How to Talk Turkey - Calling Advice from Experts
Turkey season is upon us and, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start considering what type of call you’re going to use this Spring. Calling is generally considered the best method for hunting turkeys and it offers some of the most exciting action you’re going to find in the woods. There are tons of options to choose from and, before you can start practicing, you need to pick a call that’s right for you and If you’re looking to buy a call, here are the three most common choices you’ll have:⠀
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Box Call⠀
This is a friction call and likely the easiest type of turkey call to pick up and use. Box calls are great because they have a great volume range. With a little practice, you can also get a pretty good variety of calls (beyond simple yelps). However, box calls don’t do well in the rain. They get their sound from the friction between chalk and wood and if you get moisture in there, you’re going to have a funky sound. These calls also require some hand movement, which may spook an incoming tom. ⠀
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Pot Call⠀
Pot and striker calls are another great call. They’re great for beginners and offer a wide variety of sounds. Pot calls are made from a ton of different materials, each with its own benefit and drawback. Generally, pot calls have the same downsides as box calls - they can be difficult to use when it’s wet and require hand movement. ⠀
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Diaphragm Call⠀
Diaphragms are the go-to calls for most serious turkey hunters. They can make a ton of types of calls and are hands free - just pop it in your mouth and start calling. They also offer a great volume range. However, diaphragm calls can be difficult to use and require a bit of practice. There are many experienced turkey hunters who still aren’t very good with one of these calls. ⠀
The Kiss Method
Now that we’ve covered the most common calls available to turkey hunters. Next up is trying to decide which sounds to make and when.
Go to the Source
There's a ton of information floating around the internet about calling techniques and tactics. However, we've found that watching and listening to how turkeys communicate is the best approach. A simple search for "hen turkey sounds", for example, will get you plenty of great information. The Audobon website and The National Wild Turkey Federation site also have great recordings to check out.
As a newbie trying to call in a big old Tom, just think K.I.S.S Best turkey-calling advice we've received, though it hurts our feelings a little bit every time. When you're just starting off, we've found it best to stick to simple clucks and yelps.
Clucks
Clucks communicate that the turkey is relaxed and at ease - they're basically saying "sup?" (in a real relaxed cool-guy way) to other turkeys. These calls are generally slower in tempo and are only a few notes total.
Quick note: clucks are VERY different than putts. Putts sound more sharp than a cluck and indicate that everything is not ok. The putt generally communicates alarm and will likely put all birds in the area on alert.
Yelps
Yelps are the most basic turkey call and likely the sound you'll hear most when listening to other hunters. Turkeys will typically sound off in a series of roughly half-a-dozen yelps to show others their location. Hens may also use this call to show that they're ready for breeding. These calls start high and drop down low. When we're out there yelpin', we like to start soft and get louder as we call.
Next Steps
From here, you can throw in a few other calls. Things like purrs and cuts might be a great next step as you work on mastering your calling. For more insight into call sounds and uses, check out this NTWF page or this Meateater article.
But before running rampant through the woods, here are two important things to remember:
Over calling: It's critical to your success that you know when to call and when you shut up. Guys will often over call, which usually results in a tom hanging up a ways out or heading into the next county. When a tom gobbles, he's expecting the you (the hen) to come to him. But he also wants some loving. Call just enough to grab that tom's interest. Entice him a little bit but play hard to get. We've seen this cat-and-mouse strategy work great over the years.
Under calling: Conversely, not calling enough can also be a problem. Lots of times beginners won't feel confident in their calling ability and will leave their slate or diaphragm in their pocket. You don't need to be a world-champion turkey caller to get a tom to come in on a string. Stick to simple calls but don't be afraid to let it rip. Turkeys aren't easy to hunt but they're also not exactly Einstein.