Ever heard a mysterious hoot in the dark and wondered what creature made that sound? Owls are amazing birds, and their calls are just as fascinating. But if you’re looking to get your hands on some owl calls, it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are so many different kinds, and knowing which one is right for you can be confusing.
Maybe you want to attract owls to your backyard, or perhaps you’re just curious about the different sounds they make. Whatever your reason, picking the perfect owl call can be a challenge. You might worry about buying one that doesn’t sound realistic or doesn’t work for what you need. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of owl calls, what makes them special, and how to choose the best one for your adventures. We’ll break down what to listen for and why certain calls are better for specific situations. Get ready to learn all about the wonderful world of owl sounds!
Our Top 5 Owl Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Owl Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call
Rating: 9.4/10
The Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call in Black 314 is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro hunter or just enjoy spending time in nature, this call is designed to impress. It’s built to fit the needs of all kinds of users, making it a versatile choice for your next adventure.
What We Like:
- LOUD! This call gets attention. You can be heard from far away.
- Versatile Tones: It has three special tuning holes. These holes let you make eight different sounds and pitches.
- Realistic Owl Sounds: You can easily make the exact hoots of a barred owl and a great horned owl. This helps trick other animals.
- Built to Last: The call is very strong. It can handle rough use in the woods.
- Easy to Carry: Its small size makes it simple to take with you anywhere. It fits easily in your pocket or backpack.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: For brand new users, it might take a little practice to master all eight tones.
- Specific Tones: While it’s great for barred and great horned owls, it might not perfectly mimic every single owl species.
This Primos Hoot Flute is a powerful and convenient owl call. It’s a great addition for any hunter or nature enthusiast looking to add a realistic touch to their experience.
2. Hunters Specialties Water-Resistant Realistic Sounds H.S. Strut The Hooter Owl Locator Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hunters Specialties Water-Resistant Realistic Sounds H.S. Strut The Hooter Owl Locator Call is designed to help you find and attract turkeys in the woods. This call makes realistic owl sounds that can make turkeys gobble, helping you locate them early in the morning.
What We Like:
- It makes realistic owl sounds that can shock gobble turkeys.
- It’s easy to blow, so you won’t fumble with it in the dark.
- The dual tone ports let you make high and low-pitched sounds.
- Its design makes sure the sounds are always true.
- It’s made of durable, water-resistant material that won’t crack.
- It’s user-friendly and fits your budget.
- It’s a must-have for turkey hunters and makes a great gift.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for realistic sounds, some users might want even more sound variations.
This owl call is a smart addition to any turkey hunter’s gear. It’s built to last and perform well in the field.
3. Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to outsmart those wily gobblers with the Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl. This call is a game-changer for spring turkey hunting. Scott Ellis, a master craftsman, designed it. It delivers championship-quality sound that mimics real owls. You can use it in many ways to attract turkeys. It’s built to perform when it matters most.
What We Like:
- Scott Ellis designed for expert performance.
- Perfect for the spring turkey woods, it’s designed to call in birds.
- Versatility means you can use it for different calls and situations.
- Championship quality tone and sound – it sounds incredibly realistic.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The premium craftsmanship might come with a higher price tag.
- Limited availability could make it hard to get your hands on.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting, the Ninja Owl is a must-have. It offers unmatched realism and versatility to help you succeed.
4. Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call
Rating: 9.4/10
Calling all turkey hunters! Get ready to boost your success in the woods with the Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call. This awesome piece of gear is designed to help you find and attract those elusive gobblers. It’s perfect for those quiet early mornings or dusky evenings when turkeys are most active. The Hootie Owl call is built by folks who live and breathe turkey hunting, and they want to help you fill your tag.
What We Like:
- This call makes a super realistic barred owl sound. It has true hoot tones that really get turkeys fired up.
- It’s a fantastic locator call. It helps you zone in on where a gobbler is hiding.
- You’ll love how it invokes shock gobbles. Turkeys can’t resist responding to this sound.
- It’s incredibly easy to use. Beginners and experienced hunters can both master it quickly.
- It’s a must-have for any turkey hunting trip. You’ll be ready to bag your next gobbler.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the realistic tone is a pro, some hunters might prefer a wider variety of owl sounds for different situations.
- The “final resting place” phrasing, while evocative, might be a bit intense for some younger hunters.
The Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call is a smart addition to your hunting gear. You’ll be more confident in the woods and have a better chance of calling in that big tom.
5. Flextone Hunting Realistic Natural Owl Sounds Easy-to-Use Soft Flexible Body Long Range Lightning Owl Turkey Game Call
Rating: 9.3/10
The Flextone Lightning Owl Call is designed to help you find and call turkeys effectively. Its soft, flexible body and realistic owl sounds make it a great tool for any turkey hunter. This call is easy to use, even for beginners, and produces loud, clear hoots that can attract gobblers from a distance.
What We Like:
- Effective Hunting Call: It helps you quickly find vocal turkeys in the woods. The port hole reduces mistakes when using the call.
- Rugged Construction: The call has a distinctive tone button that makes screams instantly. Its big barrel makes a loud sound.
- Realistic Sounds: The reed and barrel design creates a clear, natural owl hoot. This sound gets gobblers talking.
- Easy to Master: Even new hunters can use it. It makes deep, rich sounds with great volume. It needs very little air and skill.
- Turkey Hunter Must-Have: It’s a great addition to any hunter’s gear. It’s also a perfect gift for turkey hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective, the “long range” aspect might vary depending on terrain and wind conditions.
- The emphasis on “easy-to-use” and “easy to master” is great, but some advanced hunters might prefer more intricate call options for nuanced situations.
This Flextone call is a reliable and user-friendly option for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It’s a fantastic tool that delivers realistic sounds and is built to last.
Your Guide to Amazing Owl Calls
So, you want to attract owls? Or maybe you just love the sound of these wise creatures? Owl calls can help you do both! This guide will help you choose the best owl call for your needs.
Why Use an Owl Call?
People use owl calls for a few reasons. Birdwatchers use them to locate owls in the wild. Photographers use them to get closer to owls for pictures. Some people just enjoy hearing owl sounds in their backyard. Whatever your reason, a good owl call can be a fun and useful tool.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an owl call, keep these important features in mind:
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. Does the call sound like a real owl? A good call mimics the hoots, screeches, and other sounds owls make.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are simple to blow into. Others might have buttons or require more practice. For beginners, simpler is usually better.
- Durability: Will the call last? Look for sturdy materials that won’t break easily.
- Portability: Do you want to take it with you on hikes? A small, lightweight call is easier to carry.
- Variety of Sounds: Some calls can make more than one type of owl sound. This is great if you want to attract different kinds of owls.
Important Materials
The material an owl call is made from affects its sound and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Wooden calls often produce a rich, natural sound. They can be beautiful but might be heavier.
- Plastic: Plastic calls are usually lightweight and durable. They are also often less expensive. Some plastic calls can sound very realistic.
- Metal: Metal calls are less common but can create unique sounds. They are very strong.
What Makes a Call Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things make an owl call perform well.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Craftsmanship: A well-made call is carefully designed. Every part works together to create the right sound.
- Realistic Design: Calls that look like real owl feathers or have a natural shape often sound better.
- Proper Tuning: A good call is tuned correctly. This means it makes the exact pitches and tones of an owl.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Materials: If a call is made from flimsy plastic or poorly finished wood, the sound will likely suffer.
- Poor Design: A call that is hard to hold or blow into will be frustrating to use.
- Lack of Realism: If a call sounds more like a squeaky toy than an owl, it won’t be effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your owl call matters.
For Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers:
You can use your owl call to try and get a response from owls. Many owl species will hoot back when they hear another owl. This helps you find them. Remember to be patient. You might not get a response right away. Also, it’s important not to overuse the call. Too much noise can scare owls away. Always respect wildlife and their habitats.
For Photographers:
Photographers use owl calls to gently lure owls into a better position for photos. This requires practice. You need to learn how to use the call subtly. The goal is to get the owl to move closer without stressing it out. Always prioritize the animal’s well-being.
For Fun and Education:
Even if you just want to hear owl sounds, a call can be fun. You can practice making different sounds. It’s a great way to learn about owls and their calls. You can use it in your backyard or on nature walks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best way to use an owl call?
A: Blow gently into the call. Listen for owl sounds. Wait for a response. Don’t blow too loudly or too often. Respect the owl’s space.
Q: Can I use an owl call to attract owls to my yard?
A: Yes, you can. Owls might respond to the calls. They might even investigate. However, they won’t necessarily stay. They need food and shelter.
Q: What kind of owls can I attract with a call?
A: It depends on the call and where you live. Many calls are designed for common owl species like Great Horned Owls or Barred Owls.
Q: Do owl calls hurt the owls?
A: A well-made and properly used owl call should not hurt owls. It’s meant to mimic natural sounds. However, overuse or very loud calls could disturb them.
Q: How do I clean my owl call?
A: For wood calls, wipe them clean with a dry cloth. For plastic calls, you can use a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Q: Can kids use owl calls?
A: Yes, many owl calls are simple enough for children to use. Adult supervision is recommended, especially for younger children.
Q: How long does an owl call last?
A: With good care, a quality owl call can last for many years. Durable materials and careful handling help it last longer.
Q: Are there electronic owl calls?
A: Yes, some electronic devices can play owl sounds. However, many prefer the natural sound and feel of a hand-blown call.
Q: What if an owl doesn’t respond?
A: Don’t get discouraged! Owls are wild animals. They may be sleeping, hunting, or simply not interested. Try again another time or in a different location.
Q: Where is the best place to buy an owl call?
A: You can find owl calls at outdoor supply stores, specialty birding shops, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.