Calls, Decoys & Lures: Scent, sound and sight for more sightings

Calls, Decoys & Lures: Bring game in on your terms

When you draw game in, you decide to some extent where and when it shows itself. That is the whole idea behind calling and luring: you use scent, sound or movement to bring a roe buck, fox, boar or pigeon into a position where you can identify it calmly and take a clean shot. It saves hours of waiting and makes hunting from the high seat far more predictable, whether on a field edge, at a bait site or by the water.

Three ways to reach game

Every species responds to different cues. Wild boar and roe deer follow their noses, which is why many hunters rely on scents and bait attractants with apple, maize, truffle or beech tar. Foxes, roe bucks and red stags, on the other hand, respond to sound: a rabbit distress call, a roe fawn call or a stag call from Weisskirchen will bring them in. With pigeons, crows and ducks it is all about what they see. Decoys and moving decoys from Mojo show passing birds that this is a safe place to land.

The right mix makes the difference

Many experienced hunters combine several cues. A flocked crow decoy on the stubble together with a crow call in your mouth often works better than either on its own. At a fox bait point, a fox attractant adds to the mouse squeaker. What matters most is patience, a good wind and stillness at your stand. If you avoid overusing your calling spots and rotate your methods, game stays relaxed for longer and you get more sightings throughout the season.

Frequently asked questions

Is calling and luring game allowed everywhere?
No. Rules on baiting, attractants and calling devices differ from country to country and often between regions. Check with your local hunting authority or game management body what applies on your ground before you start.

How often should I call at the same spot?
Game learns quickly, especially foxes. After a few sits, give a spot a few days of rest and move between locations so the effect lasts.

How important is the wind when calling?
Extremely important. Game often approaches with the wind in its favour and will wind you early otherwise. Position yourself so the wind blows from the expected direction of approach towards you.