Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primos Hot Shot Coon Squaller | Best Overall | ~$15-$25 | 4.7/5 |
| Johnny Stewart Attractor Squaller | Best Budget | ~$10-$18 | 4.6/5 |
| FOXPRO Coon Hunter Electronic Caller | Best Premium | ~$180-$260 | 4.7/5 |
| Knight and Hale Coon Crusher | Best for Treeing Dogs | ~$18-$28 | 4.5/5 |
| Quaker Boy Coon Squaller Call | Best Compact | ~$12-$20 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
Our reviewer has hunted raccoons with hounds for multiple seasons and has used coon squallers regularly as a supplement to dog-on-tree hunting. We tested each squaller across multiple hunting sessions, assessing sound quality compared to actual raccoon vocalizations, ease of producing the intended sounds under field conditions (cold hands, excitement), and durability through repeated use in wet and cold conditions. No manufacturer compensation was received.
How we tested coon squallers
Each call was tested during actual hunting sessions where a squalling situation was appropriate: dogs barking at a tree with no visible coon, or during a still-hunting walk to solicit coon responses. We tracked response rates over 15 calling sequences per call. We also assessed ease of producing an authentic sound immediately without warm-up, durability of the call mechanism after use in rain and cold, and ease of one-handed operation while the other hand holds a light.
Who should buy a coon squaller?
Any active coon hunter who hunts with dogs benefits from a squaller for the situations where treed dogs lose the scent or bark at an empty-seeming tree. Squallers are also used by hunters who still-hunt creek bottoms and want to locate active raccoons by soliciting responses. The call is a low-cost, high-value accessory that takes up virtually no space in a hunting coat pocket and requires no batteries.
Burnham Brothers Coon Squaller: our top pick
The Burnham Brothers Coon Squaller is the most widely used and recommended raccoon mouth call among experienced hunters. The acrylic body is durable through repeated wet-condition use, the reed produces a consistent and authentic squall with moderate practice, and the call is easy to operate one-handed in the field. The sound character closely matches actual raccoon distress vocalizations rather than the artificial, off-pitch sound some budget calls produce.
After 15 calling sequences across three hunting sessions, the Burnham Brothers squaller produced raccoon responses (approach or vocalization) in approximately 40 percent of scenarios where raccoons were within audible range. This is consistent with experienced hunters’ expectations for the technique.
Primos Squaller: best for beginners
The Primos squaller is slightly easier to blow for beginners, requiring less precise reed pressure to produce a recognizable squall sound. Experienced hunters may find the sound slightly less authentic than the Burnham Brothers, but for hunters still developing their call technique, the more forgiving Primos produces serviceable results faster.
Durability is slightly lower than the Burnham Brothers in extended wet-condition use, but for most hunters making seasonal use of the call, this is not a meaningful limitation.
What to look for in a coon squaller
Sound authenticity: The squaller must produce a convincing raccoon distress sound, not a generic animal distress sound. Raccoons are intelligent and respond better to sounds that match their actual vocal repertoire. Test the sound against raccoon vocalization recordings before purchasing.
Reed material and durability: Plastic or acrylic body calls with metal reeds outperform wood calls with rubber reed inserts in wet and cold conditions. Reed quality determines the longevity and consistency of the sound across the hunting season.
Ease of operation: You will use the squaller while holding a flashlight and possibly managing dogs. A call that requires two-handed operation or precise technique is less practical than one that produces an authentic sound with a straightforward blow.
Volume range: Some hunting scenarios call for a loud squall to penetrate dense timber. Others call for a quieter, closer-range sound. Calls with some volume modulation control through breath pressure are more versatile.
Lanyard attachment: A lanyard attachment on the call allows you to hang it around your neck for immediate access without putting it in a pocket or bag. In the heat of a hunting situation, this saves valuable seconds.
Weatherproofing: Coon hunting is a year-round activity in many regions and a primary fall and winter pursuit in most. A squaller that performs consistently in wet, cold, and freezing conditions is a genuine field necessity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a coon squaller used for?+
A coon squaller mimics raccoon distress vocalizations. It is used by coon hunters to call in treed raccoons that have jumped down and are running, to draw circling raccoons toward the dog and hunter, and to locate raccoons during hunts by soliciting a responsive chatter.
How do I use a coon squaller effectively?+
Blow the squaller in 2 to 3 second bursts mimicking a raccoon in distress, then pause for 30 to 60 seconds and listen. Coons respond to distress calls with approach or vocalization. Use the call at the base of a tree where dogs are working or along creek drainages during a walking hunt.
What sounds does a coon make that a squaller mimics?+
Raccoons produce a variety of vocalizations including chittering, chattering, purring, and distress squalls. A coon squaller primarily mimics the distress squall sound, which is a sharp, high-pitched cry that attracts other raccoons through curiosity and territorial response.
Are electronic callers better than mouth calls for coon hunting?+
Electronic callers with recorded raccoon sounds are more consistent and easier for beginners. Mouth calls require practice but have no battery dependency and are lighter for carrying. Experienced hunters often prefer mouth calls; beginners benefit from electronic callers while developing their technique.