Hunting & Fishing Predator Calling: Upgrade or not?

[KCshooter89]

Cross posting this, so those of you on CalGuns.Net sorry that you have to deal with rookie questions twice

Hey all, so I have given predator hunting a decent try but am not having much (i.e. ANY) success. I have tried areas where I know there are coyote/fox/bobcat populations but have only seen one, and it wasn't even from when I was calling. I have done a decent job at hiding my scent and entering from downwind, but like I said, no luck.

I am beginning to question my caller (even though it's most likely user error). I currently have a Flextone Mimic and want to know would it be worthwhile to spend the $130 on a Foxpro Spitfire?

Mimic


Spitfire


Thank you all in advance. I don't have anyone that I know who hunts predators so I'm relying on you guys.

 

[Engine 22]

You WOULD be getting an upgrade, however I used to have a Spitfire and now just use hand calls. Some day when I have the extra funds, I'll get a higher grade Foxpro. I didn't think the Spitfire was loud enough and didn't have much luck with it. I suggest getting the spitfire and trying it out. If it doesn't work for you, you could always sell it and move on to something different. Also, don't forget about grabbing some hand calls next time you're at Cablea's or Bass Pro

 

[KCshooter89]

You WOULD be getting an upgrade, however I used to have a Spitfire and now just use hand calls. Some day when I have the extra funds, I'll get a higher grade Foxpro. I didn't think the Spitfire was loud enough and didn't have much luck with it. I suggest getting the spitfire and trying it out. If it doesn't work for you, you could always sell it and move on to something different. Also, don't forget about grabbing some hand calls next time you're at Cablea's or Bass Pro

I do have a couple of hand calls but am just not confident in using them.

On a side note, I'm finishing up my Mill Creek application this week

 

[5spd]

^^^ you need not be confident in using any hand calls. The game is to sound the worst you can & they will come, that way you get your practice calling done & dead coyote when they come in looking for that sick dying animal.
If you have to have a ecall then step up to at least the caller or 2 above the spit fire...save up to get that better one & keep at the hand calls.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

I know it is a lot more money, but the Foxpro Fury, is the real deal. I went thru the same thing, bought a couple "lesser" callers, and had not so good results. I only wish I had taken the Fury to Africa, and used it on the lion we sought, maybe hyenas. they are very versatile, you'll find lots of uses for it. Like scaring the neighbors dog...........

A decoy, whether it is a furry floppy, a Mojo, or a CD disc hanging from a string ( don't laugh, it works) is a good addition too.

 

[Sledge1]

I would also suggest getting better at using your hand calls. Anybody can push a button on an ecaller and they all sound the same. Learn to use your hand calls, it's like playing a guitar, a lot of people can do it but few sound alike.
I like to practice in my truck while I'm driving. I've been calling for a long time and I still practice all the time. Hand calls are cheap and i feel they are a lot more productive.

Good luck.

 

[GUNNER75]

Don't get frustrated. My .02

Get yourself the following and always carry a couple as electronics are battery operated.

Foxpro Skyote
Tally Ho in any color
Crit R Call Standard
Verminator Tweety


My favorite is the Tally Ho, don't leave home without one ever.

Electronics do not sound the same or perform the same. Sorry, but simply cannot agree with that one.

Only two electronic call company's get my att'n. FoxPro and Burnham Brothers.

I have called the most with a Burnham Brothers Compu Caller III followed by the Foxpro Firestorm. I need to expand my Foxpro electronic selection as I am sure I could bring them in with a little more sound in my area.

Against all odds and what others will tell you, this is my suggestion and advice. Don't worry about the wind, but at the same time, don't forget about it. When starting out, worry about the sun and shadows and your set up. If you get to see em it is half the battle. If they run over you it is a learning experience. Work from there.
It is what is in front of you as much as wind and knowing where the dogs will come out, pull in, etc.

I would rather call and see one and not get a shot then simply just rest on the side of a hill and hang out.

I make myself call in a couple dogs every season with a open call prior to kicking out the electronic. Just what I do.

Feather on a stick, electronic call 30 to 40yrds out from your position. Makes a big difference in my neck of the plains.

Don't try and drag them across vast openings, you will learn in certain cases they will, but in most they stick to structure, easy paths, etc.

Cats, forget it, worry about coyotes first. You have to get in the cats back yard more than dogs. It will come (especially in your area)

I call and if nothing comes in, I let that area rest out for a couple weeks and then revisit. (keep in mind my area, yours may differ) I don't call the same area too soon as it just doesn't produce.

Weather and surroundings. Cattle are good out here. Call next to em, in em, at em.

Once again my .02, I have called with the best and the worst. My best was 5 dogs at one set after 8yrs of calling, and cats don't always take 45min to come in, some faster than dogs. Learn your area, keep in the shadows, be the dirt and vegetation.

 

[TheGerman]

I 'blew out' my last closed reed call last night and proceeded to come home and buy a FoxPro Hellfire.

Go for it.