The Flextone Makin Bacon is a popular wild hog call that imitates the sound of grunting pigs Learning how to use this call properly can help hunters attract hogs for an exciting hunt This guide covers everything you need to know to effectively use the Flextone Makin Bacon in the field.
Overview of the Flextone Makin Bacon Call
The Flextone Makin Bacon is a mouth-blown grunt call designed for hog hunting. Key features include:
- Flexible hose for adjusting tone and volume
- Mimics sounds of boars and sows
- Loud volume for long distance calling
- Softer volume for close range calling
- Adjustable reed assembly
This call allows hunters to reproduce various hog vocals from deep boar grunts to higher-pitched sow noises. The flexible hose provides versatility to alter the tone pitch, and volume.
How the Makin Bacon Call Works
The Makin Bacon produces sound through a reed and hose system when you blow into it. Here’s how it works:
- The adjustable reed vibrates when you blow into the mouthpiece.
- This creates hog grunting noises that travel through the flexible hose.
- Your hands cupped over the hose opening act as a resonator to amplify sound.
- Moving your hands alters the resonating chamber, changing tone/volume.
- More coverage over the hose amplifies volume. Less coverage softens it.
Using this reed and hose setup, you can create realistic-sounding hog grunts, squeals, and distress calls.
Tips for Using the Makin Bacon Call
Follow these tips to use the Makin Bacon effectively:
Adjust Reed Position
- Start with reed in factory default position.
- Twist reed clockwise for lower-pitched boar grunts.
- Twist counterclockwise for higher sow sounds.
Alter Hose Resonance
- Cup both hands fully over hose to amplify volume.
- Reduce hand coverage for softer volume.
- Position hands closer to or further from the end to change tone.
Use Proper Calling Sequence
- Start with loud grunt sequences to mimic distant hogs.
- Make a series of 1-2 second grunts for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually decrease volume as if hog is moving away.
- Finish with a few faint grunts then pause for 1 minute.
- Repeat sequence while observing area carefully.
Consider Weather Conditions
- Carry the call against your body to warm reed in cold weather.
- Cold reeds may stick and alter sound. Breath warm air into call if needed.
- Position yourself downwind in wet conditions so hogs hear calls clearly.
Maintain Realism
- Use appropriate sounds for boars vs sows. Lower tones for males.
- Insert pauses and grunt irregularly like a real hog.
- Adjust volume depending on implied distance from imaginary hog.
Field Tips for Hog Hunting with Makin Bacon Call
When using the Makin Bacon call in the field, keep these tips in mind:
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Scout area beforehand to find fresh hog sign like tracks, rubs, and wallows.
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Set up downwind of areas hogs frequent, with good visibility.
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Use a hunting blind or natural vegetation to conceal yourself.
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Start with loud grunt sequences to cover wide area.
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Grunt softer as if hogs are approaching your position.
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Be patient and pause if hogs stop approaching to pique interest again.
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Be ready to shoot quickly when hogs emerge. They may appear suddenly.
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Safety first – ensure a clear line of fire with a suitable backstop.
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Obey regulations on night calling where prohibited.
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Consider using scent lures or a distress call to complement grunting.
Troubleshooting Common Call Issues
Having issues with your Makin Bacon? Try these troubleshooting tips:
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No sound – Check reed position. Warm call in cold weather. Soak reed in water if stuck.
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Weak volume – Adjust hand position to fully cover hose end. Replace reed if defective.
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Squeaking/altered sound – Adjust reed and lubricate lightly with reed oil.
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Reed sticking – Soak reed tip in water. Gently pry with fingernail if stuck. Replace damaged reeds.
With practice in realistic field conditions, the Flextone Makin Bacon call can be an excellent tool for filling your hog tag. Master its use and you’ll have a go-to call that brings in the bacon.
