so much that almost anything will work.  More important than the sound you make is probably your approach to the area and staying invisible (well camouflaged).  Of course, if they smell you it's over!

For me shooting sticks have worked fine from the sitting position.  I've not liked bipods attached to the gun.  They tend to make your (my) rifles shoot differently than off a bench or in field positions.  With the rifle (or pistol) rested just ahead of the receiver on the rubber part of the crossed sticks my guns shoot right on.  Without a set of sticks the proper use of a sling (I like the Whelen) will work almost as good as the sticks.

Best Regards, Mike

[corbanzo]

I usually like the muzzleblast of a 22-250, it makes the dogs perk up their ears.   

[lovedogs]

If they can still perk up their ears it means you missed and should shoot again!