Predator Calling for Big Game

Predator calling is an underused but highly effective tactic for attracting big game such as whitetail deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions. When used strategically, it can trigger curiosity, defensive behavior, or opportunistic responses—especially from mature or reclusive animals.

Why Predator Calls Work for Big Game

Big game animals are naturally wary of predators. Hearing a distressed animal or predator vocalization can:

• Trigger a curiosity response
• Cause a dominant buck or bull to investigate
• Attract bears or cougars searching for an easy meal
• Make bedded deer or elk stand and shift positions

When to Use Predator Calls 1. Late Season (Post-Rut)

Use distress calls to break through the caution and fatigue of rut-worn animals that are no longer responding to mating calls.

2. Midday or Late Morning

When the woods go quiet after early movement, a rabbit or fawn distress sound can wake things up and draw interest.

3. Thick Cover

In dense woods or brush, big game can't see the sound source, so they often come closer to investigate.

Effective Predator Calls by Species Whitetail Deer

• Fawn distress bleats: Can attract protective does and dominant bucks, especially in early fall.
• Coyote howls or group yips: May cause bucks to stand and look for threats, giving you a shot window.

Elk

• Use calf distress or even a short burst of predator growls to get elk moving during quiet periods.
• Especially useful when bugling isn't producing results.

Black Bear

• Rabbit-in-distress calls or fawn bleats are effective in spring and early fall when natural food is limited.
• Bears can respond from long distances, especially in remote areas.

Mountain Lion

• Fawn or rabbit distress calls can work to draw a curious or hungry lion, especially in high elevation or winter range areas.
• Use extreme caution and consider hunting with a partner or guide.

Recommended Tools and Calls

• Hand calls: Great for fawn bleats, open-reed distress, and soft-range calling.
• Electronic callers: Brands like FoxPro or Lucky Duck offer programmable predator sounds and volume control.
• Mouth calls: Useful for subtle, close-in calling when movement needs to be minimal.

Best Practices for Calling

• Start Soft: Begin at a low volume and build intensity if nothing responds after a few minutes.
• Use Calling Sequences: Try 30–60 second bursts followed by 2–3 minutes of silence.
• Add Visual or Scent Cues: Pair calls with a decoy or a scent trail to enhance realism.
• Stay Ready: Animals often come in silently and quickly—remain alert and minimize movement.

Safety Tips

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in predator country.
• Use safe calling setups and avoid calling directly toward your blind or stand.
• If hunting predators like bears or lions, carry bear spray or a backup firearm, and consider hunting with a partner.