Spotting a cautious gobbler is a thrilling accomplishment that requires dexterity and skill. Although turkey calls from the store are a convenient option, making your own diaphragm call is a special chance to customize your calling experience and possibly improve your performance in the field. This tutorial will cover all the details involved in making your own turkey call, enabling you to entice those elusive birds into range for a shot.
Materials:
- Latex glove: This will provide the essential reed for your call.
- Tin or steel can: This will serve as the frame for your call, providing structure and support.
- Waterproof medical tape: This will secure the reed and frame together, ensuring a durable and functional call.
Tools:
- Snips: These will be used to cut the can into the desired shape.
- Scissors: These will be used to cut the latex and tape.
- Razor knife: This will be used to precisely cut the latex reed.
- Permanent marker: This will be used to mark the cutting lines on the can and latex.
- Cutting board: This will provide a stable surface for cutting the latex.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1 Frame On:
- Cut the can along the side and bottom to create a long strip of metal.
- Discard the bottom or save it for future call-making endeavors.
- Lay the metal strip flat and draw a frame outline on it. Aim for a 2-inch by 1-inch rectangle.
- Cut out the frame, then fold it in half and cut out the interior portion.
- Save the interior portion for later use.
2. Learn to Reed:
- Mark a 2-inch by 1-inch rectangle on your latex glove.
- Cut out the rectangle, ensuring clean, smooth cuts for optimal reed performance.
- Consider using both layers of the glove for a double-reed design, which can enhance the call’s raspiness and mask imperfections in your calling technique.
3. Reeding:
- Gently open the frame and place the latex reeds inside, ensuring they are fully forward against the bend.
- Close the frame tightly to secure the reeds in place.
- Bend the top tab of the frame over to lock it closed.
4. Tape Up:
- Layer three pieces of waterproof tape, creating a single piece that is three layers thick.
- Place the interior portion of the frame cutout on the center of the tape and trace around it with your razor knife.
- Cut out the hole in the tape, ensuring it precisely matches the opening in your frame.
- Lay the frame with the reeds on the tape, aligning the opening in the frame with the hole in the tape.
- Pull the latex taut and stick it to the tape around the frame, ensuring a snug fit without overstretching the reed.
- Fold the tape over and press it firmly together.
5. Trim the Rim:
- Trace the basic call shape onto the tape, creating the outline that will conform to your mouth for a secure seal.
- Use a store-bought call as a reference for the ideal shape.
6. Use It!
Congratulations, you’ve finished making your own turkey call! Watch the following YouTube videos to see how to use it properly:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh-ZYy-XkNI
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1UbaOX92zk&feature=related
Remember, the key to mastering the diaphragm call is practice and observation. Find an experienced turkey caller to guide you and emulate their techniques. Listen to champion callers on YouTube and strive to replicate their sounds.
Additional Tips:
- Experiment with different latex thicknesses and reed shapes to find what works best for you.
- Practice calling in a variety of conditions to become comfortable with your call in different environments.
- Be patient and persistent. Mastering the turkey call takes time and dedication.
Crafting your own turkey call is a rewarding experience that can enhance your hunting success and connect you more deeply with the art of turkey calling. By following these instructions and diligently practicing, you’ll soon be able to entice those wary gobblers within range, adding another layer of satisfaction to your turkey hunting adventures.
Step 2: Frame On!
This is the first step to a homemade call. Making your frame. The frame is the part of the call made of metal that gives it strength and keeps the latex in place. After cutting down the side of your can, cut around the bottom to create a long metal strip. Discard the bottom or save it to make more frames. As soon as you have your long metal strip, lay it out flat and draw at least one frame on it. The frame should look something like the last picture. The frame should be about 2 inches long by about 1 inch wide. If possible, print out this at 2 inch by 1 inch, and trace it onto your metal. By no means does this have to be exact, but closer is better. After you have your frame traced onto your metal strip, you need to cut it out. Cut along the outline first, and then fold your frame in half. Cut the interior portion of the frame out, and then unfold it. Save this interior portion for tracing it later.
Step 3: Learn to Reed
This is the next step: Making your reed. Because this is essentially a musical instrument, the vibration of the reed is what produces the sound. To make one, we will use a latex glove. Mark out a 2 inch by 1 inch rectangle on your glove. Here, I have five rectangles marked on the same glove to make multiple calls. After marking out your latex, place it on your cutting board and cut it out with the sharpest razor knife you can find. We want the cuts to be as smooth as possible so sharpness is important. Be sure to cut through both layers of the glove as you go. I use both layers in each call. I like the raspiness of the double reed design, it tends to hide imperfections in my calling technique.
Now is the point where you can gently open your frame and lay your latex reeds in it. After laying the reeds in the frame, making sure they are all the way forward against the bend. Gently close the frame tightly to hold the latex still. Bend the top tab on the frame over to lock the frame closed.
How to Make a Turkey Mouth Call
FAQ
What words to say when using a turkey mouth call?
How are turkey mouth calls made?