How To Use Turkey Calls

How To Use Turkey Calls: A Comprehensive Guide for Mouth, Slate and Box Calls

Turkey calls are essential tools for every turkey hunter, allowing them to communicate with these elusive birds effectively. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of turkey calls, breaking down the techniques for three popular types: slate calls, mouth calls, and box calls. Each call has its unique sounds and applications, catering to different skill levels and hunting scenarios.

How To Use A Turkey Mouth Call:

Mouth calls, also known as diaphragm calls, are inserted into the hunter’s mouth. They require control over airflow and tongue placement to produce different sounds.

How to Use:

– Position the call on the roof of your mouth, with the reeds facing outward.
– Use your tongue and airflow to create different tones.
– Practice controlling pitch and rhythm.

Calls Achievable:

Sharp yelps for attracting distant turkeys.
High-pitched kee-kees for mimicking young turkeys.
Aggressive cuts for triggering dominant responses.

Skill Level and Strategy:

Intermediate to advanced due to the learning curve.
Ideal for open fields where sound needs to carry.
Offers hands-free operation for better concealment.

Slate Calls:

Slate calls consist of a small, flat piece of slate or glass, often set in a wooden or synthetic pot. They are versatile and produce realistic turkey sounds.

How to Use:

– Hold the call in one hand, and the striker (a wooden or plastic stick) in the other.
– Apply gentle pressure on the surface with the striker, making small circular or side-to-side motions.
– Experiment with different striker materials to produce varying tones.

Calls Achievable:

Soft purrs for close-range communication.
Clucks and yelps for general calling.
Cutting sounds for aggressive or excited scenarios.

Skill Level and Strategy:

Beginner-friendly due to simplicity.
Ideal for hunters looking for realism and versatility in their calls.
Effective in various terrains, especially wooded areas.

Box Calls:

Box calls consist of a wooden box with a hinged lid. By sliding the lid across the box’s surface, different turkey sounds are produced.

How to Use:

– Hold the box firmly and tilt it at an angle.
– Run the lid across the surface with varying pressure and speed.
– Experiment with the angle and pressure for different calls.

Calls Achievable:

Resonant yelps for attracting turkeys at a distance.
Softer purrs and clucks for close-range communication.
Excited cuts for aggressive scenarios.

Skill Level and Strategy:

Beginner-friendly with straightforward operation.
Ideal for hunters who prefer a tactile experience.
Effective in various terrains but may require more finesse in open areas.

Conclusion On Using Turkey Calls:

Mastering turkey calls enhances your hunting experience by allowing you to communicate effectively with these birds. Whether you choose a slate call, mouth call, or box call, understanding the techniques and calls achievable with each will significantly improve your chances of success in the field. Practice regularly, experiment with different calls, and adapt your strategies based on the specific hunting scenario to become a skilled turkey caller.