Electronic Caller on a Budget

One device that is helpful in hunting coyotes and other predators is the electronic caller.  If you have over $200.00 to spend, then you can by any number of various models from FOXPRO.  However, if you are like me, then you do not have a lot of extra cash to spend on hunting equipment.  As I was surfing the internet for information about hunting coyotes and other predators, I came across Varmint Al's Coyote Hunting website. Searching through the site, I came across a section that talked about making a homemade electronic caller.  I read over the information and determined that it would be pretty simple to make.  The best part is that it can be built for a budget of around $35.00.

I purchased all of the parts from a local Radio Shack store.  You will need to buy the following items:

• Radio Shack #4202420 cable, 6' long with 1/8" male mono plugs at each end
• Radio Shack #9100774 Mono plug to Stereo Jack Inline Adaptor
• Radio Shack #4202434 cable, 6' long with 1/8" male plug on one end and stripped at the other end
• Radio Shack #4001440 4"x6" Power Horn
• Radio Shack #2771006 Mini Amplifier / Speaker

Instructions for Power Horn and Mini Amplifier

 

Various Parts Laid Out Prior to Assembly

 

I purchased a relativity inexpensive MP3 player at Target.  This is the device that actually plays the sound files for the calling sequences that will be used to attract a coyote into shooting range.  An older tape player or CD player could be used as well.

 

 

I fastened the base of the Power Horn to a piece of wood.  The wood platform serves as the base for when the electronic caller is set up out in the field.  The following are the rest of the steps taken to construct the electronic calling device:

1. Using a soldering iron, solder the stripped Power Horn speaker wire (#4001440) to the stripped end of the 6' cable (#4202434).
2. Plug the soldered speaker wire into the "EXT SPKR" jack on the side of the Mini Amplifier.
3. With the remaining 6' cord (#4202420) attach the Mono plug to Stereo Jack Inline Adaptor (#9100774) to one end of the cable and plug this end into the other available jack on the Mini Amplifier.
4. Plug the other end of the 6' cable into the sound source.
5. Find a spot to set up the electronic caller in the field.
6. Play the calling sequence and get ready to take out a coyote!

 
You will notice that I tried to disguise the look of my electronic caller by wrapping it with layers of camouflaged tape.  I bought a roll of camouflaged tape at Dick's Sporting Goods which was located in the hunting section.  I was going to put tape on the inside of the Power Horn, but I think it looks good the way it is.

Carrying Bag for Electronic Call

I also found the perfect bag for carrying my electronic caller while I was shopping at the store.  The bag is printed with a good camouflaged scheme and has a carry handle and shoulder strap as swell.  The bag cost about $20.00 and has several pockets to carry additional items in as well.

The photograph of the bag below shows the zippered storage areas.  The wooden base that is attached to the Power Horn can be seen in the divided section on the right of the bag.  The Power Horn fist into this divided section upside down with the bottom of the wooden piece exposed.  There are two external storage pockets located just underneath the attachment points for the shoulder straps.  I store the Mini Amplifier inside the right side pocket and a pair of binoculars inside the left side pocket.  I keep the wires and the MP3 player inside a small plastic bag and store it inside the main compartment.  I also have an extra supply of batteries for both the Mini Amplifier and the MP3 player.