Wholelotta,

Yeah, I will agree and add to what you said. The response to any natural sound, whether it be owls, coyotes, hawks, pileated woodpeckers, crows, etcetera---really depends on the what's out there in your area.

If I coyote yip, back in my hometown of NY, I can pretty much be guaranteed of ruining the hunting in that area for about a week---the coyotes are slamming the birds good, and the birds have learned/bred to not to respond to coyotes.

Owls here, in CT, generally are much more vocal in the early am than late pm. So, your observation and statement would be accurate---ie., regional differences.

In conjunction with that, Doug, let me add the best scouting tool:

Nothing but getting out there and listening. No sound, no calls, just a warm set of clothes, a nice hot cup of java, and a keen set of ears. The less you have to call, the better your chances come Spring.

S&R