Whistle Tips When Hunting
There are many different types of whistles you can use when hunting in woods, in open spaces or on water. If you regularly go hunting and are looking for ways to improve your hunt, a whistle could be a good tool to add to your repertoire. Here are some ways you can use whistles whilst hunting.
A dog whistle
Dogs have been used in hunting for many years, and they can take on several roles during a hunt. One role dogs take on is to track prey and flush them out of bushes; dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which allows them to find animals that are hiding in densely covered areas. They can scare the animals so the hunter has a clear sight and can take the shot. Dogs are also used to retrieve the birds and other animals the hunter shoots. Retrievers have particularly soft mouths that enable them to fetch a bird or mammal that has been shot and return it to the hunter without penetrating the bird with their teeth. Retrievers and spaniels are also used when hunting on water; they will jump in and swim to retrieve the kill so the hunter can stay dry. Whistles are used to communicate with the hunting dogs over long distances; they can be heard over several miles. Using a whistle saves the hunter's voice and stops them from having to shout. Training dogs using whistles takes time and patience, but it is one of the most effective ways to utilise dogs' strengths during hunting. Dogs can even understand the different noises made by various whistles; hunters often train one dog at a time with their own whistle so that they can utilise their whole pack during a hunt. Hunting is exciting and part of a dog’s natural instinct; when working with their owner, they can form incredible bonds together that improve both their performance as a team.
Predator whistles
Predator whistles mimic the sound of distressed prey such as a rabbit. This attracts predators such as foxes, believing they’re in for a tasty meal. Once the predator comes close, the hunter has a good line of sight and can take the shot. There are many different types of predator whistles; each mimics different sounds, depending on the type of predator you’re trying to attract and what prey they like to hunt and eat.
Bird calls
Another type of whistle that you can use for effective hunting is a bird whistle. They mimic the sound of various species of birds. The hunter can mimic duck calls to encourage ducks to come out of hiding and other types of birds, depending on what the hunter is looking to kill. Some birds can even be attracted by other bird calls if used carefully. Many hunters use bird whistles as a way to get their children involved in the sport. They can help by attracting the birds using the whistle and won’t scare them off. Bird whistles are also used for bird watching; the calls can bring the birds out into the open so they can be spotted and recorded by bird enthusiasts.
Survival whistle
When hunting alone or in groups, hunters may find themselves in life-threatening situations. A survival whistle can help to draw attention and enable them to be found, even in remote locations. Hunters who go out alone should always inform others of their location and expected return times. If something does happen and they’re carrying a survival whistle, the search party and rescue team will be able to find them quickly once they become concerned and come looking for them.
Whistles are very important in hunting, and often a piece of equipment a hunter relies on heavily. They’re low-tech but durable and effective when used correctly during the sport. You can buy a wide variety of whistles, some made from plastic, others metal and even whistles made from stag antlers; these are often very popular among hunters. When hunting, the most popular whistle used is the dog whistle. They’re often silent to avoid disturbing the prey out in the woods, but dogs can hear them, and, with proper training, the dogs will respond when they hear the right whistle.