With an electronic game caller, volume isn't everything.

Although some hunters think that the harder and louder they call, the greater their chances of success, in most situations excessive volume from an electronic game call will actually work against you. You might end up scaring off nearby predators. The key to success is not volume but strategy.

How Loud Is Loud Enough?

Always begin with the caller on low volume. In most situations, the sound will carry further than you think. If a predator is nearby, you don’t want to blast them out when you turn on the caller. Wait at least five minutes to see if there is any response. Then turn up the volume, change the call, or add a mouth call, depending on what you’ve found to be successful in the area you hunt.

Don’t be afraid to combine mouth calls with an electronic game call. The combination of two calls might be what it takes to draw the game closer.

Loud volume calls might bring predators running, but getting the animal to stop for a clear shot will be difficult. Calling in game slow and steady provides better opportunities for shooting. Patience is the key.

When Louder Volume Helps

If you are hunting wide open spaces with unlimited visibility or hunting at night, loud volume can give you an advantage, allowing you to reach more territory. Strong winds are another situation where loud calls come in handy.

Before you use a game caller in your area, make sure it’s legal to use one for the animal you are trying to hunt. It might be legal for predators such as coyotes and coons but not for deer, turkeys, etc.