go from basic performance encompassing a simple stop/ start/volume control mode with a 60-second play program, to high end units with replay buttons, mute buttons, sequence call buttons, volume level, the ability to play two calls at the same time, to power on and low battery display, all backlit by LCD screens easy to read in daylight or darkness. The most expensive units can store up to 500 different calling sounds and come programmed with 50 of your own personal choice. With so many options at your disposal it’s clear a hunter considering a digital caller needs to do his homework before making a selection. Not everyone needs a $600.00 package, and in many fi eld situations a $200.00 one will work just as well, covering everything the buyer wants while producing the desired results.
USE The question of use is where I believe these calls re-
Always place your speaker either out in the open away from brush, or on a high point where sound can get out and be heard farther away. That way you’ll cover more ground and reach more varmints.
ally come into their own, for a variety of important reasons. Because speakers are used in all electronic calls, you can place the speaker in one spot and yourself in another well away from it in your hide. The advantage of this cannot be overstated, because an approaching varmint has his atten- tion on the source of the calling sound and not a hunter as mouth callers do. I’ve mentioned less expensive units can be attached to the battery pack by a power cord, some as short as 25 feet. Clearly, the shooter is best served by being as far away from the speaker as possible while still in solid shoot- ing range. Advertised distances for this are generally given as between 80 and 100 yards with a wireless remote control, depending on cover, sometimes weather, and the lay of the land. Other makers claim their wireless units will reach out to as much as 200 yards. One thing is certain. You’ll take more varmints at these longer distances because they’re zeroed in on the speaker and not you. It’s an edge all varmint hunters always strive for. All electronic units have three components, a speaker,
power source, and key pad, which means you do have to carry them with you afi eld, instead of a simple lanyard around your neck with three or four calls as mouth callers do. Yet, even the most expensive units are relatively lightweight, under 3 pounds, and that is not a burden. It’s also true most callers make their stands fairly close to their vehicles, which makes carrying them less of a hindrance. Some callers even come with carrying straps or cases, making this less of a chore. Weight should not be an issue here. Because all units are run by a variety of batteries with
Electronic calling units offer an amazing variety of different calling sounds most mouth callers do not have. Generally, there are four different calls to each card, all interchangeable in seconds.
Page 102 Spring 2012
from six to ten hours of play life, it’s wise to use either re- chargeable batteries or keep a fresh backup pack in your gear at all times, especially in very cold weather which saps battery power. With literally hundreds of different calling sounds available to you at the touch of a keypad, electronic calls today offer a powerful incentive for serious varmint hunters to consider investing in. Beyond doubt, they have changed and greatly enhanced the parameters of this most fascinating sport. As to the question at the beginning of this story asking, “Is there a best?” I believe there really is none. These two choices, mouth calls or digital, depend on how you hunt, where you hunt, and what satisfi es you most. The option is yours. Enjoy both, as I do.
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