Choosing the right predator call or lure can be the difference between an empty outing and a successful hunt. Whether you need a pocket‑friendly mouth call, a remote electronic caller with long range, or a combo unit with a realistic decoy — the right tool depends on your tactics. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands‑on field testing, and cross‑referenced expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose
What we evaluated
- Real‑world performance: field tests at dawn/dusk, close and long range calling, and effectiveness on coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and raccoon.
- Sound realism & versatility: number and quality of preloaded sounds, ability to combine or sequence calls, and sound activation features.
- Range & control: remote distance, responsiveness, and control features (sequential calls, favorites, random repeat).
- Battery life & power: run time under typical use, battery type and ease of replacement.
- Durability & portability: materials, weather resistance, and how practical the unit is to carry and deploy.
- Price vs. value: how feature sets compare to cost; whether a product offers practical advantages for the money.
- User feedback: aggregated common praises and complaints from experienced hunters and verified customer reviews.
We prioritized units that performed consistently across real hunts and that offered tangible advantages (range, realism, or an effective decoy) rather than gimmicks. Where possible we included technical details such as remote range, battery type, speaker size, and preloaded sounds.
Screamin' Cottontail Call
Simple, effective and extremely affordable, this high‑pitched scream call reproduces rabbit distress to provoke aggressive responses from predators. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s an ideal backup or close‑range coaxer for hunters wanting a no‑fuss budget option.
The Screamin' Cottontail is a classic mouth/hand call that reproduces high‑pitched distress screams predators associate with vulnerable small game. It’s cheap, lightweight, and works best at close to moderate ranges as a coaxer or to finish in on an animal already committed. Pros: intuitive, nearly fail‑proof operation and no batteries required. Cons: limited versatility compared with electronic callers and dependent on user technique and mic placement.
Hunters Specialties Executioner
A premium electronic caller loaded with 100 Johnny Stewart calls, a powerful 3.5" horn that reaches 120 dB, programmable sequences and favorites. Built for serious predator hunters who need loud, customizable calling with proven sound libraries.
The Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart Executioner is engineered for maximum impact: 100 premium calls recorded by Johnny Stewart, a 3.5" horn speaker capable of ~120 dB, and advanced features like QSET, favorites, and sequential call programming. It uses multiple AA batteries and is best for stakeouts and setups where loud, realistic projection matters. Pros: unmatched sound library and configurable sequences; consistent long‑distance projection. Cons: heavier, pricier, and requires more batteries than compact units.
Dogg Catcher 2
A compact, practical electronic caller that balances features and affordability — 12 proven Randy Anderson sounds, a 100‑yard remote, and the ability to layer two sounds make it versatile for many predator scenarios.
Primos' Dogg Catcher 2 hits a sweet spot for hunters wanting an effective electronic caller without premium pricing. It includes 12 tested sounds from Randy Anderson, a 100‑yard remote, and the unusual ability to play two sounds simultaneously for more realism. Battery requirements are typical (AA), and the unit’s simple interface makes it approachable for beginners and experienced callers alike. Pros: excellent sound selection for the price and dual‑sound capability. Cons: shorter remote range than high‑end units and fewer calls overall.
Furnado Decoy Combo
A unique all‑in‑one approach: electronic caller wrapped in faux fur with a furry decoy topper, 15 realistic sounds, 150‑yard remote and long battery life (up to 40 hours). Designed to reduce suspicion and bring predators in close.
The Furnado Predator Game Caller Decoy Combo stands out by combining audio and visual attraction: a realistic‑looking fur wrap and a furry decoy topper reduce the chance of spooking wary animals while 15 preloaded sounds give solid calling options. The 150‑yard remote offers flexible placement and up to ~40 hours of runtime on common batteries makes it a low‑maintenance choice for multi‑day use. Pros: integrated decoy + caller, durability, long battery life. Cons: fewer sounds than premium units and requires AA + an A23 battery for the remote.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences
- Screamin' Cottontail Call (Budget) — Handheld distress call, no batteries, best for close‑range finishing and backup use. Lowest cost, limited versatility.
- Hunters Specialties Executioner (Premium) — Massive call library (100 Johnny Stewart calls), 3.5" horn ~120 dB, advanced sequencing. Best for maximum projection, configurability, and stakeout reliability.
- Dogg Catcher 2 (Value) — 12 proven Randy Anderson sounds, 100‑yard remote, dual‑sound capability. Best practical balance of price, features, and portability.
- Furnado Decoy Combo (Editors' Pick) — 15 sounds, 150‑yard remote, realistic fur decoy topper and long battery life. Best for combining audio and visual lures to reduce suspicion.
Which is best overall?
The Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart Executioner is the strongest all‑around performer if raw power, a deep sound library, and advanced programming are your priorities — it’s our pick for hunters who demand top projection and versatility despite the higher price and weight.
Good alternatives for specific needs
- Budget/backup: Screamin' Cottontail Call — minimal cost, plug‑and‑play simplicity.
- Value & flexibility: Primos Dogg Catcher 2 — smart feature set for the price.
- Visual + audio setups: Furnado Decoy Combo — best when a decoy helps close the deal.
Final recommendation
All four picks earned their spots through a combination of field performance, practicality, and user feedback. If you want the single most capable unit and don’t mind the extra cost and weight, choose the Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart Executioner for its projection and comprehensive call library. If you hunt mobile or need an effective balance of price and function, the Primos Dogg Catcher 2 delivers the best value. For callers who rely on visual cues or want an integrated decoy, the Furnado Decoy Combo is an excellent, field‑proven Editor’s Choice. And if your priority is a pocketable, budget‑friendly option for close work or spare gear, the Screamin' Cottontail is hard to beat.
These recommendations are based on hands‑on testing across varied hunting scenarios, cross‑checked with expert opinions and real‑user reports. Match the choice to your hunting style — mobile still‑hunting, stand/stakeouts, or decoy‑based calling — and you’ll get the most consistent results from your next predator outing.