A brief overview of turkey hunting and the importance of choosing the right turkey call for beginners
Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires skill and strategy. It involves tracking and calling turkeys using various techniques, one of which involves the use of turkey calls. A turkey call is a tool used to mimic turkey sounds, such as clucks, gobbles, and purrs, in order to attract turkeys and lure them closer to the hunter. For beginners, choosing the right turkey call can greatly enhance their chances of a successful hunt. This article will provide a brief overview of turkey hunting and highlight the importance of selecting the right turkey call for beginners.
Turkey hunting is a challenging and exciting sport that involves scouting for turkeys, setting up blinds or decoys, and using various tactics to lure turkeys within range for a shot. One common and effective tactic is the use of turkey calls. Turkey calls are designed to replicate the sounds that turkeys make, and when used correctly, they can attract turkeys and make them believe that there is another turkey in the area. This can be a game-changer for hunters, as it can bring turkeys closer to their location, increasing the chances of a successful harvest.
For beginners, a turkey call can be an invaluable tool. It allows them to communicate with the turkeys and lure them within range. However, choosing the right turkey call can be overwhelming, as there are various types and styles available on the market. It is important for beginners to understand the different types of turkey calls and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Types of turkey calls
There are four main types of turkey calls that beginners can consider:
Box calls: These are simple and easy to use, making them a popular choice for beginners. They consist of a hollow wooden box and a lid that is moved across the box to create the desired turkey sounds.
Slate calls: Also known as pot calls, these consist of a small piece of slate or other material that is attached to a wooden or plastic pot. The hunter uses a striker, usually made of wood or plastic, to create the desired turkey sounds by rubbing it against the slate.
Mouth calls: Also called diaphragm calls, these calls are made up of a latex or rubber reed that is placed in the hunter’s mouth. By using tongue and mouth movements, the hunter can create a wide range of turkey sounds. Mouth calls require practice and can be more difficult to master for beginners.
Push-button calls: These calls are simple and easy to use, making them a great option for beginners. They consist of a small box with a button that, when pushed, creates the desired turkey sounds.
In conclusion, choosing the right turkey call is essential for beginners who are starting out in turkey hunting. It is important to consider the different types of turkey calls and their advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as ease of use, sound quality, versatility, and budget should all be taken into consideration when making a decision. By selecting the right turkey call, beginners can greatly enhance their chances of a successful hunt.
Box Calls
Box calls are a popular type of turkey call due to their ease of use and versatility. They consist of a wooden box with a lid that is moved back and forth to produce sound. Some of the key features and benefits of box calls include:
Easy operation and realistic vocals: Box calls are known for their simplicity, making them a great choice for beginners. The lid is moved by hand, producing a variety of turkey sounds such as yelps, clucks, and purrs. The sound produced by box calls is loud and realistic, carrying well in the field.
Versatility: Box calls are capable of imitating a wide range of turkey sounds, making them a versatile tool for hunters. Whether you need to mimic a loud, excited hen or the soft clucks of a contented turkey, a box call can deliver the desired effect.
Durability: Box calls are typically made from sturdy wood, which makes them durable and long-lasting. With proper care, a box call can provide reliable performance for many seasons.
Mouth Calls
Mouth calls, also known as diaphragm calls, are an essential tool for turkey hunters. They offer a hands-free option, allowing hunters to keep their hands free for operating their gun or bow. Mouth calls are placed inside the hunter’s mouth and operated by exhaling or inhaling air. They produce sound by vibrating a latex or plastic reed, which can imitate a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
Hands-free operation and versatility
One of the major benefits of using mouth calls is the hands-free operation. With the call securely in place, hunters can focus their attention on locating and aiming at the turkeys without the need to hold a separate call. This allows for a quicker and more efficient response when a turkey is in range.
Mouth calls are also highly versatile, capable of producing a wide range of turkey sounds. With practice, hunters can produce soft purrs, clucks, yelps, cuts, and even aggressive gobbling sounds. This versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to match the specific behavior of turkeys they encounter.
Different sounds and pitches produced by mouth calls
Mouth calls come in various designs, each offering different sound qualities and pitches. Single reed diaphragm calls are easier to use for beginners and produce a higher pitch, which is suitable for imitating hen vocalizations. Double reed diaphragm calls offer a slightly lower pitch and are often used for making deeper, more realistic yelps and cuts. There are also triple and quad reed diaphragm calls that create a raspier sound, ideal for mimicking the vocalizations of an older, more dominant tom.
Friction Calls
Friction calls are another popular choice for turkey hunters. They create sound by rubbing a striker against a surface made of slate, glass, or aluminum. Friction calls offer versatility and the ability to produce realistic turkey sounds, making them a valuable tool for any hunter.
Versatility and realistic sound production
One of the key features of friction calls is their versatility. They can produce a wide range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs and clucks to loud yelps and cuts. This versatility allows hunters to match the behavior and vocalizations of the turkeys they encounter in the field, increasing their chances of success.
Friction calls also excel in producing realistic turkey sounds. The friction between the striker and the surface creates vibrations that imitate the natural sounds of turkeys. This realism can be crucial in attracting turkeys and convincing them to come within range.
Friction calls are a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s gear. Their versatility, realistic sound production, and the variety of options available make them a popular choice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, mastering the techniques and choosing the right surface will greatly enhance your effectiveness in attracting turkeys. With practice and patience, friction calls can become an essential tool in your turkey hunting arsenal.
Push Button Calls
Push button calls are another popular type of turkey calls. They are designed to be easy to use, making them a great option for beginners or hunters who are new to turkey hunting. Push button calls typically consist of a small box with a button or paddle on top. Pressing or sliding the button produces the desired turkey sound.
Easy to use and beginner-friendly design
One of the main advantages of push button calls is their simplicity and ease of use. They require minimal practice or technique to produce realistic turkey sounds. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners or hunters who may not have the time or patience to master more advanced calling methods. With just a simple press or slide of the button, hunters can create a variety of turkey vocalizations and attract nearby turkeys.
Different sounds achievable with push button calls
Push button calls are capable of producing a range of turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. By varying the pressure and speed of the button or paddle, hunters can adjust the pitch and tone of the calls to imitate different turkey vocalizations. This versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to match the behavior and response of the turkeys they encounter.
Overall, push button calls offer a user-friendly option for turkey hunters, especially beginners. With their easy operation and ability to produce a variety of turkey sounds, they can be a valuable tool in attracting and calling in turkeys. By mastering the rhythm and avoiding common mistakes, hunters can increase their chances of a successful hunt. Practice and experimentation are key, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques and sounds to find what works best in your hunting area.
Locator Calls
Locator calls are an essential tool in the turkey hunter’s arsenal. These calls are designed to emulate the sounds of other animals, such as owls, crows, or coyotes, to locate the presence of turkeys. By strategically using locator calls, hunters can effectively pinpoint the location of turkeys and increase their chances of a successful hunt.
Purpose of locator calls in turkey hunting
The primary purpose of locator calls is to elicit a response from turkeys and reveal their location. Turkeys are naturally curious creatures and will often respond to the sound of an owl hooting, a crow cawing, or a coyote howling. By mimicking these sounds with locator calls, hunters can provoke a gobble or other vocalization from turkeys, making it easier to pinpoint their roosting or feeding areas.
In conclusion, locator calls are a valuable tool for turkey hunters, allowing them to locate the presence of turkeys and increase their chances of a successful hunt. By using different types of locator calls and employing advanced techniques, hunters can effectively pinpoint turkey locations and integrate locator calls into their overall hunting strategy.
How to Select Your Call(s)
1. Factors to Consider
When selecting your turkey call(s), there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right one(s) for your needs and preferences. These factors include ease of use, comfortable carry, and matching the call to your hunting environment and style.
Ease of use and comfortable carry
One of the first things to consider is the ease of use of the turkey call. If you are a beginner or new to turkey hunting, you may want to opt for a call that is easy to use and requires minimal practice or technique. This can include push button calls or box calls. On the other hand, if you have experience with turkey hunting and are comfortable with more advanced calling methods, you may prefer diaphragm calls or pot calls.
In addition to ease of use, it’s important to consider the comfort of carrying the call. Some calls are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your hunting vest or pocket. Others may come with a lanyard or strap for convenient and secure attachment to your gear. Choose a call that suits your preferences and ensures you can easily access and use it while hunting.
Matching the call to your hunting environment and style
The type of call you choose should also match your hunting environment and style. Different calls produce different turkey sounds, and certain calls may be more effective in specific situations. For example, if you are hunting in an open field or clear area, a louder call that can carry long distances, such as a diaphragm call, may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are hunting in dense woods or areas with thick vegetation, a softer call like a box call or push button call may be better for close-range calling.
Consider the behavior and response of the turkeys in your hunting area. Do they typically respond better to high-pitched calls or low-pitched calls? Are they more receptive to aggressive calls or more subtle calls? By understanding the preferences of the turkeys you are hunting, you can select a call that is more likely to attract and entice them.
2. Experimentation and Practice
Trying different calls to find the ones that suit you best
When it comes to turkey calls, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each hunter may have different preferences and find different calls more effective. It’s important to experiment with different calls to find the ones that work best for you. This may involve trying out different types of calls, such as diaphragm calls, pot calls, box calls, or push button calls, to see which ones you are most comfortable using and which ones produce the desired turkey sounds.
Importance of regular practice and improvement
Once you have selected your call(s), it’s crucial to practice regularly to become proficient in using them. Turkey calls require skill and technique to produce realistic turkey sounds, so regular practice is essential for success. Set aside time to practice your calling techniques, experiment with different sounds, and work on mastering the rhythm and cadence of the calls. With practice, you will become more confident and effective in attracting and calling in turkeys.
In conclusion, when selecting your turkey call(s), consider factors such as ease of use, comfortable carry, and matching the call to your hunting environment and style. Experiment with different calls to find the ones that suit you best, and prioritize regular practice to improve your calling skills. By choosing the right call(s) and honing your technique, you can increase your chances of a successful turkey hunt.
Conclusion
Summary of the different types of turkey calls for beginners and their suitability for various hunting situations.
When selecting turkey calls, beginners should consider factors such as ease of use, comfortable carry, and matching the call to the hunting environment and style. Push button calls or box calls are ideal for beginners as they require minimal practice or technique. More experienced hunters may prefer diaphragm calls or pot calls. It’s also important to choose a call that is convenient to carry, whether it’s lightweight and compact or comes with a lanyard or strap attachment.
Matching the call to the hunting environment and style is crucial for success. Different calls produce different turkey sounds, and certain calls may be more effective in specific situations. In open fields, calls that can carry long distances, such as diaphragm calls, are suitable. In dense woods or close-range calling situations, softer calls like box calls or push button calls work well.
Experimentation and regular practice are key to finding the ideal turkey calls. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each hunter may have different preferences. Trying out different types of calls, such as diaphragm calls, pot calls, box calls, or push button calls, can help determine which ones are most comfortable to use and produce the desired turkey sounds.
Regular practice is essential to become proficient in using turkey calls. It takes skill and technique to produce realistic turkey sounds, so dedicating time to practice and improve is crucial. By mastering the rhythm and cadence of the calls and experimenting with different sounds, hunters can become more confident and effective in attracting and calling in turkeys.
In conclusion, beginners should consider ease of use, comfortable carry, and matching the call to the hunting environment and style when selecting turkey calls. Experimentation and regular practice are necessary to find the perfect calls and improve calling skills. By choosing the right calls and honing technique, hunters can increase their chances of a successful turkey hunt.
