The hunting’s been pretty good, I shot five foxes in the last three days and a buddy shot another one I called in. The PC2 did most of the calling work.

I’m sending you a picture here, it was taken yesterday in Swedish Lappland. Two male red foxes taken within minutes on the same stand, using the PC2.

My name is Ulf Lindroth from Rosvik Sweden. I call Red Fox extensively in Sweden and other parts of Northern Europe and in the last few years I have worked a lot at introducing this method of predator hunting in Scandinavia. I’ve long been a fan of open-reed calls, but since I found the Dan Thompson line of calls I’ve basically changed my mind. I have found these calls more reliable and more versatile than other closed-reed calls I’ve tried. So, when I need a natural-sounding rabbit distress sound today, my go-to call is the Dan Thompson PC2. I’ve used that call successfully on foxes of both sexes and all ages, throughout the season and in farmland as well as on the tundra. Thanks for a great call!

We’ll keep in touch and maybe one day we’ll get to make a hunt over there. September and October are busy months hunting here, before the winter arrives, but who knows. Thanks for the offer!

All the best,
Ulf Lindroth

Hey John,
Yes, that is me and you are free to use them any way you like. Yep,
picked out photos where I used the PC 2.

More and more people have supressors. I will NEVER use a rifle without again. It is a dream to shoot with, no recoil, does not have to disturb other people when you are hunting close to houses, gives you better opportunities to take a second shot if you miss, you also hear if the bullet hits the animal and most of all saves your precious hearing.

“Tor Ola Dehli, from Gran, NORWAY is the Norwegian distributor of Dan Thompson Game Calls.
He is one of Scandinavia’s most known predator callers, and has had great success with our calls. Especially the PC 2 is lethal for the red fox over there, as you can see in the photos below.

Called in a fox for a friend tonight. Call PC 2

Regards,
Tor Ola Dehli

Know the Coyote

I always think it is important to know as much as you can about the prey you are hunting. I have been hunting my whole life. My father, himself a wolf hunter in the 20’s, taught me to hunt when I was a boy and I have been learning ever since.

The more you know about your target animal the better you will get. It also helps if you respect them. And trust me, the more you know about the coyote the more you will respect him.

Coyote Populations Growing

Unlike most of the big game in North America, the coyote has actually expanded its range as people have moved in. As wolf populations have declined the coyote has moved right in to take over the niche. They are more comfortable living around humans than wolves so they can adapt to the changes that people have brought. Their cleverness and adaptability have served them well and their numbers are growing.

This means there are more and more of them to hunt.

Often there will be a bounty in your area for coyotes when the population gets too high and they begin harassing local livestock or pets.

Once they are in a suburban or even an urban setting they get to be much smarter and less afraid of humans. So if you are ever doing a cull in these areas it isn’t so tricky to get close to them.

Hunting Coyotes in the Wild

But out in the wild they are very wary of people and unless you know how to call them, you will have a hard time. Their hearing, vision and smell are so good that sometimes I swear they have a 6th sense for people. Sometimes it seems they will bolt if you just think the wrong thought.

But there are some things you can know that will help you in “out-cunning” these guys.

They are territorial and they usually have a family. They tend to hunt in pairs but there will usually be a family unit of up to 6. So when you want to get their attention you want to make them think that another family has moved into their turf.

The Right Kind of Call

Your calls can be male, female and young. This will kick in the territorial behavior of the coyotes and they will start to check things out and see who has moved in. By now you should be moved into your stand and scoping things out.
Again, they are clever as heck, and if you forget that they will get the better of you. They will be checking you out and a lot of times, if you aren’t careful, they will see you long before you see them. So learn all you can about their behavior and habits. And don’t ever underestimate them.

When you need them to come in closer you can use the other calls to make your distressed prey calls. If you get them in a territorial mood they will be that much more interested in coming in to get a meal but more importantly to check out the intruders.

Learn all you can before the hunt, and learn all you can from any mistakes you make during the hunt. You can never know too much about your target!

Happy Hunting!

Dan

Calling Predators

While calling predators is something that can take a lifetime to master, it is something that anyone can get started at right away.

A good call is a call that is well made using only high quality materials and expert craftsmanship – that will get you there. Hardwood is a must to give it a natural sound, and a well tuned reed will help to mimic an animal’s call. After that all you have to provide is the air!

You will be surprised at just what sorts of creatures will come out to see what is going on, even if you are a complete rookie. If you practice outside in your yard don’t be surprised if you call out a few of your human neighbors who want to see what’s going on!

Two Basic Predator Calls

The two main types of calls for a predator are calls that mimic the predator itself, and calls that mimic the distressed prey of the predator.

You can get a single call that will do everything or you can carry a few, where each one is specialized to do specific things. It just depends on how much you want to carry with you and, it’s like fishing – if one lure isn’t working try another one until you find out which one is.

If you’re just getting started it may be better if you have a specific call for each type of sound because that will give you more accurate sounds and also if you are just getting started an enclosed reed call is easier to learn and use than an open reed call. Eventually you will want both types but you can make do pretty well with a single call, just remember your spare reeds!

It’s good to start with a predator sound like an “invitation howl” (which is made on an open reed call like a howler) to put the guys on alert. Then you can give a prey distress call and they will come on in to take a look.

Varmint Calls

Hunting varmints is a great challenge and is also a type of hunting that can provide a service. If you’re in an area with a bounty on a particular type of varmint then you can also make a bit of money for yourself while you’re at it.

Different types of varmints will respond differently to your calls.

Bobcats are the trickiest because they move cautiously and stick to the cover. You really have to be observant of your terrain because sometimes all you can spot is the white area on the chest of the bobcat. One advantage is that sometimes when they spot you they will stand still for quite a while trying to get a good look at you so you have a chance to take a shot at them. That is, if you manage to spot them first. You’ll never know just how many of these guys you have called in. You’ll miss far more than you’ll see – as many will see you and leave without your knowing it.

Coyotes are the most exciting to hunt because they are extremely intelligent and cautious, but if you get them interested in a prey distress call you can sometimes get them within 10 feet of you traveling at a dead run. They are beautiful creatures and very exciting to hunt and remember that their ears will often get them into trouble but their nose will almost always get them out of it.

Foxes are the biggest suckers for a well done call. They’ll come right up to you looking for the prey and you could just about get out and club them. Sometimes if you miss them, they’ll even come back again and keep looking. It’s enough to make you wonder where the phrase “crazy like a fox” or “smart as a fox” comes from!
Happy Hunting!
Dan

There really is no substitute for a properly made call. It’s the thing that gets the hunt started in the first place so you want a call that is going to make you happy and produce results.

I have always found wood (hardwood to be exact) to be the best for giving an authentic sound. There are plenty of plastic calls out there on the market but you just can’t get the natural sound and tone out of them that you can with a wood call.

The call is the only thing you have to get the coyotes coming to you. And if you can’t do that then what are you out there for after all?

Real Wood Natural Game Calls

Wood calls (and again I mean hardwood) just can’t be beat. There is something about using a part of nature in the in the call that gives it a truer and more natural sound.

You are trying to fool a very clever animal. We all know just how easy it is for these guys to get the slightest hint of the presence of a human and turn tail and run. So the closer you get to nature the better it’s going to be.

Wood is the essence of the outdoors. After all, they call it The Woods don’t they? A wood call has grain and depth that you just can’t mimic with man-made plastics.

Buying the call is the main expense, after that you are just replacing the reeds. I have never understood why people try to save money on something that is so integral to the whole process. And, I have never been able to get what I consider a true natural sound with a plastic call. Remember, these guys can pretty well hear you think. We’ve all had the experience of one small slip or extra movement tipping off the coyote and sending him bolting. So why give him one more thing to get nervous about?

Tuning Your Call

The next important point is tuning the call. All of the calls I sell are personally hand tuned before they’re sent out but it helps to know a bit about changing the internal reed when it gets worn out or blown out and you can easily do that in the field and not waste any quality hunting time. You can find reed replacement kits on my website and you should always carry one with you “just in case”.

In many cases mass produced plastic calls are sent out with reeds that have been installed by machine and no one hand tunes them. This can result in a cottontail call sounding like a jackrabbit and vice versa or the call just clamps down when you try to blow it and you don’t get any volume out of it so unless you have a reed replacement kit with you, or another call, that one just isn’t going to work for what you purchased it for.

Replacing Reeds

Replacing a reed is fast and relatively easy with the reed replacement kit and if you want to try to tune the reed to get a deeper sound it is possible but tricky and that is why I supply both the cottontail and jackrabbit replacement reeds in the kit. That way you won’t make a mistake trying to tune the reed yourself and ruin it.

Calls Tuned By a Professional

There are real hard and fast rules about how to do this, and this is where you can have fun with it and really make it your own – if you know how. You can get your own sound just the way you want it. Adjust the reed to get the sound perfect.

Trust me, at the end of the day if you did it correctly your kill count will tell you if you did it right. But again if you don’t want to wonder if you got it right just purchase quality hardwood calls hand tuned by a professional.

Happy Hunting!
Dan

Coyotes are very clever little guys so you want to really know your stuff when it comes to doing calls.

Practice Coyote Calls

The place you want to be practicing your Coyote Callsis safe at home, long before you head out into the field. You don’t want to be fumbling around not knowing exactly what you’re doing when that coyote comes poking out of his stand. You always want to stay calm and cool and know exactly what you’re doing.

So now is the time to start practicing. Do it indoors; if the neighbors might complain you’ll want to be indoors because if you’re doing it right it can get real loud. Anyone who’s heard a jackrabbit in distress knows what kind of racket it can make! So don’t be afraid to get noisy and really send the call out there. You might be surprised at what shows up.

Start with a Coyote Invitation Call

Start with an invitation howl. Coyotes being as territorial as they are respond to the presence of others in their area. You want to start with a “yip yip howl” that will make them think someone has moved into their turf. They will respond back and you will know that they’re out there. You want to use a long range call with a long barrel and just really let loose.

Perfecting your Calling

When you practice these calls at home listen to yourself and try to perfect your sound. Remember that you are trying to sound like an animal so try to imitate them as best you can. Don’t be afraid to “think like a dog.” It’s the only way to really get the sound right- also, listen to our demo.

Practice different variations of the howl so that when you are out there in the field and you get an invitation howl you can just imitate it right back. The closer you imitate it the more they will respond. You can also practice all the other sounds like yips and barks that will make it sound like a whole family has moved in. If you’ve done your homework and there are coyotes in the area they will respond to this Coyote Call.

Prey Distress Calls

The next call to practice is the distress call. This is the call of a wounded and frightened animal, whether it’s a dear or a rabbit or even a bird. This kind of call brings the coyotes out, thinking that there’s a tasty meal to be had. They remember the sound of their last meal and this call draws ‘em in.

Again, when you practice at home you want to get good enough that you don’t have to think about it in the field. And again, it can help to try and “think like a rabbit.” That advice may sound a little goofy but it will make your call sound that much more true to life and that will pay off in the long run.

Take the time with it at home. It can be fun to try and to get it just right. When you’re out there for real and the adrenaline is running you’ll be glad you’ve got it just right!

Happy Hunting!

Dan Thompson

Got the calls!! Thank you!! Really excited! They sound great!!!!!! I’m going to get my name engraved in them.

Dan!! Got the calls!! Thank you!! Really excited! They sound great!!!!!! Thank you so much!! I’m going to get my name engraved in them. Thank you again!!
Some photos to look at from this mornings hunt. I’ve been predator hunting for 25 yrs Dan and using your game calls a good majority of the time.

This was this morning in cold conditions. The River Bottom Coaxer PC-3 doing its job and bringing this alpha female right up close within shotgun range. 3 dogs on this mornings’ trip.


Thanks again Dan, Jeff Wagner

Last but not least thanks for making these calls in the USA!!!

Mr. Thompson, on learning how to call game, I was very impressed with the phone call I had with you last night. I appreciate the time you took with me in helping me make my selections. I wish I lived close enough to you to come and get some calling lessons in person. I bought the Red River Howler and a DVD and another call I think you called the Weems Replica. I noticed that on your website that you have many different other calls. Are there other calls that you would recommend? For example some of the other Cottontail, Jack Rabbit and coaxer calls. Which one of the dvd’s would you recommend next? Do you ever give calling seminars in my area? Last but not least thanks for making these calls in the USA!!!
Thanks again,
Chris F. in Kentucky
Home of Lake Cumberland.

Sure am winding up all my pals with my recent successes using your calls! Wanted to send over a couple of pics…

Hi Dan

Good to speak with you again. Sure am winding up all my pals with my recent successes using your calls!  Wanted to send over a couple of pics… what is your email address?

All the best
John

I believe you build the best predator calls on the market. I talk very highly of your calls and always have.

If this is Dan Thompson himself then hello Dan! We talked on the phone 7 or so years ago. I called on info about a yote tournament. I wish I could have made it and met but it didn’t work out.

I believe you build the best predator calls on the market. I talk very highly of your calls and always have
My favorite (if I had to pick one) is the PC-3 River Bottom Coaxer. My last one was recently lost. I love its sweet fawn bleat and so do the cougars. It brings them in close to make that critical shot, they are convinced by the sound of the call. In the cougar set usually over a timbered canyon I start out low and soft bleats (I’ve had cats just come running in within minutes after the first few bleats) like a fawn starving for its mother. Eventually after 1/2 hr I’m playing, the nearby yote family found me and I wish ma would show up (panicking fawn). Then the bawling begins as the coyotes are hanging off both ends of me and I’m now coyote food etc.

It’s a screamer and my hats off for producing such a success. I have always lived near good cougar habitat so my chances of calling those big cats in has been fairly common. Its been a private affair with me and the cougars. I set them up pretty tight, in a little more cover than some may be comfortable setting up for big cats. They’re usually down in a chest drag when I shoot them with a bow or rifle, nothing over 40 yds away yet, closest was 8 yds. I had the PC-3 at my lips when that 190 lb tom showed up at 8 yds, one of my bow cats. That was exciting to say the least, after 4 125 gr Steelforce Titanium broadheads in the head, he finally fell over dead. I really love predator hunting and have been at it my whole life, year round sometimes 3 days a week. Primarily bears, coyotes, bobcats and cougars. It’s my passion and I have been faithful to the ethics of hunting and raised in that manor. I wanted to share some stories here and I have some really good photos of success with your calls. Thank you for your product, its been a blessing in my life.
Sincerely
Jeff W.