How to Use a Turkey Call

Turkey hunting requires calling in the birds. While domesticated turkeys are idiotic, wild turkeys are a crafty prey. Calling to turkeys takes practice and a good turkey call. Proper use of turkey calls will increase the likelihood of a successful turkey hunt.

Step 1

Sample various calls at the local sporting goods store. A box style turkey call is great for beginners. A box call is most often made from wood, but aluminum box calls can be used in all weather, and that is a plus when inclement weather threatens to spoil a turkey hunt. Slide the lid of the box call across the open surface to create a call.

Step 2

Try out a slate turkey call. Pull a striker across a specially designed circular surface. The striker and sounding board can be made of several different materials. The slate style turkey call produces some of the very best turkey calls. Purchase several varieties of strikers and sounding boards.

Step 3

Move up to the diaphragm style turkey call after learning the other types. This is the most popular turkey call but also the most difficult to master. The diaphragm style turkey call uses a reed and frame held in the mouth. This frees up the hands, but requires good dexterity.

Step 4

Call out to the turkey by imitating its natural calls. That is the purpose of a turkey call. Sing out from hiding and try to lure the birds within shooting range. That is where hunting becomes an art. A skilled turkey hunter knows several different calls which are used to call in birds under different circumstances.

Step 5

Practice turkey calls several weeks before turkey season. Many turkey hunters continue practicing throughout the year and competitions are held to reward the most experienced turkey callers. Turkey calling requires patience, practice and the right turkey call.

Sample Calls

#1 Treecall: As the wild turkey awakens at dawn this low call is the first they make . It allows other turkeys to know just were they are in the roost .

#2 Cluck: The Cluck is a were are you type of call . When a tom clucks he is awaiting a cluck in response. 

#3 Cackle: This sound is made when the turkey fly's down from the roost . Also when ever they go over obstacles or stretch their wings .

#4 Yelp: The yelp is used as a locator call so all the birds in the flock can regroup . It is a very effective call to entice a gobbler to respond during the spring matting season .

#5  Cutting: This call is the most aggressive sound a hen makes when she is ready for matting . It drives the Tom crazy .

#6 Purr: A sound all Wild Turkeys make all year long while feeding through out the woods . It is a sign that all is well . It's a great sound to make as the Tom is coming into range .

#7 Gobble: The most wonderful sound that a Turkey hunter can hear in the field . The Tom will gobble at almost anything in the woods that startles him . The Tom gobbles to announce to the hen he is in the area and awaits her .

#8 The OWL: I find this call to be a great call to use to locate toms in the roost I use it just before sun up .