ICOtec GC300 Predator Call

Since they appeared I have seen a lot of electronic fox calls in the UK. The latest over my desk and a first for them is Best Fox Call’s ICOtec GC300. Like most of this kit it’s from the USA so will have a few different calls on it, but in the main most will work for the UK too. Apart from the classic hare/rabbit in distress, which are familiar to the enemy, different sounds can pique their interest as foxes are very inquisitive.

The GC300 looks like a large coffee mug with a curved handle on top, though it sits flat in use. In the field I thought the handle gave it a small animal profile, which it was designed to do. It consists of an integral, 15 watt speaker, ON/OFF switch and arial and runs on 4 x AA batteries.

12-calls

Bundled with it is the remote, which controls call selection, volume and stop/start, it runs on 1 x AAA cell and has a telescopic aerial. There are 12-calls: Fawn Distress, Gray Fox Distress, Pup Distress, Jack Rabbit Distress, Raccoon Baby Distress, Woodpecker Baby Distress, Bobcat Adult Scream, Crow Baby Distress, Coyote Female, Coyote Howl, Coyote Male and Cottontail Distress.

The GC300 can be used from your shooting position, but I have found it better to be away from the call and it’s here that the remote pays dividends. The quoted effective range is 300-yards; I got out to 250 with ease. Operation is simple, flip up the caller’s aerial and turn it on, ared light appears then place it where you like.

Near Yet Far Enough

I found 100 yards to be near enough for an easy shot but unlikely to be detected. Extend the remote’s aerial, key a call and adjust the volume, press the STOP button to finish then select another. Calls cycle through a pattern of natural pauses and last for about 30-40 seconds. It then goes silent for 25-seconds and repeats in the same fashion until stopped.

You can also play two calls simultaneously though I am unsure of its value. Calls are realistic with the Conntontail/Jack Rabbit distress being true examples. In truth you need to experiment as I said foxes are nosey, I think some might put them off but others will definitely bring them in.

Overall a good piece of kit; simple to use, tough and well priced. The remote really makes it for me allowing you to position it where required.

The ICOtec GC300 Predator Call is priced at £99.99 p&p £10 UK mainland, from Best Fox Call, 00 44 7990 586269 www.bestfoxcall.co.uk