learner. High volume calling should not be used except in strong winds as many animals, especially wild cats, react negatively to it.

(5) The elements

In my experience, strong winds of more than 35 km/h and any sudden change in temperature are bad for calling. I have had some success on rainy nights especially with a light drizzle. I like to go out when there is a light breeze of no more than 15 km/h and some moonlight and get the best reactions on such nights. I have shot many jackals during full moon when I park my vehicle next to a bush or some object to obscure its outline. Strangely, even if one is out in the open, they still come in. The best time to go calling is a day or two before a storm, presumably because they realize that they will not be able to hunt for a while.

How to react

When a predator comes towards me, I shine the "hot spot" of the spotlight above the predator so that its eyes are visible in the halo. I keep the spot high until the predator is within shooting distance and then lower the light to shine it on the predator. If the predator is reluctant to come in, I switch off the light, call only one other sound (e.g. a soft rodent call), wait a minute or two and then switch on the light again. If it still stays out, I will wait for about 10 minutes without calling. If it does not, I will then leave the area and try calling it later that night or on another day. I don't like to play too many sounds to a wary animal since this could "educate" the jackal. If you kill a predator, keep on calling - I have shot seven jackals at one stand in about 15 minutes! There are no hard and fast rules; experience will be your best teacher. Do not shoot at the eyes of an unidentifiable animal since desirable animals (e.g. steenbok, duikers & bat-eared foxes) also react to calls and may be killed or wounded. If you miss or wound a jackal it will surely learn to avoid your calls. If you miss a jackal give it time to forget by waiting two to three months before trying to call it again. Be patient and enjoy your hunting.
If you are interested in varmint hunting, calling or a guided hunt in South Africa contact me at my E-Mail address or phone/fax me at 051 7730310 (international +27 51 7730310)