Improvised Moose Call Using a Coffee Can

Quick Answer

• Grab an empty coffee can.
• Find a sturdy stick or dowel.
• Punch a small hole near the rim.
• Thread a string or cord through the hole.
• Tie the string to the stick.
• Shake it like you mean it.

Who This Is For

• Anyone who needs to sound like a moose, in a pinch.
• Campers who like to be prepared for anything.
• Folks who appreciate a good DIY solution.

What to Check First

Coffee Can Condition

Make sure the can is completely empty. No stray grounds or leftover coffee smell. You want a clean vessel for your moose impersonation.

Stick/Dowel Availability

Find a stick that’s roughly the diameter of your thumb and about 8-10 inches long. It needs to be strong enough to withstand some shaking. A stray branch works fine.

String or Cord

You’ll need something to connect the stick to the can. Twine, paracord, or even a sturdy shoelace will do. Just make sure it’s long enough to hold comfortably.

Step-by-Step: Improvised Moose Call Workflow

1. Empty the Can: Make sure your coffee can is totally empty. Any residue will just be messy.

• Good looks like: A clean, dry can.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to wash it out. This can attract unwanted critters or just smell weird.

2. Punch a Hole: Carefully punch a small hole near the rim of the can. A nail and hammer or a sharp awl works.

• Good looks like: A neat, small hole, not a giant tear.
• Common mistake: Making the hole too big, which can weaken the can.

3. Prepare the Stick: Find a stick about 8-10 inches long. It should be sturdy.

• Good looks like: A solid piece of wood, no rot or cracks.
• Common mistake: Using a flimsy stick that might snap.

4. Thread the String: Push one end of your string or cord through the hole in the can.

• Good looks like: The string easily passing through.
• Common mistake: The string being too thick for the hole.

5. Tie to Stick: Tie the end of the string securely to the middle of your stick. Make a good knot.

• Good looks like: A strong, tight knot that won’t slip.
• Common mistake: A loose knot that will unravel.

6. Check the Length: Ensure the string is long enough to hold the stick comfortably while the can hangs down.

• Good looks like: You can hold the stick and the can swings freely.
• Common mistake: String too short, making it awkward to use.

7. Practice the Shake: Gently shake the can. You’re aiming for a rattling, clanking sound.

• Good looks like: A metallic rattle.
• Common mistake: Shaking too hard initially and potentially damaging the can.

8. Add More Rattle: If needed, add a few small pebbles or dried beans inside the can before sealing it (if you can seal it securely).

• Good looks like: A more varied, deeper rattle.
• Common mistake: Adding too much, making it too heavy or too loud.

9. The Moose Maneuver: Hold the stick and swing the can in a circular motion. Vary the speed.

• Good looks like: A rhythmic, somewhat chaotic clanging.
• Common mistake: Just a dull thud. You need that metal-on-metal action.

10. Listen and Adjust: Listen to the sound. Does it sound vaguely like a large, unhappy animal? Adjust your shaking technique.

• Good looks like: A sound that might fool a curious moose.
• Common mistake: Making a sound that’s too consistent or too much like a wind chime.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Mistake	What it Causes	Fix
Using a plastic container	Muffled, unconvincing sound	Use a metal coffee can.
Hole too large, tearing the can	Can breaks, call fails	Punch a small, neat hole.
Stick is too thin or brittle	Stick snaps, call becomes unusable	Use a sturdy, thumb-thick stick.
String is too short	Awkward to hold, less effective motion	Ensure string allows comfortable swinging.
Knot on stick comes undone	Can detaches, call fails	Tie a strong, secure knot.
Not emptying the can completely	Unpleasant smell, attracts bugs	Wash and dry the can thoroughly.
Shaking too gently	Sound is too weak, not animalistic	Vary speed and motion for a more aggressive rattle.
Adding too many internal items	Sound becomes too heavy or distorted	Start with a few, add more if needed, but don’t overdo it.
Not practicing the technique	Ineffective sound, sounds like a dropped pot	Experiment with different swinging motions and speeds.
Using a can with a sharp edge	Risk of cuts, call is unsafe	Check for sharp edges and smooth them down if possible.

Decision Rules

• If the can makes a dull thud, then you need to ensure there’s metal-on-metal contact by shaking it more vigorously.
• If the stick feels wobbly, then reinforce the knot or use a stronger stick.
• If the string is too short, then find a longer piece of cordage.
• If the hole is tearing the can, then you’ve made it too big and might need a new can.
• If the sound is too high-pitched, then try adding a few small pebbles inside the can.
• If the can sounds too muffled, then make sure there are no obstructions inside.
• If the can feels too heavy to swing, then the stick might be too small or the can is too full.
• If the string breaks, then use a stronger material like paracord.
• If the can has sharp edges, then carefully file them down or choose a different can to avoid injury.
• If you can’t get a good rattle, then try a different type of coffee can (e.g., a wider one might produce a different sound).

FAQ

Q: Will this actually attract a moose?

A: It’s designed to mimic sounds moose might respond to, like other moose or disturbances. Success depends on the moose’s mood and your technique.

Q: What kind of coffee can is best?

A: A standard metal coffee can works well. Larger or smaller cans will produce different sounds. Avoid plastic.

Q: How loud does it need to be?

A: Loud enough to carry, but not so loud it sounds completely unnatural. Experiment to find a good balance.

Q: Can I use something other than a stick?

A: A sturdy dowel or even a thick, smooth piece of metal could work, but a stick is generally easiest to find in the wild.

Q: What if I don’t have a nail to punch a hole?

A: A sharp knife, an awl, or even a sturdy, pointed rock can work in a pinch, but be careful.

Q: How do I make it sound like a cow or a deer instead?

A: This call is specifically for moose. Different animals require different sounds and methods.

Q: Should I practice this at home?

A: Absolutely. Your neighbors might think you’re nuts, but it’s better to get the technique down before you need it.

Q: What if the can rusts?

A: A little surface rust won’t hurt the sound. If it gets too bad, you might need a new can.

What This Page Does NOT Cover (And Where to Go Next)

• Advanced moose calling techniques using bellows or specialized equipment.
• Ethical considerations for wildlife interaction and calling.
• Identifying different moose vocalizations and their meanings.
• How to use a moose call in conjunction with other hunting or wildlife observation strategies.