Randy Anderson / Primos Hot Dog, Lil' Dog, and Ki-Yi

T

TNred

New member
Guys,

Along with some Cronk custom calls I'm about to buy, I've been thinking about also buying a Hot Dog, Lil' Dog, and Ki-Yi, just to be able to change sounds every now and then.

Do any of you have experience with the Hot Dog, Lil' Dog, and/or Ki-Yi calls? Are they good calls? Not too hard to use? Reliable and dependable? Easy to change reeds?

Thanks,

TNred
 
I recently won a gift certificate in a photo contest and used it to buy the Hotdog, Ki-Yi & DVD combination. I really like the sounds and versatility of the Ki-Yi. I'm not impressed with the Hotdog at all. That said, it could just be me. Sometimes the sound breaks and I can't be as consistant or control it as well as I can the Crit'RCall Magnum. Your mileage may vary.

Edited to add this: I just went into the other room and blew 4 lone howls on the Hotdog and they sounded great! No breaks at all. Last time out with it though, I stopped using it after the sound kept breaking. Maybe it's me, but the Crit'RCall has been easier and more consistant for me to use
 
I use the Lil' Dog for a howler. Very easy to use, but like any call, it takes practice. Listen to the mini CD that comes with it. For a distress, I'll use the Dan Thompson PC-2. I like the sound much better than that from the Lil' Dog.

Just my .02 cents worth.

Josh
 
Had the hot dog gave it a way like the lil dog
but liked the killer better [Cronk] got a Cronk horn ordered. I would not buy the hot dog.

Arkansas Frog
 
Hi, Well it's already been said but I'll say it anyway. The Hot Dog uses more air than I like. It changes to easy. It is temperature sensative, Making it unpredictable. The Little Dog set is easy to learn and use. Temperature isn't a big deal for it. Have used it from 0-60 deg. Have called and killed using this set alone. Have not used the Ki-Yi because I get the sounds I need from my other calls. Got the Cronk Howler recently and have shown instant success.
 
I won a Ki-Yi at the PM hunt and I have added this to my normal tackle box full of calls.

I don't know how many of ya'll are like this, but I have 3 ammo boxes full of calls.

1. To give away when someone shows interest in Coyote hunting. These are either calls I didn't like, or ones that I no longer wanted.

2. To use while hunting.

3. Those that are broke. Maybe it is a reed, or maybe it is a mouth piece. I will try and fix them and then put them into box 1.

I also have a nice display rack that some of my "purty" calls go on.

Moose57 - I have the maple burl of yours on there.

KeeKeeyelp - That pretty mesquite one is up there also.

Those other calls I got from you guys have found themselves into box #2.
 
Own all three. Agree with Hot Dog comments concerning sound breaking etc.

Lil Dog is very versitile call. Easy to howl and can make several diffferent distress sounds.

Often use lil dog distress followed by hot dog distress depending on what type and amount of territory we are trying to cover.

Good luck and good hunting.
 
I have a Lil Dog. Have used it a couple of times to howl and as a distress. It sounds good but havent had anything come to it yet.

MIKE
 
Interesting comment about the Hotdog being temperature sensitive. I had trouble when using it in the field where it was very cold. Here in the heated house, it sounds fine. Thanks! I never would have figured that out. I'd bet a different reed material would cure that problem. I suspect the reed they use now must get stiffer in the cold weather? Maybe Primos should offer two or more reeds like some other call manufacturers do?
 
I called this Grayfox in at 1:35pm using the Li'l Dog Howler. Can do all coyote vocalizations and distress calls with this call. Versital and easy to blow and master....
GreyFox0002.jpg


BTW: I don't have any problems with the HotDog Howler, as long as I stay on the bottom/high pitched 2/3s of the reed. The upper end breaks and locks up. Have gotten responses with the call!....
 
I bought the KI YI and the Hot Dog and the hot dog does take some practice. When I started using it I was blowing it way too hard. It really doesn't take that much air. I did have a problem with the reed sticking in the cold. It wasn't freezing up, it was sticking because it was too wet. A quick wipe and it sound good again.
 
I think the hotdog has an intentional break in the sound built in. At least that is what I recall from the Calling Coytes Primos video.

I enjoy that videa, I'd like it alot more if they would have left the parts with Mr Primos out of it... but it's his company so he can do what he wants.
 
Hi, Cowpoke you are correct, I remember that but forgot to include it in the post. Also think they did some of the developing and testing in the factory and during warm weather. Just guessing this might be part of the reason it won't perform as easy as the little dog. They discussed the difficulties encountered in performance during development.
 
Cold weather sure could make it work different than warm weather. I don't have one of those yet, but I am looking at getting a hot dog and little dog.
 
I also bought the hot dog call and wasn't impressed! I actually liked it better without the body attached to it..but otherwise I won't be reaching for it if I have anything else nearby!

Funny thing is, I have some 'el cheapo' calls that howl pretty well already and sure didn't need to spend the $$ for the hot dog! I'm starting to see that these hand calls are addicting-like fishing lures!

Randy
 
Glad to know I'm not the only one out there having the same troubles with the Primos howlers. Have the older pre-Randy Anderson minimag howler, and the lil dog. Both are VERY temp sensitive, and for me seem to have a short usable range before the sound breaks. Lil dog works OK for me out near the tip, but doesn't sound near as good as the cowhorn howlers as was mentioned earlier. Have called in coyotes with lil dog, but leaning more towards a custom cowhorn. My el cheapo woods wise howler is more forgiving, and have been using it more than anything.
 
Bought lil dog and kiyi. Like the sound of lil dog- Hot dog does lock up- I need to practice with the deeper sounding howl.

Note- Hot dog is easy to make barks and yelps with. Liked that.

I need to spend more time on the KIYI- I must say they are expensive and they should provide the leyaners(Sp) for holding them around ones neck?

Really liked the video that came with it- Did not need Mr. Primos and Side kick? Randy does have a cool personnality- Liked his musical songs on the calls too funny!!- Wife even liked that part!!!
 


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