FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call Review

The FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call: Review from Real Use

For years, I’ve relied on my ears and a good dose of instinct when trying to locate coyotes. While electronic callers have their place, there’s an undeniable authenticity to mouth calls that often bridges the gap when animals become wary of artificial sounds. My quest for a more versatile and effective handheld option led me to the FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call. This pack promises a trio of sounds, each designed to mimic different coyote vocalizations, aiming to elicit responses across various scenarios.

My previous attempts to replicate coyote sounds with single, generic mouth calls had yielded inconsistent results. Often, I’d get a decent howl, but the nuance for barks, yips, or distress calls was lacking, leaving me feeling like I was only scratching the surface of what a predator might respond to. I was looking for a single package that could cover the bases, providing flexibility without requiring me to carry a bulky collection of individual calls. Initial impressions of the FoxPro combo were positive; the units felt solid in hand, and the material offered a good grip, even with slightly damp fingers from a morning dew. I had briefly considered a single, more expensive specialized call, but the promise of three distinct tones at this price point was too tempting to pass up.

Real-World Testing: Putting FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call to the Test

My testing grounds were varied, encompassing the pre-dawn stillness of open agricultural fields, the dense cover of oak woodlands, and even some controlled practice sessions in my backyard to avoid startling the neighbors too much. I focused on replicating typical hunting scenarios: locating calls at dawn and dusk, and more urgent distress sounds when trying to draw a curious animal closer.

First Use Experience

The first time out with the combo, I started with the Top Gun howler, aiming for a classic male coyote howl across a large open field. The sound projected well, carrying a good distance, and I was pleasantly surprised by the volume and the tonal quality. Subsequent tests with the Smokin’ Gun howler and Young Gun howler allowed me to experiment with different pitches and patterns. Each call felt distinct, producing a range of sounds from sharp yips to deeper challenges.

Ease of use was surprisingly high for all three. As someone with prior experience using mouth calls, I found the learning curve to be minimal. However, for someone entirely new to this type of call, a few minutes of practice would likely be beneficial to master consistent sound production. The biggest surprise was how quickly I could switch between the different calls in the pack; the slight variations in reed placement and air pressure required were easily adaptable.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, venturing out on multiple hunts and even using them for practice sessions in between, these calls have held up remarkably well. The material, likely a durable polymer, shows no signs of cracking or excessive wear, even after being accidentally dropped on a gravel path once. The reeds remain flexible and responsive, and I haven’t noticed any significant degradation in sound quality or volume.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick rinse with water and a gentle shake to remove debris is usually sufficient after a day in the field. I store them in a small mesh pouch to allow them to air dry, preventing any potential moisture buildup that could affect the reeds. Compared to some older, softer plastic calls I’ve used that tend to become gummy or brittle over time, this FoxPro set feels much more robust.

Breaking Down the Features of FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call

Specifications

This combo pack includes three distinct mouth calls: the Top Gun howler, the Smokin’ Gun howler, and the Young Gun howler. Each call is designed for predator species, specifically coyotes, offering a variety of vocalizations. They are all classified as mouth calls, a classic tool for hunters.

The entire combo weighs a mere 0.08 lb, making it incredibly portable and adding virtually no bulk to my gear. Each individual call is compact and designed to fit comfortably in the hand or a small pocket. The fact that these calls are proudly manufactured in the USA is a testament to quality craftsmanship, which is often reflected in the durability and performance of outdoor gear.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the user. The lightweight nature means you can carry all three without feeling burdened, allowing for quick transitions between different sound strategies. The compact size is ideal for minimalist setups or when space is at a premium.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of these calls is to produce realistic coyote vocalizations, and the FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call excels at this. The Top Gun howler is my go-to for those deep, resonant male howls and challenging barks that can grab a coyote’s attention from a distance. The Smokin’ Gun howler offers a broader range of standard coyote sounds, including yips and distress calls that are excellent for drawing in curious or aggressive animals. The Young Gun howler is a standout for its ability to mimic juvenile coyote sounds, which can be particularly effective at bringing out wary adults or even younger coyotes.

One of the greatest strengths of this pack is the versatility it offers. Being able to switch from a locator howl to a more nuanced pup distress call within moments can be the difference between a successful hunt and a fruitless day. The calls produce a good volume, easily audible over light wind, and the tonal quality feels authentic. A minor point of improvement could be slightly more distinct variations between the “challenge” sounds across the different calls; while subtle differences exist, they are not always immediately apparent without focused listening. Still, for general predator calling, the performance is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these calls is simple yet effective. They are constructed from a durable polymer that feels solid and robust in the hand. The smooth finish is easy to grip, though in very cold, wet conditions, a bit of light texturing might enhance grip security further. The reeds are well-seated and appear to be of good quality, crucial for consistent sound production.

Ergonomically, they are designed for easy manipulation. You can comfortably hold one between your thumb and forefinger, ready to deploy. The slight difference in mouthpiece design between the three calls aids in identifying them by feel, which can be useful in low-light situations. There’s a very minimal learning curve, mostly involving finding the right angle and breath control to produce the desired sound.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the durability of these calls is quite good. They are clearly built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, resisting drops and environmental exposure. The material suggests a long lifespan for the main body of the call.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse under cool water and allowing them to air dry is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. I’ve made it a habit to store them in a small, breathable pouch to prevent moisture from getting trapped, which is good practice for any reed instrument. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like all reed calls, excessive moisture or damage to the reeds would likely be the primary concern for long-term performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call comes as a pack of three distinct calls, which is its primary offering. There are no additional accessories included in this specific combo pack. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as these are standalone mouth calls designed for direct use.

Customization isn’t really applicable to this type of product in the traditional sense. However, the “customization” comes from the user’s ability to alter their breath control and mouth shape to produce a wider range of nuances within each call’s intended sound profile. For instance, learning to produce sharper, shorter yips versus longer, drawn-out yips on the Smokin’ Gun howler adds a layer of personalized effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call

Who Should Buy FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call?

This combo is ideal for predator hunters, particularly those targeting coyotes, who want a cost-effective way to explore different calling strategies. It’s perfect for beginners looking to get a feel for mouth calling without a significant investment, as well as experienced hunters who appreciate the flexibility of having multiple call types readily available. If you often find yourself in situations where you need to quickly change your calling sequence or experiment with different sounds, this pack is a strong contender.

However, those who require extreme specialization or prefer the convenience of electronic callers might look elsewhere. Individuals seeking pre-recorded, complex sound sequences or who are not comfortable with manual mouth calls might find this less appealing. For those who prioritize absolute sonic distinction in every single pitch variation, a higher-end, single-purpose call might be considered, though likely at a much higher cost. A good waterproof pouch or a small mesh bag would be a helpful complementary item to keep the calls clean and organized in the field.

Conclusion on FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call

The FoxPro Loaded Gun Howler Combo Coyote Hand Call delivers exceptional value and versatility for its price. It successfully bridges the gap between simple, single-function mouth calls and more expensive, specialized options by providing three distinct and effective coyote calls in one package. The build quality is solid, the sounds are realistic enough to elicit responses, and the ease of use makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.

For $31.89, you are getting a potent arsenal of coyote vocalizations that can significantly enhance your calling efforts. I would absolutely recommend this combo to any coyote hunter looking to expand their calling repertoire without breaking the bank. It’s a smart, practical addition to any predator hunter’s kit, offering a genuine chance to connect with wary animals through authentic sound.