9 replies to this topic

[cattledog04]

Anyone use them? If so which brand is preferred?

[microtus]

I used one for valley quail years ago and they worked really well for locating birds. I just made one with 2 pieces of wood a rubber band and a couple of screws to hold it together. No idea on mt. quail as I've never really hunted them.The most fun I had with it was up by lake Berryessa while I was pig hunting. I saw a bobcat above me on the side of the hill so I got down on my belly behind a small clump of grass and started using the quail call. That bobcat made it to within a couple of feet of me before I lifted my head and he saw my eyes. Needless to say he didn't stick around long but that was the closest I'd ever been to a bobcat. Just one of those times you remember for the rest of your life

[Thumper Dunker]

The wood and rubber band one works good.

[True2ThySelf]

I didn't know you could use a quail call.Section 311 of upland game regs.(i) Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take resident game birds;Does this not apply to calls?

[jawbreaker]

I don't think a hand call is mechanically operated, unless you give it to your robot hunting partner to blow for you.

[Mac1124]

Anyone use them? If so which brand is preferred?

I use the little rubber band call at times, it can help you zero in on a covey. I've never had them come running in to me, but I do get a lot of responces at times.

[Bisley]

I have two of them, and they both have their places. The first one is the most common, which is the Lohman barrel style wood (or synthetic wood) call. It is by far the moat easy to use. The only complaint I have about it is the very high pitch that it uses. The birds don't seem to mind it too much, but there is no mistaking the higher tone. That being said, it is also the one bonus that call offers. That higher pitch really cuts the wind much better. I have heard it being used while I was upwind at 40 yards away in a 25+mph wind. Gotta love it for that. As you can see, I have a super high dollar lanyard It consists of two O-rings slipped into the existing cuts in the call with either kite string or twine tied to the O-rings. You could tie the string directly to the call, but I wouldn't. If you ever snag it on the brush or your truck (don't ask how I know) the O-ring will either come off the call or break, either of which is much less painful than being choked. And in case you wonder what to do if you break one of the O-rings while out, you simply tie that side directly to the call because you still have the second one attached to break free if it happens again that day The other call I use is the Primos plastic one. This one has an absolutely PERFECT sound. It does have a few drawbacks though. One is that it is quite a bit harder to get used to. It is much wider and feels odd at first when blowing on it. I have learned that with this call, you must hold it with your teeth also, not just your lips. Once you learn this, it is about as real of a sound as can be humanly made. It just does not carry in the wind as well. And where I do most of my hunting, that can be a problem some days. This call also has no place to use O-rings for a lanyard, but it does have a lanyard hole molded into it. I have used string, old shoe laces, you name it, as a lanyard before settling on a $.50 thrift shop detachable key holder that goes over your neck.If you are going to buy only one call, I would buy the Lohman barrel style call. It will work in all conditions. But I would actually suggest that for $10 each you get both. Use the Lohman until you master the Primos, then do as I do and save the Lohman for the windy days while you use the Primos on the calmer days. I can't prove that the Primos makes them respond better, but that is what I have noticed. But to be fair, it may just be that I am not hearing the birds respond as much on the windier days with the other call. Good luck which ever way you go. They do work! I love to get a couple coveys to respond, and bring them together. Once they get close to each other, head towards them and hang on!

[looseshot99]

I use them to locate singles after busting a Gambels/California (Valley) Quail covey in the thick stuff. Normally I will wait about 5-10 minutes and then call a couple times. Most times than not you can get a few to respond and that makes it easier to get the drop on them. Sometimes I can get a few to actually come to me. Just be patient. Don't over-call. Don't move around a lot. It works.Remember: "Chi-ca-gooo" !

[sxshooter]

I've had luck with both the calls above. I've also called them by mouthing their call. I had a whole covey come charging into us while sitting in camp and calling this way. Try them all, use what works for you. Also, a hawk screach call is said to cause quail to hold tighter. I dunno. I just haven't used it often enough to say.

[Bisley]

Only problem with using the hawk call though is that they would rather run than fly after you use it. And good luck catching up them when they run, especially uphill.