Looking to attract squirrels for hunting, photography, or wildlife observation? Squirrel calls are essential tools for enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With various options available, finding the right call can enhance your experience and boost success. Our shopping guide will help you discover the best squirrel calls for sale, ensuring you make an informed and confident purchase for your next outdoor venture.
Squirrel Calls for Sale: In-Depth Shopping Guide
Squirrel Call Types and Their Key Characteristics
| Squirrel Call Type | Typical Design | Sounds Imitated | Ease of Use | Application | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellows/Hand-Operated | Rubber/Plastic Bulb | Barks, chatters, whines | Easy | All seasons, versatile | $10–$30 |
| Mouth/Whistle Calls | Plastic/Wood/Mouth | Distress whines, squeals | Moderate | Early season, locating | $10–$30 |
| Vintage/Collector’s Calls | Wood/Metal | Barks, chatters, squeals | Varies | Traditional, collectors | $8–$33 (used) |
| Electronic Squirrel Calls | Digital Device | Multiple digital squirrel calls | Very easy | Advanced users | Rare/varied |
| DIY/Custom Calls | Homemade/Kit | Depends on build | Varies | Enthusiasts, DIYers | $3–$25+ |
Everyday Use of Squirrel Calls
A squirrel call is a hunting tool designed to mimic the sounds of squirrels. These sounds can include barks, chatters, distress cries, or whines, depending on the type of call being used. While many expect these calls to make squirrels rush towards them, their true power lies in provoking a reaction from squirrels nearby—usually by triggering vocalizations, movement, or tail flagging that gives away their location.
In everyday use, squirrel calls are:
– Essential for Scouting: Quickly identify hidden squirrels in dense cover or tall trees.
– Versatile: Useful during the early fall, late season, or in thick woods where sight lines are short.
– Handy for Training: Great for introducing new hunters (especially kids) to calling techniques.
Using a squirrel call becomes second nature over time. The hand-held bellows-style calls can be operated one-handed, keeping your other hand on your firearm or binoculars. Mouth calls provide quick, sharp distress sounds to stir up activity when the woods go quiet. Vintage or custom calls offer a touch of tradition or personal flair to your gear bag.
Benefits of Using Squirrel Calls
Squirrel calls offer several distinct advantages to hunters and wildlife observers:
- Locate Hidden Game: Squirrels often “bark” or move in response to calls, making it easier to spot them.
- Increase Success Rates: By encouraging movement, you create more shot opportunities.
- Early/Late Season Advantage: Particularly effective in the early season when squirrels may be less vocal or visible and during midday lulls.
- Versatile Across Species: Some calls can mimic both grey and fox squirrel sounds, increasing your effectiveness in mixed woods.
- Great for Beginners: Simple operation means even someone new to the sport can use them effectively.
- Collector Appeal: Vintage calls are valued by collectors and tradition-minded hunters alike.
- DIY Potential: Kits and plans enable hunters to make and customize their own calls.
How to Choose the Right Squirrel Call
Selecting the best squirrel call depends on several personal and situational factors. Here’s what to consider:
1. Type of Squirrel Call
- Bellows/Hand Calls: Versatile and great for imitating a wide range of squirrel vocalizations. Ideal for most users.
- Whistle/Mouth Calls: Best for stress/distress sounds; perfect for early mornings or when attempting to break a lull.
- Vintage/Collector Models: Choose if you appreciate craftsmanship or want a piece of hunting history.
- DIY/Kit Calls: Great for hobbyists—ensure the kit comes with clear instructions.
2. Sound Realism and Versatility
- Choose calls capable of multiple squirrel sounds (bark, chatter, whine) if versatility is key.
- Some products excel at imitating both fox and grey squirrel voices.
3. Ease of Use
- Beginners often benefit from one-handed, bellows-style calls due to their forgiving operation.
- Whistle-style calls can take practice—opt for those with included lanyards for safety.
4. Durability and Materials
- Synthetic rubber/plastic bellows withstand wet and cold better than wood.
- Wood or metal calls add an authentic touch and often age well.
5. Included Features
- Lanyards help prevent loss and keep the call close at hand.
- Some calls include instructional guides or online tutorials.
6. Budget
- Quality bellows and mouth calls range from $10 to $25.
- Vintage, artisan, or collector’s models can range from $8 (used) to $90+ (handcrafted).
- DIY kits may be found for as little as $3, but quality and usability vary.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Mastering Squirrel Calls
Practice Sound Reproduction:
– Begin by learning the basic bark: one short, sharp squeeze on a bellows or tap on a mouthpiece.
– For chatter, follow in quick succession (usually 6–8 barks).
– Distress whines are made with sharp, inhaled sounds using whistle-type calls.
Timing Is Everything:
– Use calls early in the morning or during midday when action is slow.
– Paired calling with branch rustling can mimic real squirrel scuffles for added realism.
Adjust for Conditions:
– In noisy or windy woods, opt for higher-volume (large bellows) calls.
– On quiet mornings, subtle, single barks will suffice and avoid spooking game.
Blend Calls for Realism:
– Combine barks, chatters, and distress calls in a sequence.
– Tap on leaves or branches to simulate movement in addition to calling.
Safety First:
– Use lanyards for mouth calls, especially for children, to avoid accidental choking.
– Keep whistle calls accessible but secured.
Storage and Care
- Clean rubber and plastic calls with mild soapy water.
- Wooden or vintage calls should be kept dry and occasionally treated with food-safe mineral oil.
- Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in a padded pouch.
Technical Features & Specifications Comparison
| Model/Type | Sound Range | Materials | Operation Style | Special Attributes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primos Squirrel Buster | 5+ (bark, chatter, etc.) | Rubber/Plastic | Bellows | One-hand use, versatile | ~$15 |
| Haydel’s Mr. Squirrel Whistle | Distress whine/cry | Plastic | Mouth (inhale) | Lanyard included, compact | ~$15 |
| Hunters Specialties Squirrel Call | Barks, chatters | Synthetic | Bellows | Budget-friendly, easy use | ~$10 |
| Quaker Boy Squirrel Scolder | Barks, chatters | Plastic | Bellows | Tapped on leg/ground, realistic | ~$14.95 |
| Flextone Ol’ Bushytail Hand Call | 4 call types | Synthetic | Hand/Bellows | Versatile (bark/chatter/whine) | ~$23.95 |
| Bayou Legacy Harvester Squirrel Mouth Call | Barks, chatters | Plastic | Mouth | No bellows, easy sound control | ~$30 |
| Faulk’s Deluxe Squirrel Hand Call | Chatter | Wood/Metal | Hand/Bellows | Simple operation, deep sound | ~$19 |
| Lights Out Custom Squirrel Call | Barks, chatters | Wood/Bellows | Hand/Bellows | Custom wood choices | ~$25 |
| DIY Squirrel Call Kit (Penn State) | Varies | DIY Components | DIY/Assembly | Hobby project, customizable | ~$3.45 |
| Vintage/Antique Calls (various brands) | Varies | Wood/Metal | Varies | Collector’s items, traditional | $8–$33 (used) |
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Conclusion
Choosing the right squirrel call can transform your hunting experience, boosting success and adding fun to every trip into the woods. Whether you prefer a versatile bellows call, the sharp response of a mouth whistle, or the charm of a vintage piece, there is a squirrel call matched to your style, skill, and budget.
Remember, proficiency comes with practice—so spend time learning to blend sounds and sequences, observe how squirrels respond, and adjust your methods. Safety, stewardship, and a respect for tradition will ensure rewarding experiences now and for seasons to come.
FAQ
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What is a squirrel call and how does it work?
A squirrel call is a hunting tool that mimics natural squirrel sounds such as barks, chatters, and distress cries. It works by provoking real squirrels to vocalize, move, or reveal their location, making them easier to find and, if hunting, to harvest. -
Which type of squirrel call is easiest for beginners?
Hand-operated bellows calls are typically the most beginner-friendly. They are easy to handle, require minimal instruction, and produce realistic sounds with simple squeezes or shakes. -
When is the best time to use a squirrel call?
Early mornings and midday lulls during squirrel season tend to be most productive. Calls are especially useful when squirrels are inactive or hiding, helping you break the silence and locate them. -
Do squirrel calls really attract squirrels?
Squirrel calls won’t necessarily attract squirrels into your lap, but they will usually trigger a response—barking, chattering, or tail-flicking—that lets you know where the squirrels are hiding. -
Can one call imitate both grey and fox squirrels?
Yes, many modern squirrel calls allow you to simulate the calls of different squirrel species by varying your technique, air pressure, or hand placement. -
How safe are mouth or whistle calls?
Mouth and whistle calls are safe when used correctly. It’s important to use included lanyards to prevent loss or accidental ingestion, especially for children or in cold conditions where numbness may become an issue. -
What care and maintenance do squirrel calls require?
Plastic and rubber calls can be rinsed with mild soap and water. Wooden calls should be wiped dry and occasionally oiled with a food-safe finish. Always store in a cool, dry place to prolong life.
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Is there any benefit to vintage or collector’s calls?
Vintage calls offer not only functional performance but are also desirable for their craftsmanship, history, and nostalgia among tradition-minded hunters and collectors. -
Can I make my own squirrel call?
Yes, DIY squirrel call kits are available and provide a fun, hands-on project. Some experienced hunters make their own from locally sourced materials. -
Are expensive squirrel calls worth it?
Higher-priced calls often offer better materials, craftsmanship, and sound realism. However, many entry-level and mid-range models perform exceptionally well—choose based on your frequency of use, collecting interest, and personal budget.