where do you live. if you are where cotten tails live use it. if you are where jack rabbits are use it. never tried a wood pecker but im sure it would work. as far as how long you play it. i like th animal to hunt for the sound so i will play it a minute, wait 5 minutes, 30 seconds. wait another 5 or ten minutes 30 seconds, wait five minute then move to a different stand. but other like to just play it the whole time they are at a stand. its really up to you. remember to choose your stand wisely. and be very conceled. i whare full body camo from head to toe.