Mastering Turkey Calls: Tips and Techniques for Success

Turkey hunting is not just a sport; it's an art that requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of turkey behavior. Among the many tools in a hunter's arsenal, mastering turkey calls is a crucial skill that can significantly enhance your chances of a successful hunt. Let’s delve into the world of turkey calls, exploring various types, techniques, and the importance of mastering the art of mimicking turkey vocalizations.

Understanding Turkey Vocalizations 

Before diving into the techniques of turkey calls, it's essential to understand the different vocalizations that turkeys make and why. Our partner, Sam Soholt is an experienced turkey hunter reminds us that turkey calling is all about flipping what nature is trying to do on its head. “Among turkeys, Toms gobble in order to call up a hen. As hunters, we are doing the opposite and making hen noises to coax in a tom which is really flipping their biology and normal behavior backwards,” says Soholt. 

Turkeys are highly vocal birds, and their calls can be broadly categorized into three main types: clucks and putts, yelps, and gobbles.

1. Clucks and Putts: Clucks and putts are short, sharp sounds that turkeys use to communicate over short distances. Clucks are often used as a sign of contentment, while putts indicate alarm or agitation. Mastering these subtle calls is essential for imitating the contentment of a calm turkey or alerting nearby turkeys without spooking them.
2. Yelps: Yelping is the most versatile and commonly heard turkey vocalization. Turkeys yelp to communicate with each other, expressing a range of emotions from contentment to excitement. Learning to replicate yelps effectively is key to attracting turkeys from a distance, sparking their curiosity and drawing them closer to your position.
3. Gobbles: Gobbling is the distinctive sound made by male turkeys, known as toms. Toms gobble to attract hens during the breeding season. Mastering the gobble call can be particularly rewarding, as it can incite a response from dominant toms in the area, making them believe there's competition for hens.

The Importance of Mastering Different Turkey Vocalizations

Mastering different turkey vocalizations is not only useful for calling turkeys in, but also for understanding their behavior and mood. By listening carefully to the sounds that turkeys make in their natural environment, you can learn a lot about their habits, preferences, emotions, and intentions. This can help you plan your hunting strategy accordingly.

For example:

• If you hear a gobble in the morning, you know that there is a male turkey nearby who is looking for mates. You can try to lure him in by imitating a female turkey's yelp or cluck.
• If you hear a yelp in the afternoon, you know that there is a female turkey nearby who is looking for company. You can try to join her flock by imitating a turkey's cluck or purr.
• If you hear a cluck in the evening, you know that there is a turkey nearby who is settling down for the night. You can try to locate their roost by imitating a turkey's fly-up cackle or kee-kee.
• If you hear a purr in the daytime, you know that there is a turkey nearby who is feeding or resting. You can try to sneak up on them by imitating a turkey's feeding purr or whine.

Types of Turkey Calls

Now that we've covered the basics of turkey vocalizations, let's explore the various types of turkey calls that hunters use to mimic these sounds:

1. Box Calls: Box calls consist of a hollow wooden box with a lid that is moved back and forth to create turkey sounds. These calls are versatile and relatively easy for beginners to use. Box calls are excellent for producing yelps, clucks, and even purrs.
   
2. Slate Calls: Slate calls, also known as pot calls, feature a round piece of slate or glass set in a pot. Hunters use a striker to create friction against the slate, producing realistic turkey sounds. Slate calls are effective for yelps, clucks, and soft purrs, offering a more subtle approach.
   
3. Diaphragm Calls: Diaphragm calls, or mouth calls, are placed inside the hunter's mouth, allowing for hands-free operation. These calls require practice to master, but they offer a high level of control over pitch and tone. Diaphragm calls are excellent for producing yelps, clucks, and even gobbles.

For effective calling, it's essential to maintain correct hand and mouth positioning. With box and slate calls, grip the call firmly and apply even pressure while moving the striker across the surface to create the desired sound. When using mouth calls, position the call correctly against the roof of your mouth, applying gentle pressure with your tongue and controlling the airflow to produce different turkey sounds.

Techniques for Mastering Turkey Calls:

To create realistic turkey calling, it's important to master turkey sounds. Start by practicing basic calls such as yelps, clucks, and purrs. Observe real turkey sounds in the wild or listen to recordings to understand their sound better. Use online tutorials or instructional videos to refine your technique. 

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to mastering turkey calls. Set aside time to practice different calls and experiment with various techniques. Familiarize yourself with the unique sounds each call produces and work on achieving a natural and convincing performance.
2. Mimic Realistic Cadence: Turkeys don't call in a monotonous manner; their calls have a natural cadence and rhythm. Pay attention to the pacing of your calls, incorporating pauses and variations in tone to mimic the realism of turkey communication.
3. Use Calls Sparingly: While it's tempting to continuously call in the hopes of attracting turkeys, using calls sparingly can be more effective. Turkeys are naturally cautious, and overcalling can make them suspicious. Mimic the natural behavior of turkeys by spacing out your calls and gauging the response.
4. Match the Situation: Adapt your calling strategy based on the hunting situation. If you're trying to locate turkeys, use loud and aggressive calls. In contrast, when you're working a gobbler, opt for softer and more subtle calls to avoid spooking the bird.

By incorporating these tips into your practice routine, you'll be on your way to becoming a skilled turkey caller. Remember, practice, patience, and persistence are the keys to mastering the art of turkey calling.

The Art of Turkey Calling

Mastering turkey calls is more than just a hunting skill; it's a way to connect with the natural world and become a more effective and ethical hunter. The ability to communicate with turkeys through calls enhances the overall hunting experience, providing a deeper connection to the environment and the wildlife within it.

In the world of turkey hunting, mastering the art of turkey calls is a skill that sets successful hunters apart. By understanding turkey vocalizations, exploring various types of calls, and honing your techniques, you can become a more proficient and successful turkey caller. Remember, patience and practice are the keys to mastering this essential aspect of turkey hunting. So, grab your calls, head into the woods, and let the symphony of turkey calls begin. Happy hunting!

For more tips and tricks on turkey hunting, check out these blogs!

• Scouting for Turkeys: How to Find the Perfect Turkey Spot
• The Importance of Turkey Chokes for Ethical Turkey Hunting
• Turkey Hunting Hacks | Game Changing Tips
• How to Pattern Your Turkey Gun 101
• Roosted Ain't Roasted - The Best Way to Start Your Turkey Hunt