Calling in a bobcat with a mouth call is an art form that demands the right tool. A single off-pitch howl or an unnatural squeak can send a wary tom running instead of closing the distance, which is why choosing the specific reed, tone, and design for the job is the difference between a successful stand and a long, quiet walk back to the truck.
I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I’ve spent countless hours breaking down the acoustic mechanics of predator calls, evaluating how reed tension and body material affect sound projection across open fields and thick timber, and studying aggregated feedback from seasoned predator hunters to separate the gimmicks from the gear that genuinely works.
After sorting through dozens of options, I’ve landed on the five standouts that reliably produce the convincing distress and social sounds that bring cats in close, making this list of the best bobcat call a proven starting point for your next hunt.
How To Choose The Best Bobcat Call
Finding the right call means understanding how a bobcat hears and reacts. Unlike coyotes, bobcats are more cautious and often approach silently, which means your call needs to produce a sound that triggers their curiosity without spooking them. Here’s what to look for.
Reed Type: Open vs. Closed
An open-reed call uses a latex or Mylar reed that vibrates against a sounding board, giving you control over pitch and volume by biting or cupping the call. This is ideal for producing a wide range of sounds like kit distress or cat mews. A closed-reed call, often used for cottontail distress, is simpler to use and produces a consistent, high-pitched scream that carries well but offers less tonal flexibility for intermediate sequences.
Material and Durability
The body of the call matters when temperatures drop. Acrylic and polycarbonate calls remain stable in cold weather, while some wooden laminates can expand or change tone when wet. For bobcat calling, a lightweight, non-porous material that won’t freeze to your lips or crack under pressure is essential for consistent performance in the field.
Volume Control and Tone Quality
A good bobcat call needs to produce a raspy, realistic distress sound that cuts through wind. Avoid calls that sound too clean or high-pitched without a guttural edge. The ability to modulate volume—from a low, coaxing mew to a loud, piercing scream—gives you the adaptability to work a cat that’s hanging up at distance or one that’s already slipping in close.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primos The Third Degree | Closed Reed | Cutting wind with loud distress | Laminated wood mouthpiece | Amazon |
| Western Rivers Mantis 25 | Electronic | Hands-free, multi-sound sessions | 105 dB speaker output | Amazon |
| Flextone Double Up Predator Combo | Open Reed Combo | Beginner-friendly flexibility | Includes rabbit + coyote call | Amazon |
| Hunters Specialties CYC-1 | Open Reed | Versatile predator howling | Adjustable sound band | Amazon |
| Haydel’s CH-92 Coyote Howler | Open Reed | Compact carry, locating dogs | 0.03 kg package weight | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Primos The Third Degree
The Primos The Third Degree is the premium closed-reed call that serious bobcat hunters reach for when they need to cut through heavy wind. Designed by Randy Anderson, this call produces an exceptionally loud, raspy cottontail scream that carries across open fields and deep into timber, mimicking the exact sound a bobcat finds hard to ignore. The laminated wood mouthpiece adds warmth to the tone, preventing the metallic edge that cheaper plastic calls often produce.
Field reports from experienced callers show this call consistently pulls in wary cats from a distance, and the hard plastic barrel holds up well against the elements. The closed-reed design means you can start using it effectively with minimal practice, though mastering the breath control to avoid reed lockup takes a few sessions. The compact size makes it easy to stash in a vest pocket without adding bulk.
While it lacks the tonal range of an open-reed call for producing subtle mews, its primary purpose—cutting the wind to get a cat moving—is executed at a level that justifies the investment. For hunters who want one dedicated, high-performance mouth call for bobcat stands, this is the standard to beat.
Why we love it
- Packs a punch for long-distance calling beyond 200 yards
- Wood laminate mouthpiece feels comfortable and warm in cold weather
Good to know
- Reed can lock up if you blow too hard without proper technique
- Limited to primarily one sound profile (cottontail distress)
2. Western Rivers Mantis 25
The Western Rivers Mantis 25 switches the game from mouth to electronics, offering a preloaded library of 25 sounds that includes rabbit distress, coyote howls, and bird calls that bobcats respond to. The 105 dB speaker output provides enough volume to cover a large area, and the backlit LCD screen makes it easy to navigate sound banks during low-light setups.
A key advantage for bobcat hunters is the random repeat function, which allows for hands-free operation during a long stand. This lets you focus on watching the downwind edge instead of managing a mouth call. The rubberized keypad is durable and responsive, even with gloved hands.
Keep in mind the sound library is limited compared to premium electronic callers, and the speaker’s effective range is best suited for setups within 50 to 75 yards. However, for a compact, mid-range electronic caller, it offers excellent value for hunters who want to mix electronic sounds with a mouth call for realistic calling sequences.
Why we love it
- Hands-free operation with random repeat for continuous calling
- Backlit screen for easy use in low-light conditions
Good to know
- Speaker volume drops significantly beyond 50 yards
- Batteries (AAA) not included
3. Flextone Double Up Predator Combo
The Flextone Double Up Predator Combo delivers two open-reed calls—a Coyote Rage and a Dying Rabbit—giving you the foundational sounds needed for bobcat hunting right out of the package. The Coyote Rage features a unique tone bulb that adds realistic grit to howls and barks, while the Dying Rabbit excels at producing the high-pitched distress that bobcats key in on.
The flexible rubber construction is nearly indestructible and works well in cold weather without becoming brittle. Both calls are incredibly easy to blow, letting you focus on learning sound sequences rather than fighting the call. The ability to squeeze the exhaust bell for volume control on the rabbit call adds a layer of realism that many fixed calls lack.
Seasoned hunters may find the sound quality lacks the sharp precision of a higher-end wood or acrylic call, but for the hunter looking to cover both rabbit distress and coyote vocalizations without buying separate units, this combo is a smart, budget-friendly entry point into bobcat calling.
Why we love it
- Two versatile calls included (coyote howl + rabbit distress)
- Tone bulb on coyote call adds realistic rasp and grittiness
Good to know
- Sound quality is less refined than premium acrylic calls
- Flexible body can be harder to cup for advanced tone control
4. Hunters Specialties Johnny Stewart CYC-1
The Hunters Specialties CYC-1 is an open-reed howler that provides impressive versatility for a wide range of predator sounds, including effective bobcat calls. The adjustable sound band allows you to tweak the tone, shifting from a deep, intimidating howl to a higher-pitched, inquisitive yip that can pique a bobcat’s curiosity. This adaptability is valuable when a cat hangs up at 100 yards and needs a different pitch to commit.
Customer feedback emphasizes how easy the call is to learn, with many first-time users successfully calling in predators after just a few practice sessions. The plastic construction keeps the weight low, and the included extra reeds ensure you can keep hunting even if the reed wears out. The sound carries well, with reports of effective use across miles of open terrain.
Some users note that the call can run slightly high-pitched out of the box, which may not be ideal for all bobcat scenarios. Taking time to adjust the sound band and practicing breath control will help dial in a more natural, guttural bobcat greeting or distress sound.
Why we love it
- Adjustable sound band lets you fine-tune tone and pitch
- Very easy for beginners to produce loud, usable sounds quickly
Good to know
- Tends toward a higher pitch that some bobcats may be wary of
- Plastic body feels less durable than wood or acrylic options
5. Haydel’s CH-92 Coyote Howler
The Haydel’s CH-92 is a compact, open-reed howler designed primarily for locating dominant coyotes, but its design makes it a capable call for bobcat stands where you need to project a lonely, searching howl. Its small size is its standout feature—the entire package weighs only a couple of ounces, making it easy to clip to a lanyard or stash in a pocket alongside your other gear.
The call is made in the USA and uses a tone chamber that produces a clean, penetrating howl. While it does not produce the raspy, aggressive distress sounds that work best for bobcats, it excels at the locate-and-call approach. You can use it to send out a few howls, wait for a response, and then switch to a more targeted distress sound from a secondary call.
Given its intended function as a coyote locator, hunters looking for a dedicated, feature-rich bobcat call will find it too limited in its sound profile. However, for a budget-friendly, no-frills backup call that adds locating capability to your hunting vest, it serves a specific, valuable role.
Why we love it
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry on any hunt
- Produced a clean, loud howl for locating predators
Good to know
- Sound profile is limited to howling, not versatile for bobcat distress
- Not as effective for close-range, interactive calling
FAQ
What is the best sound to use when calling bobcats?
Is an open reed or closed reed call better for bobcats?
Can you use a coyote call to call in a bobcat?
How far can a mouth call sound travel for bobcat hunting?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most predator hunters, the bobcat call winner is the Primos The Third Degree because it delivers the loud, piercing distress sound that cuts through wind and consistently pulls cats in from long distances. If you want hands-free versatility and the ability to mix multiple sounds without using your mouth, grab the Western Rivers Mantis 25. And for a budget-friendly starting point that includes both rabbit and coyote calls, nothing beats the Flextone Double Up Predator Combo.