Ever heard a sharp, chattering sound in the woods and wondered what it was? That might have been a squirrel trying to talk! Squirrels are social animals, and they use a surprising variety of sounds to communicate. But if you’re looking to connect with these bushy-tailed neighbors, either for hunting, wildlife observation, or just plain curiosity, you’ve probably run into a wall of confusion. Which call do you even buy?
Choosing the right squirrel call is trickier than you think. Some calls sound too artificial, scaring the very creature you want to attract. Others might only produce one sound, missing the nuances of a real squirrel conversation. If you pick the wrong one, you end up with silence instead of a curious visitor. It’s frustrating when your gear doesn’t deliver!
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down the different types of squirrel calls available, explain what sounds they make, and show you exactly how to choose the perfect tool for your needs. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which call will help you master the art of squirrel communication. Let’s dive in and learn how to speak squirrel!
Top Squirrel Call Recommendations
- Primos Squirrel Buster Small Game Call 373
- Primos Squirrel Buster Small Game Call 373
- Primos Squirrel Buster Small Game Call 373
- Primos Squirrel Buster Small Game Call 373
- Primos Squirrel Buster Small Game Call 373
- VERSITILE - Combo pack simulates the distress cries of both fox and grays with the DS-85 also having a barking feature!
- The DS-85 Squirrel Call. Deluxe 3-in-1 Squirrel emits the bark or chatter of the Bushy-tail. Blowing moderately into the exhaust barrel gives the cry of Grey Squirrels. Blowing 5 panicky notes creates the high-pitched cries of a baby in distress.
- The SW-92 "Mr. Squirrel Whistle" Call. Imitates the distress call of a young squirrel. It works! Excites squirrels, makes them bark and, at times move toward your location.
- Made in the USA.
- Imitates the distress call of a young squirrel
- It Works; Excites Squirrels
- Makes them bark and, at times move toward your location
- Inhale on the call making 5 panicky notes; This creates the high-pitched cries of a baby squirrel in distress
- Deluxe Squirrel Call
- Maple call with rubber bellows
- Metal sound device
- Hand operation
- Squirrel Chatter
- Unique mouth-operated design
- No bellows to shake or tap
- Imitates fox and gray squirrels
- Realistic barks and chatters
- Lanyard included
- EFFECTIVE CALL - Calling squirrels is both effective and fun, and with the full range of squirrel vocalizations possible with the easy-to-use Flextone Ol' Bushytail Call, every squirrel hunter can get in on the action and experience great results
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - Ol' Bushytail offers four realistic and deadly calls to strike up a conversation with all the fox or gray squirrels in the area. With a bark, whine, alarm chatter or distress call… you'll get them right where you want them
- EASY TO USE - Simply shake the versatile Ol' Bushytail Squirrel Call to create compelling alarm chatter, or blow several short bursts into the call with a quivering voice to create a distress cry. Social squirrels will have no choice but to investigate
- FLEXTONE TECHNOLOGY - The Flextone Ol' Bushytail Squirrel call easily creates realistic barks and whines using Flextone technology that employs soft and flexible materials that mimic a squirrel's anatomy
- EASY TO MASTER - Whether you're getting started as a hunter or you've got years of experience under your belt, you will appreciate the easy-to-produce natural sounds that Flextone Ol' Bushytail Squirrel call produces
- Simple To Use
- Create Barks And Chatter
- Model Number: 2606
- Material Name:Plastic
- Sport type: Hunting
- Package length: 17.526 cm
- Package width: 7.111 cm
- Package height: 1.524 cm
- Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
- Sport type: Hunting
The Essential Squirrel Call Buying Guide
Want to attract squirrels for observation, photography, or even hunting? A good squirrel call can make all the difference. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a squirrel call, a few features really matter. These details separate a great call from one that just makes noise.
Sound Versatility
- Variety of Calls: Top models offer different sounds. Look for calls that mimic distress squeaks and chatter. Squirrels respond differently to various vocalizations.
- Tone Control: Some advanced calls let you adjust the pitch. This helps you sound more realistic, matching the mood of the squirrels around you.
Ease of Use
- Simple Operation: You need to focus on spotting wildlife, not fumbling with complex equipment. A good call is easy to hold and operate with one hand.
- Durability: Since you will likely use this outdoors, the call must withstand bumps and weather.
Important Materials
What a squirrel call is made of affects how long it lasts and how good it sounds.
Body Construction
- Hard Plastics: Many reliable calls use durable, high-impact plastic. This keeps the unit light and resistant to cracking if dropped.
- Wood Components: Some traditional or high-end calls use wood. Wood often produces a warmer, more natural tone, but it needs protection from moisture.
Internal Mechanisms
The internal reed or diaphragm creates the sound. High-quality reeds last longer and produce clearer sounds. Cheap reeds can stick or sound muffled very quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your squirrel call directly impacts your success rate.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Precision Tuning: When a manufacturer carefully tunes the sound chamber, the resulting calls sound much more like a real squirrel. Better tuning means more curious squirrels approach.
- Weather Resistance: A call sealed against moisture performs better over time.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Poor Sealing: If air leaks around the seams, the sound becomes weak or inconsistent. This flaw significantly reduces the call’s effectiveness.
- Cheap Reeds: As mentioned, low-quality reeds break down fast, resulting in flat or annoying sounds that scare squirrels away.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the call matters just as much as what you buy.
Ideal Use Cases
- Wildlife Observation: Use the call softly to draw squirrels closer for better viewing or photography.
- Hunting Preparation: Hunters use calls to locate active squirrel territories before setting up an ambush spot.
- Training Dogs: Some people use the sound to train hunting dogs to recognize squirrel scent and calls.
Handling the Call
Practice makes perfect. Learn the different sounds your call makes. Start with soft calls; loud, aggressive sounds are often only used during intense territorial disputes. Most often, a short, inquisitive “chirp” works best to start an interaction.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Calls
Q: What is the main purpose of a squirrel call?
A: The main purpose is to imitate squirrel sounds to attract them closer for viewing or hunting.
Q: Are all squirrel calls electronic?
A: No, many excellent squirrel calls are purely mechanical, relying on your breath and a reed.
Q: Which sound works best to attract squirrels?
A: The soft “chatter” or “whistle” usually works best to invite investigation, especially in quiet woods.
Q: How loud should I blow into the call?
A: You should start softly. Only increase volume if you are in a very large, open area or if you hear no response.
Q: Can I use a squirrel call year-round?
A: Yes, you can use them year-round, but success rates might be higher during breeding or feeding seasons.
Q: Do I need to clean my squirrel call?
A: Yes, moisture builds up inside. You should occasionally wipe down the mouthpiece to keep the reed working correctly.
Q: Will a cheap plastic call work as well as an expensive one?
A: A very cheap call might work initially, but the sound quality and durability of an expensive call are usually much better.
Q: What is the difference between a “rattler” and a “squeaker” call?
A: A rattler mimics loud, aggressive chattering, while a squeaker mimics soft distress or contact calls.
Q: Is it okay to use a squirrel call in my backyard?
A: Yes, many people use them for birdwatching or to observe backyard wildlife behavior.
Q: How long should I blow the call before stopping?
A: Blow for only a few seconds, then wait quietly for 30 seconds to a minute. Squirrels need time to decide if it is safe to approach.