I usually start with a howl or couple of barks just to get the attention of any dogs in the area - then I start with a rabbit distress. I use both, mouth calls and elec calls, I'll blow till I get tired then hit the button. I switch calls all the time and it has worked. I have had no luck the last 3 times out other than the one we called in and then it spooked off the last time out on Sunday. But got one each of the last 5-6 times out. The last one I shot I called 3 or 4 different calls and then after about 45 min I used a cottontail call I never used before and a female came out.
I also used to worry about the scent, cover scents, and all that and I now I dont really worry about it at all. I'll deep fry a batch of fries & hot dog in my camo then go hunt and call in a dog! Maybe they like fries?
Seems no matter what if they catch wind of you or even your cover scent you are busted. I soaked my rabbit decoy in rabbit urine and when a dog got down wind of it - it ran. I sprayed cover spray around the decoy - they got wind of it - booked. I think no matter how hard you try to cover your scent they can smell it. Best just to stay down wind of them no matter what. Lately it has been dead calm so that helps too!
I've never had a dog come into howl or bark, just answer. Never had a dog come into pup yips or distress either. Always a rodent or rabbit distress.
But I am still new to this, about 10 months in to my 1st year, maybe 15-16 times out total, about 9-10 dogs called in and 6 of them are dead. Huge thanks to PredatorPro for getting me my first dog and getting the ball rolling. Thanks to BIGINNER for great spots, Carpsniper, Bofire, and Gringo31 and lots of other guys giving me invaluable info.
