Everywhere they go, turkey hunters get ready for spring as the days grow warmer and the leaves start to bud. One of the most exciting things about it this time of year is when you can call in a mature gobbler. The thrill of the hunt increases when a big tom answers your call; it’s an unforgettable experience.
If youre new to turkey hunting, dont worry – learning how to use a slate call is easy. This adaptable tool allows hunters to produce any kind of sound necessary to entice a gobbler to approach. A slate call consists of a pot and striker. The pot is made from wood or plastic and holds a slate, crystal, glass, or aluminum surface. Pots and strikers are available in various woods to customize the sounds.
Thus, give using a slate call a try if you want to liven up your next turkey hunt. You never know – you might just bring in a big old tom!.
Practice making turkey noises with your slate call! Sandpaper or a Scotch Brite pad should be used to prepare the slate’s surface before you start. Most slate calls come with a small piece of sandpaper or scratchpad to get you started.
For generations, hunters have been enthralled with the wild turkey’s captivating gobble and majestic strut. Your chances of success in the field can be greatly increased by becoming an expert turkey caller. The pot call is one of the most popular turkey calls because it is easy to use and can create a variety of realistic turkey noises. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to use a turkey pot call to attract any wary gobblers that happen to be nearby.
Understanding the Turkey Pot Call
A wooden or slate pot and a striker, usually made of wood or acrylic, make up the pot call. A variety of turkey sounds, from quiet purrs to loud yelps and cutts, are produced when the striker is drawn across the surface of the pot, creating friction. Because it can replicate a turkey’s natural sounds, the pot call is incredibly effective at luring gobblers during the spring mating season.
Essential Techniques for Using a Turkey Pot Call
1. Mastering the Basic Purr
The purr is the foundation of turkey calling and serves as the starting point for learning more complex sounds. To produce a purr, hold the pot firmly in your non-dominant hand and place the striker between your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand. With light pressure, draw the tip of the striker toward you, from the outer edge of the slate to the middle. As you draw the striker, it will skip lightly across the slate’s surface in a straight line, producing a purr. Practice this, and the purr will become one of the easiest sounds to make on a slate call.
2. Progressing to Yelps and Cutts
Once you’ve mastered the purr, you can move on to yelps and cutts. Yelps are higher-pitched sounds that mimic the excited calls of a hen turkey, while cutts are short, sharp sounds that imitate the aggressive vocalizations of a gobbler To produce a yelp, increase the pressure on the striker and draw it across the slate in a slightly curved motion For cutts, use a quick, sharp motion with the striker, drawing it across the slate in a short, straight line.
3. Experimenting with Different Sounds
The beauty of the turkey pot call lies in its versatility By varying the pressure, speed, and angle of the striker, you can produce a wide range of sounds that mimic the various vocalizations of a turkey. Experiment with different techniques to create a realistic repertoire of calls that will entice gobblers during the hunt
4. Practicing Regularly
Like any skill, mastering the turkey pot call requires consistent practice. Dedicate time to practicing different sounds in a quiet environment, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and volume. As you become more proficient, you can gradually increase the volume and intensity of your calls to match the excitement of a real turkey encounter.
Tips for Effective Turkey Calling in the Field
1. Use a Variety of Calls
Gobblers respond differently to various calls, so it’s essential to have a diverse repertoire. Start with soft purrs to locate a gobbler, then switch to yelps and cutts to entice him closer. Observe the gobbler’s reactions and adjust your calling accordingly.
2. Be Patient and Persistent
Turkeys can be wary creatures, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get an immediate response. Be patient, keep calling, and adjust your tactics as needed. Persistence is key to success in turkey hunting.
3. Use Proper Calling Etiquette
Respect other hunters and avoid calling excessively or making loud noises that could spook turkeys. Be mindful of your surroundings and call responsibly.
4. Practice Calling in Different Environments
You should practice calling in a variety of locations, such as open fields, wooded areas, and along ridges, as turkeys have different behavior in different environments. This will help you adapt your calling techniques to the specific hunting conditions.
Mastering the turkey pot call is a rewarding journey that can significantly enhance your turkey hunting experience. By understanding the basics, practicing regularly, and using effective calling techniques in the field, you’ll be well on your way to luring those wary gobblers within range and enjoying the thrill of a successful turkey hunt. Remember, patience, persistence, and a diverse repertoire of calls are key to success. So, grab your pot call, head to the woods, and start practicing!
Turkey Call Basics, Turkey Pot Call Tutorial!
FAQ
Do you bump up or down on a turkey call?