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What Specific Calls Work Best for Attracting Mountain Lions?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

For attracting mountain lions, the most effective calls are the "bleat" or "kitten-in-distress" call, made with a high-pitched, nasal tone, typically around 6-8 times per minute, with pauses of 10-15 seconds between calls. This call mimics the sound a mountain lion's kitten would make when in distress. The "mother responding" call is also effective, made with a deep, raspy growl, often used in conjunction with the bleat call.

Mountain Lion Bleat Call Technique

When using the bleat call, aim for a pitch that’s just above a high-pitched scream. To produce this sound, you can use a diaphragm call or an electronic call with a high-pitched setting. Make the call in short bursts, around 6-8 times per minute, with pauses of 10-15 seconds between each call. This pause allows the mountain lion to respond, giving you a better chance of getting a reaction.

Mother Responding Call Technique

The “mother responding” call is made with a deep, raspy growl, often used in conjunction with the bleat call. To produce this sound, use a call with a low-pitched setting or make the call with your own vocal cords. The key is to make the sound deep and raspy, without any high-pitched overtones. Use this call sparingly, as overusing it can spook the mountain lion.

Call Placement and Distance

When calling for mountain lions, place the call in areas where the animal is likely to respond, such as near a food source or along a game trail. Keep the distance between yourself and the call reasonable, around 50-75 yards, to avoid spooking the animal. Also, consider the wind direction to ensure that your call carries in the direction you want the mountain lion to respond.

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