Calling in a coyote with a mouth call is one of the most thrilling challenges in predator hunting. It takes skill, patience, and the right call to mimic distress sounds or vocalizations that bring coyotes running. In this guide, we break down the best mouth calls for coyotes in 2025 based on ease of use, sound quality, durability, and real-world effectiveness.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced predator hunter, using a reliable hand or diaphragm mouth call can help you outsmart even the wariest coyotes.
Top Mouth Calls for Coyotes (2025 Picks)
1. Primos Hot Dog Predator Call
- Type: Open-reed mouth call
- Best for: Howling, yips, ki-yi’s, pup distress
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
The Primos Hot Dog is one of the most versatile and best-selling predator calls. It’s excellent for producing realistic coyote howls and challenge barks. It can also make distress calls by adjusting air pressure and reed control. It’s loud, raspy, and gets results, especially on open ground.
2. FOXPRO Coyote Mouth Call (C3 Series)
- Type: Diaphragm call
- Best for: Hands-free howling, pup distress, ki-yis
- Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
FOXPRO’s C3 series is built for serious predator callers. The Coyote Diaphragm Call uses a single latex reed tuned specifically for coyote vocals. It fits comfortably and produces sharp howls and yelps without using your hands, which is great when you’re holding a rifle.
3. Johnny Stewart Coyote Dog Howler
- Type: Open-reed howler
- Best for: Long-range calling, dominant howls
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
This call is simple to use and delivers deep, aggressive coyote vocals. It’s perfect for howling sequences during the mating season or territorial setups. Many hunters use it in combination with distress calls to bring in dominant coyotes.
4. Rocky Mountain Voo Doo Howler
- Type: Open-reed with tone board
- Best for: All-around predator calling
- Features: Durable, weather-resistant construction
The Voo Doo Howler is designed for a wide range of sounds—from loud locator howls to pup distress and barks. It’s great for Western terrain or windy days when volume matters. It also has a tone board that helps new users control pitch and inflection easily.
5. ICOtec PD100 Pup Distress Call
- Type: Closed-reed distress call
- Best for: Pup in distress and small animal cries
- Quiet to medium volume: Ideal for close-in sets
This call specializes in emotional, high-pitched sounds that trigger aggressive responses. It’s deadly during spring when coyotes are protective of their young. Compact and easy to blow, it’s a great addition to any predator hunter’s vest.
Comparison Table: Top Mouth Calls for Coyotes
| Call | Type | Best Use | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primos Hot Dog | Open-reed | Long-range howls & distress | Intermediate+ |
| FOXPRO C3 Diaphragm | Diaphragm | Hands-free vocals | All levels |
| Johnny Stewart Howler | Open-reed | Dominant howling | Beginner |
| Rocky Mountain Voo Doo | Open-reed | All-purpose calls | Beginner+ |
| ICOtec PD100 | Closed-reed | Pup distress | Beginner |
What Makes a Good Mouth Call for Coyotes?
Not all calls are created equal. Here’s what separates a great coyote mouth call from the rest:
- Sound realism: Does it sound like a real distressed rabbit, pup, or adult coyote?
- Ease of use: Can you control the pitch, tone, and volume with minimal effort?
- Volume: Can it carry over long distances in wind or open terrain?
- Durability: Will it hold up to cold, saliva, and constant use?
- Versatility: Can it replicate multiple types of calls?
When and How to Use Coyote Mouth Calls
1. Morning and Evening Hours
Early morning and dusk are prime times. Coyotes are often more vocal and willing to respond to howls and distress calls during these windows.
2. Seasonal Calling Tips
- Fall/Winter: Use prey distress calls like rabbit squeals and rodent distress.
- January–March: Use howls, challenge barks, and pup yips to mimic breeding behavior.
- Spring: Pup distress and whines are incredibly effective during denning season.
3. Mixing Sounds
A deadly combo includes starting with a locator howl, then pausing, followed by a distress call. This simulates a coyote reacting to prey or defending its territory, which often draws in competitors or curious pack members.
Pro Tips for Using Mouth Calls
- Start quietly—don’t blast your call right away. Ease into a sequence.
- Practice at home to control pitch and timing before using it in the field.
- Use a decoy or e-caller in combination for added realism.
- Mouth calls are ideal in freezing temps where e-caller batteries may fail.
Conclusion
The best mouth call for coyotes depends on your style, terrain, and skill level. If you want one call that can do it all, the Primos Hot Dog is a great choice for aggressive and subtle vocals. If you prefer hands-free operation, go with the FOXPRO diaphragm series. And for distress-only specialists, the ICOtec PD100 makes a high-pitched scream coyotes can’t resist.
Mastering a mouth call is part of the thrill. With the right call and some practice, you’ll pull coyotes into shooting range in any terrain and season.