Getting started in varmint calling/hunting...

sniper

I've been thinking about it for a bit, now, but don't know how to get started, and with the weather getting colder, the pelts will be getting better.

I have a predator call I've had for years, but how do you learn to blow the thing properly?

I have also been looking through the latest Cabela's catalog. They have remote predator calls for around $50. It isn't a Johnny Stewart, but would it be good enough to get started?

Where can I buy hide stretchers, for when I do get one? I figure about a half-dozen will do for a start. Very Happy

They tell me that an area near my home has a healthy population of Red Foxes. Are they any more difficult to hunt than coyotes?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Handloader

In our area we have two large membership varmint calling clubs or associations. They welcome newcomers and will team the an experienced caller. Monthly meetings feature specific relevant subjects and, importantly, put callers with different degrees of experience in touch with each other. Its a great way to get started.

The VHA (Varmint Hunters Association) is worth membership IMO. They have a great publication that features firearms and calling techniques.

Learn to use hand held calls and eschew the electronic ones. Hand helds give far greater versatility in calling as far as volume and tonal variation.
Buying some basic calls is a good step. Add some basic tapes and learn to replicate that sound. Read as much as you can about stand selection and productive methods of calling. Ed Sceery has some superb instructional material, great calls and a website that will get you on the right track. There are many other resources.

Go for it as the prime season for calling is now.

coyotehunter_1

sniper,
Handloader is steering you in the right direction. Heâ€™s been calling predators successfully for many decades.

I have called in a good number of fox but now dedicate most of my calling efforts to coyotes and the occasional bobcat. In my experience I believe you'll find the principle calling techniques will work for all smaller predators, even some of the larger ones too. Small prey and bird distress sounds seem to work best on brier fox.

Although mainly pertaining to coyote hunting, below are a couple of informational sources that you may find interesting and useful:

www.wcp-nm.com/coyotes/how2call.htm

www.coyotecanada.ca/

"Skinning the Coyote" by Doug Sharp:
thelibrary.springfield.../wi76o.htm

Good luck in your questâ€¦ Smile