Rocky Mountain Game Calls has produced everything from elk calls to wolf calls.
And if you’ve been looking at their website or products, you’ve no doubt stumbled into the unique Dirty Dog Howler, a call meant specifically for howling just like the Zepp’s Kill Pole. You might’ve wondered how this call sounds, and whether or not you should give up your old howler and pull this trigger on this call.
Decisions like this can be a pain, but in order to take some of the pressure off your shoulders, I’ve created the most in-depth, detailed review you’ll find out there about the Dirty Dog Howler from Rocky Mountain Calls. And I’ve even thrown in the lowest prices I could find below!
After serious field testing and detailed examination, I’ve found a few key details that I think you might find important:
The Dirty Dog Howler Can Be Difficult To Learn
With such a short piece of reed exposed, this howler can be a little difficult to pick up. Figuring out how much pressure to use, where to position your lips, and how to create different barks and howls are all part of the learning process. Luckily, this call does come with decent instructions.
Regardless, here’s a few thoughts I think you’ll appreciate as a beginner:
#1: The Calls Can Take Some Time To Pick Up
Howling, in general, isn’t necessarily a difficult call. However, each brand is different, and some are harder to learn than others. The Dirty Dog Howler is a little more difficult to pick up than some of the other howlers I had the chance to try out.
The short reed forces you to use more pressure, and more carefully position your lips or teeth. It took me a few tries to start picking up different howls, and a little more time to master barks.
However, with a little effort, time, and practice, you’ll be able to master this call.
#2: This Rocky Mountain Game Call Comes With Instructions
The Dirty Dog Howler comes with some pretty decent instructions. The packaging on the back comes with a few simple guidelines on different reed positions and how to perform various calls.
In addition to the instructions included, Rocky Mountain Calls has an instructional video located on their website, which does a great job demonstrating the different calls and how they should sound.
Some Small Details Concerning The Dirty Dog Howler
Small details matter.
Whether you can detach the horn, throw on a lanyard, and whether the call comes in a neon green coloration or camouflage are all things that can turn a purchase into either a success or a regret. Fortunately, I’ve had the chance to look over the Dirty Dog Howler and pick out some key details.
Here’s a few that you might find important:
#3: This Rocky Mountain Game Call Comes With A Lanyard
The Dirty Dog Howler comes with a lanyard, which is a nice feature if you want the call hanging around your neck instead of out of your pocket. If you want to change out the lanyard, no worries. The call comes with a groove that can be used to attach your own custom lanyard.
#4: The Horn Can’t Be Removed
The horn is firmly glued to the mouthpiece, and it’s not possible to detach it. This really isn’t a serious issue, as the Dirty Dog is a dedicated howler and isn’t meant for distress calls, however, if the Volume Enhancing Spring or reed end up breaking, you’re going to have a tough time making any repairs.
#5: The Lip Guide Simplifies Calling
This is a feature that really simplifies the calling process. The lip guide allows you to put pressure on the reed up to a certain point, ensuring the pitch and tone of the calls are correct. Want to lower the pitch of the call? Just cover the holes on the lip guide and you’re good to go.
The Dirty Dog Howler’s Practical Side
You might be thinking,”This review stinks. I could care less about how hard this call is to learn, and I wouldn’t give a hoot if Rocky Mountain Game Calls made the Dirty Dog neon green.”
Well, you might want to know more about how this product from Rocky Mountain Game Calls actually works. If it sounds good, if it’s loud, and if it’ll last. Luckily, I thought to include answers to these questions. Here’s a few thoughts:
#6: This Rocky Mountain Game Call Sounds Amazing
The howls that come out this call sound awesome. They’re the loudest of any call I’ve tried, and on top of that, they’re the clearest I’ve heard. The imitations are quality, the best I’ve heard. They sound better than even the Zepp’s Kill Pole or Crit’r Call Standard.
The Dirty Dog comes with what Rocky Mountain Game Calls has labeled “Volume Enhanced Tone Technology”. It’s basically just a fine-tuned spring located in front of the mouthpiece that increases volume and stabilizes higher notes, results that are both noticeable.
The only issue I’ve had is barks. They’re not quite as clear as some of the other calls I’ve been able to use, however, with some practice they still come out sounding good.
#7: This Call Lacks The Variety Of Other Howlers
Most other howlers I’ve been able to use can perform all of your coyote vocalizations AND some prey-in-distress calls. However, the Dirty Dog can only howl and bark.
This means no ki-yi’s, no rabbit-in-distress calls, and no bird sounds (trust me I’ve tried). However, it does have a little leeway when it comes to different howls. The holes in the lip guide allow you to imitate different coyotes, male or female.
#8: This Rocky Mountain Game Call Is Durable
This call is tough. The horn and mouthpiece are both made from durable plastic, and the reed is well protected with the lip guide in place. I honestly can’t see this call breaking on me anytime soon.
In fact, I’ll probably lose it to Mother Nature with that camouflage finish before it fails on me.
Concluding Thoughts About The Dirty Dog Howler From Rocky Mountain Game Calls
If you’re looking for a dedicated howler, you cannot go wrong with the Dirty Dog from Rocky Mountain Calls. It sound amazing, it’s incredibly loud, and it’ll last. I’d highly recommend this call.
I’ll be be sure to take it on coyote hunts from now on. It’s by far the best howler I’ve tested, and I’m a hardcore fan. If you have anything to add, please let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out the lowest prices below!
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So is this howler better than the zepp or crit-r call products? Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.