Vocal signs are an essential part of behavior of many animals. They call to attract sexual partners, to invite other members of the flock or herd to a food source, or to warn them of danger, as part of a display ritual or territorial protection - and sometimes simply of pain. All these signals can be used to determine the location of the birds and beasts, and to make them come to the place where the hunter is waiting for them. Some hunters can imitate the sounds of animals and birds without any assistance. However, most need special devices - calls. Some calls work on the same principle of the trumpets and flutes - they turn the air current that you blow into them to a vocal signal of the animal. Others, like turkey calls, produce the desired sound by scratching or other mechanical impact. A controversial subject is the use of electronic calls - devices that record and play actual animal sounds. In many countries they are believed to be unethical, and allowed only for pest control if at all. One of the most exciting hunts is hunting red deer, elk (wapiti), and moose “at the bugle” or “on the roar”. The majestic bulls of these species engage in impressive displays of power, roaring or bugling to attract females and signal to other males that a particular area is taken. Other bulls answer the call and come in to challenge their opponent and to fight for the territory or the harem of females. Hunters (and even tigers) imitate these calls to attract the bull, or as help with the stalk, giving the beast the impression that it’s a rival bull, not a two-legged predator, that approaches. Read more...

Sometimes even deterrence calls attrac the game. For example, ducks and geese, when they see an incoming flock of the same species, often “shout” at the competitors, as if telling them “go away! This is our rice field!”. The incomers, however, interpret it as “it’s safe and a good food source”, and join in the fun anyway. Predator hunters also use “prey in distress” calls. When a bobcat or a coyote hears the voice of, say, a dying rabbit, they can hardly resist the temptation to investigate an opportunity to kill another rabbit or rob the more successful predator of its harvest. Calling requires extensive knowledge of animal behavior. Not just any voice will work. Signals that the animals don’t expect to hear at the given time and place will arouse their suspicions rather than serve as attractants. You must know where, when, and how to sound, how loud and how long the call should be, whether you must try to imitate an immature or a mature animal, and take into account hundreds of other similar variables. The best way to learn calling is to hunt with a calling expert. Book your calling hunt on BookYourHunt.com! Hide details