There are a ton of iPhone apps that have a lot of predator calls on them. I downloaded one today that has about 20 on it. I've got a small portable Bluetooth speaker that runs on batteries. I'm thinking I can run the app through the speaker, and use it as e-caller. Anybody tried this with any luck?

Have a few friends that do it but you wont be able to get it very loud but if thats all you have then try it .

That's what I was wondering about. It is a pretty good speaker. Gunna give it a try when I get home, see what kinda volume I can get.

I can remember when we thought we'd gone uptown when we upgraded from hand calls to a K-Mart battery powered cassette player. No matter what you use just adjust your tactics to make it work.

we tried it out of my buddy's tuck using his stereo we called in a coyote but he wouldn't come in close enough for a shot. how loud do you guys usually play the recordings anyway?

I could see it being a problem in a truck. Kinda hard to hide that.

hope no one calls you while ur running that app throught the speaker.

Wow. Hadn't even crossed my mind. I can shut off the network though. Good point.

Eventually, I'll probably by an electronic caller, but I'm just getting my feet wet in predator hunting, and I'm not ready to dive into the deep end money wise. Even on the low end, with a $100 caller, I'm just not ready to plunk down the money til I get a couple dogs under my belt.

Go ahead and invest the money in a good quality e-caller or a handful of mouth calls. Otherwise all your going to do is educate the coyotes, bobcat, ect. Once they're educated good luck getting them to ever respond again.

Would you mind elaborating on what you mean?

I built one using $20 speaker, small amplifier and a few fittings from Radio shack. I think my total cost was around $30-35. Then play series of MP3 sounds from iPhone. Varmital.com (I think) has the directions and the MP3s. It will get loud. Mine has no remote control, but I think that can be added. Google "homemade caller"

Once you call Em in and they bust you or see there is no meal there they will lean the call is not for them just the same a as if you get a good set and call some in and take a shot and miss more often than not your going to have to let that place lay for a few weeks or more to get the m to respond back to the calss

This might be off point but am I they only one who doesn't use the duck call sounding ring tone on the iPhone just in case it rings while I'm duck hunting? I don't want a ticket for using an e-caller on migratory birds.

The speakers in e calls are designed to transmit higher frequencies out of humans hearing range unlike bluetooth speakers that are designed to be heard only by humans. your dog might respond to it from a room away but like others said your better off waiting to get a real one or learning how to call by hand. Its way cheaper and requires more skill that will make you a better hunter down the road. Use a visual distraction feather, stuffed animal, something to keep the dogs eyes away from you.

You can find lots of good stuff on varmintal.com. I did the same a few years back. You can get a small battery powered amplifier, a utility speaker and a long cord that plugs into the audio jack. It isn't the best but certainly was inexpensive. Just be sure to have your speaker pointing slightly up if its on the ground and use just enough brush to camo it without blocking the sound. Good luck.

Looks like I need to check out varmintal. And it could double as a party speaker. Haha.

MP3 player, cheap 12v amp with mini 1/8 stereo input, horn speaker, 12v feeder motor battery and some outdoor speaker cord and your good to go. I built my first one over 15yrs ago using a Cd player and hard skb case and I still have it somewhere.

Found some great plans online. Looks like I have a project this week.

I have an extra amp, speaker, battery kit and ammo can ready to make one for the BIL.

The 12v MP3 input amp is $16 shipped on eBay. I have used this one on a couple and it works really well.

New Mini 12V Hi-Fi Stereo Amplifier Amp mp3/

I use the 6" Speco speaker or the TOA610 depending on which one is on sale on Amazon.

MTM makes the Sport Utility Boxes and the are fairly cheap with a good seal.