It doesn't sound to me that there was anything wrong with the way you set up, but I would suggest that you have to deside before you start calling what type of critter you want to bring in. If your going after fox or cats never use your howler. Coyotes will kill and eat every fox or bobcat they can catch. Not every stand will produce an animal.I try to learn as much about the country that I plan to call in as possible,that way when I do some calling I,ll put myself in the best possible position to have a animal come to the call. Just don't get discouraged,keep trying and pretty soon you'll be laying them in the dirt! Good luck.