Top 5 Squirrel Calls: Your Essential Buying Guide

Ever wonder why some hunters seem to summon squirrels with just a whistle? It’s not magic; it’s mastering the art of the squirrel call. These small creatures are known for their skittish nature, and knowing how to mimic their alarm or contact sounds can make all the difference between an empty woods and a successful hunt. Choosing the right call, however, can feel overwhelming. Do you need a diaphragm call, a friction call, or maybe a simple mouth call? The wrong choice might just scare your target away!

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of squirrel calls available. You will learn what sounds work best for various situations and which models offer the best value for your money. Stop guessing and start calling effectively. Ready to unlock the secrets to attracting those elusive tree-dwellers? Let’s dive into the world of squirrel calling and find the perfect tool for your next outing.

Top Squirrel Calls Recommendations

No. 1
Primos Hunting Primos 373 Hunting Squirrel Buster Call Pack Green
  • 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
No. 2
Haydel's Game Calls, Inc. SP-05 Squirrel Call Pack Squirrel Calls for Hunting.
  • 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.
No. 3
Flextone Hunting Realistic Sounds Easy-to-Use Long Distance Four-in-One Ol'Bushytail Squirrel Call
  • 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
No. 4
Haydel's Game Calls Inc. SW-92 AMZ Mr. Squirrel Whistle Squirrel Call for Hunting
  • 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
No. 5
Bayou Legacy Harvester Squirrel Call Blaze Orange
  • Unique mouth-operated design
  • No bellows to shake or tap
  • Imitates fox and gray squirrels
  • Realistic barks and chatters
No. 6
Quaker Boy Squirrel Scolder, Black (2606)
  • Simple To Use
  • Create Barks And Chatter
  • Model Number: 2606
  • Material Name:Plastic
No. 7
Faulk's Squirrel Distress Call SD-87, Brown
  • Package length: 17.526 cm
  • Package width: 7.111 cm
  • Package height: 1.524 cm
  • Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
No. 8
Faulk's Game Calls Squirrel Call with Rubber Bulb S-80, Black
  • Tap lightly to produce effective chatter
  • Faulk's rubber bulb squirrel call
  • With metal sound device
  • Simple to operate

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Squirrel Call

Want to attract squirrels for wildlife observation or just for fun? A good squirrel call can make it happen! This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a squirrel call, look closely at what it can do. These features matter most:

  • Sound Variety: The best calls mimic different squirrel sounds. Look for models that produce the sharp alarm “kuk-kuk-kuk” and the softer, conversational chatter.
  • Ease of Use: Can you make the sounds easily? Some calls require a specific breath technique. Simple, intuitive designs are great for beginners.
  • Volume Control: A good call lets you adjust how loud the sound is. You need quiet calls for close-range observation and louder ones for distant animals.

Important Materials

The material of your call affects its sound and how long it lasts. Think about these common materials:

  • Wood: Wooden calls often produce a warmer, more natural sound. However, wood can warp if it gets too wet.
  • Plastic/Resin: Plastic calls are durable and weather-resistant. They are easy to clean and usually cheaper. High-quality resin often mimics wood sounds well.
  • Metal: Metal is rare but can offer a very sharp, piercing alarm sound. These are very tough.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all squirrel calls sound the same. Quality depends on how well the manufacturer builds it.

Factors That Improve Quality:
  • Precision Tuning: A well-made call is carefully tuned so that the sounds are accurate. If the sound is wrong, squirrels ignore it.
  • Ergonomics: A comfortable grip means you can hold it longer and make more realistic sounds without tiring your mouth.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
  • Poor Seals or Cracks: If air leaks out where it shouldn’t, the sound becomes weak or squeaky. This happens often with cheap plastic models.
  • Inconsistent Tone: If the sound changes every time you blow, you will frustrate the squirrels. Consistency is key.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the call changes what you should buy. Think about your main goal.

  • Wildlife Photography/Observation: If you want to sit quietly and watch squirrels, you need a call that produces soft, realistic chatters. Durability is less important than sound quality here.
  • Hunting (Where Legal): Hunters need a loud, sharp alarm call to bring curious squirrels into range. Weatherproofing becomes very important for outdoor use.
  • Beginners: Start with a simple, affordable plastic call. It lets you practice the technique before investing in a high-end wooden model.

Always practice your call in private first. You do not want to scare away the very animal you are trying to attract!


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Squirrel Calls

Q: What is the main purpose of a squirrel call?

A: The main purpose is to mimic squirrel sounds to attract them closer for viewing or hunting.

Q: Do all squirrel calls sound the same?

A: No. Different calls produce different sounds, like alarm calls or feeding chatters. Better quality calls offer more variety.

Q: How do I know if a squirrel call is good quality?

A: Good quality calls produce clear, consistent sounds that accurately match real squirrel noises. Poorly made calls sound weak or squeaky.

Q: Can I use a squirrel call in the rain?

A: Plastic or resin calls handle rain well. Wooden calls should be kept dry because moisture can damage their tone.

Q: How hard is it to learn how to use one?

A: Most calls require practice to master the right breath pressure. Simple models are easier for beginners to learn quickly.

Q: Should I buy a wood or plastic call?

A: Wood often sounds more natural, but plastic is more durable and weather-resistant. Choose based on your priority: sound warmth or longevity.

Q: Are squirrel calls legal to use everywhere?

A: Using them for wildlife viewing is usually fine. However, using them for hunting is only legal where local laws permit it, so always check regulations first.

Q: What sound should I use first when trying to call a squirrel?

A: Start with a soft, inquisitive chatter. This sound suggests another squirrel is nearby and encourages curiosity.

Q: How far away can a good call reach?

A: A well-made, loud call can sometimes attract squirrels from over 100 yards away, especially if the environment is quiet.

Q: Can these calls attract other animals?

A: While they are designed for squirrels, sometimes the loud, sharp alarm sound can startle or attract predators like hawks or coyotes, though this is rare.