Unlocking Raccoon Hunting Success: The Definitive Guide to the Haydel's RS85 Small Game Raccoon Squaller Call

For countless hunters, trappers, and landowners grappling with nuisance wildlife, the pursuit of raccoons presents a unique challenge. These intelligent, nocturnal creatures are masters of concealment, often blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Successfully drawing them out requires not just skill and patience, but the right tools. This is where specialized equipment like the Haydel's RS85 Small Game Raccoon Squaller Call becomes indispensable.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about the Haydel's RS85, exploring its design, functionality, optimal usage, and why it stands out as a crucial asset for anyone looking to improve their raccoon hunting or management efforts. We'll answer common questions, provide expert tips, and highlight the practical benefits this call offers in real-world scenarios.

What is a Raccoon Squaller Call and Why Do You Need One?

A raccoon squaller call is a specialized hunting instrument designed to mimic the distress cry of a raccoon. This distinct sound, often a series of high-pitched wails or screams, taps into the innate curiosity and predatory instincts of nearby raccoons. When a raccoon hears another of its kind in distress, it often reacts in one of two ways: either it approaches cautiously to investigate what might be an easy meal or an intruder, or it may come to defend its territory or young. Both reactions serve the hunter's purpose by causing the raccoon to break cover.

Who is this call for?

• Hunters aiming to increase their success rate: If you've spent hours fruitlessly searching for raccoons, this call offers a proactive method to bring them into view.
• Trapper looking for efficient location tools: Before setting traps, using a call can help identify active areas.
• Landowners facing nuisance raccoon issues: For those dealing with raccoons raiding crops, overturning trash bins, or nesting in attics, this call aids in pinpointing their presence for management or removal.
• Wildlife enthusiasts interested in observation: While primarily a hunting tool, the call can also be used by those seeking to observe raccoon behavior more closely (from a safe distance).

The core problem the Haydel's RS85 solves is the challenge of locating elusive raccoons. Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, making them difficult to spot during daylight hours. At night, their dark fur provides excellent camouflage. A distress call provides an auditory beacon, compelling them to reveal themselves, often by moving from dense cover or pausing long enough for a hunter to shine a light and "shine their eyes," making them visible.

The Haydel's RS85: Design, Functionality, and Key Features

The Haydel's RS85 is engineered with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. It's an open-reed call, known for its versatility and ability to produce realistic sounds with proper technique.

Key Features that Enhance Performance:

• Distress Cry Replication: At its heart, the RS85 excels at producing the convincing distress cry of a raccoon. This isn't just a generic animal sound; it's a specific, proven vocalization that triggers a strong response from raccoons.
• Durable Acrylic Construction: Crafted from high-quality acrylic, the RS85 is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Acrylic is renowned for its resilience, resistance to moisture, and ability to maintain consistent sound quality across varying temperatures. This durability ensures a long lifespan for the call, making it a reliable part of your hunting kit for seasons to come. The clear color of the acrylic material can also be advantageous, as it reduces visibility and potential glare in low-light conditions.
• Open Call Type Design: The open-reed design allows for a broad range of vocalizations beyond just the basic distress cry, although that remains its primary function. Experienced callers can manipulate airflow and hand positions to add nuances, making the sound even more lifelike and enticing. This design choice contributes to the call's versatility and responsiveness.
• Ease of Use: Despite being an open call, the RS85 is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even novice callers to produce effective sounds quickly. The learning curve is relatively shallow, meaning you can achieve proficiency with practice.
• Portable and Lightweight: Its compact size and minimal weight make it easy to carry in a pocket, lanyard, or hunting pack, ensuring it's always ready when you need it.

Mastering the Call: Effective Raccoon Calling Techniques

Possessing the Haydel's RS85 is one thing; using it effectively is another. Here's how to maximize your chances of success:

1. Understand Raccoon Behavior: Raccoons are most active from dusk till dawn. They typically forage near water sources, along creek beds, in forested areas, or around agricultural fields. Understanding their habits helps you choose the best locations to call.
2. Strategic Positioning: Position yourself downwind from where you expect raccoons to be. Their sense of smell is keen, and you want to avoid them detecting your presence. Find a spot with good visibility, ideally near cover where you can conceal yourself.
3. Calling Sequence:
   • Begin with a series of loud, frantic squalls, lasting about 5-10 seconds.
   • Follow this with a period of silence (30-60 seconds).
   • Repeat this sequence every few minutes.
   • Vary the intensity and length of your calls to simulate a struggling animal. Some hunters find success by interspersing the distress cries with short, whimpering sounds.
4. Listen Carefully: After each calling sequence, listen intently. Raccoons may respond vocally or by rustling through brush.
5. Shining for Eyes: If hunting at night, a powerful, focused spotlight is essential. Once you hear a response or suspect a raccoon is approaching, slowly sweep the area with your light. Raccoon eyes reflect light brightly, appearing as two glowing embers in the darkness. This "eye shine" is your primary target indicator.
6. Patience and Persistence: Raccoons can be cautious. They may circle downwind or approach very slowly. Don't give up after just a few minutes. Continue calling for at least 15-20 minutes in a promising location before moving on.
7. Hunting in Pairs: Having a partner can be beneficial. One person can focus on calling while the other scans for eye shine or movement.

Enhancing Your Raccoon Hunting Strategy

Beyond the call itself, several factors contribute to a successful raccoon hunt:

• Optimal Timing: The most productive times are typically early evening and just before dawn. During full moons, raccoons may be more active due to increased visibility. However, they are often still active during moonless nights, making the call and a good light even more critical.
• Scouting: Before heading out, scout potential areas for signs of raccoon activity, such as tracks in mud, overturned rocks, partially eaten crops, or den sites (hollow trees, abandoned burrows).
• Lighting Equipment: A high-quality headlamp or handheld spotlight with a powerful beam is non-negotiable for night hunting. Look for lights with adjustable focus and multiple brightness settings. Red or green filters can sometimes be less alarming to wildlife while still providing adequate illumination.
• Footwear and Clothing: Comfortable, quiet footwear is crucial for stalking. Wear camouflage or dark clothing that blends into the night environment.
• Scent Control: While not as critical as for deer hunting, minimizing human scent can still be beneficial. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes.

Why Choose Haydel's Game Calls? A Legacy of Excellence

Haydel's Game Calls has a storied history rooted in a passion for hunting and a commitment to crafting superior calling instruments. Founded by legendary caller Eli Haydel Sr. in the 1980s, the company quickly established itself as a leader in the game call industry. Their calls are not mass-produced imitations; they are the result of decades of real-world experience, meticulous acoustic research, and a deep understanding of animal vocalizations.

Choosing a Haydel's call means investing in:

• Authenticity of Sound: Each call is designed to replicate animal sounds with uncanny realism, a testament to their dedication to biological accuracy.
• Reliability: Built with high-quality materials and rigorous quality control, Haydel's calls are known for their durability and consistent performance in the field.
• Innovation: While rooted in tradition, Haydel's continues to innovate, ensuring their calls meet the evolving needs of modern hunters.
• Hunter-Driven Design: The calls are developed by hunters, for hunters, reflecting practical experience and a keen understanding of what works.

The Haydel's RS85, like all products from their lineup, embodies this commitment to excellence, providing hunters with a trustworthy tool they can rely on when it matters most. This legacy of quality ensures that when you blow into an RS85, you're not just making noise; you're speaking the language of the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoon Calls and Hunting

Here are answers to some common inquiries that hunters and landowners often have:

Q1: What is the best time of year to use a raccoon call?
Raccoon calls can be effective year-round. However, they are often particularly successful during the late fall and winter months when food sources are scarcer, and raccoons may be more aggressive in their search for sustenance or defending their territory. Breeding season (late winter/early spring) can also elicit strong responses.

Q2: Can I use this call for other small game?
While specifically designed for raccoons, the distress cry can sometimes elicit a response from other opportunistic predators or curious small game animals that might be investigating the disturbance. However, for dedicated hunting of other species, specialized calls are recommended.

Q3: How do I clean and maintain my Haydel's RS85 call?
After use, especially in damp conditions, it's a good idea to disassemble the call (if possible) and gently wipe down the components. For acrylic calls, mild soap and water can be used, ensuring all parts are thoroughly dry before reassembling. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the acrylic or damage the reed. Proper cleaning prevents mold, mildew, and debris buildup, which can affect sound quality.

Q4: Is raccoon hunting humane?
When conducted ethically and in accordance with local regulations, raccoon hunting can be a humane method of wildlife management and pest control. The goal is a quick, clean harvest. The use of a call helps ensure the animal is clearly identified and positioned for an effective shot or trap placement, minimizing suffering.

Q5: What other equipment should I consider for a successful raccoon hunt?
Beyond the call, essential gear includes:

• A reliable firearm or appropriate traps.
• Powerful spotlight or headlamp.
• Binoculars for spotting.
• Durable, quiet clothing suitable for night conditions.
• Bug spray (especially in warmer months).
• A game bag or cooler for transport.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Raccoon Pursuit with the Haydel's RS85

The Haydel's RS85 Small Game Raccoon Squaller Call is more than just a piece of plastic; it's a finely tuned instrument designed to give you a distinct advantage in the field. By replicating the urgent, attention-grabbing distress cry of a raccoon, it solves the fundamental problem of locating these elusive animals, bringing them into view for observation, management, or harvest. Its durable acrylic construction, easy-to-master open-reed design, and the trusted heritage of Haydel's Game Calls make it a prime choice for hunters seeking reliability and effectiveness.

Whether you're a seasoned trapper, a night hunter, or a landowner dealing with persistent raccoon issues, integrating the RS85 into your strategy will undoubtedly enhance your success rates. It's an investment in a proven tool that bridges the gap between the hunter and the hunted, transforming silent, frustrating waits into active, productive encounters. For those ready to experience the difference, the Haydel's RS85 Raccoon Squaller Call is available from trusted outdoor retailers like DEGuns.com, ensuring you have access to this essential piece of equipment for your next outdoor adventure.

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Product Specifications: Haydel's RS85 Raccoon Squaller Call

Feature	Description
Brand	Haydel's Game Calls
Model	RS85 (Small Game)
Color	Clear
Material	Acrylic
Species	Raccoon
Call Type	Open
Sounds	Distress Cry
SKU	RS85
UPC	086666300302