Mastering the Art of the Turkey Call: Attract Gobblers with Confidence

The thrill of turkey hunting lies in the delicate dance between hunter and prey, a game of wits and skill. One of the most crucial tools in a turkey hunter’s arsenal is the turkey call, a device that mimics the vocalizations of wild turkeys, enticing them into range. Mastering the art of the turkey call can significantly increase your chances of success in the field.

Understanding Turkey Vocalizations

Before diving into the intricacies of calling, it’s essential to understand the language of wild turkeys. Turkeys communicate through a variety of vocalizations, each with its own distinct meaning and purpose. Some of the most common calls include:

• Gobble: This deep, resonating call is typically made by male turkeys, known as gobblers, to attract females and establish dominance.
• Yelp: A high-pitched, excited call made by both male and female turkeys, often used to communicate with other turkeys or to signal excitement.
• Cluck: A soft, rhythmic call made by hens to keep poults (young turkeys) close or to communicate with other hens.
• Purr: A low, rumbling call made by hens to attract gobblers or to signal contentment.
• Kee-kee: A high-pitched, warning call made by both male and female turkeys to alert others of danger.

Choosing the Right Turkey Call

With a basic understanding of turkey vocalizations, you can choose the right call for your hunting situation. There are two main types of turkey calls:

• Mouth Calls: These calls are small, handheld devices that use your mouth and diaphragm to create turkey sounds. They require practice and skill to master, but offer the most realistic and versatile calling options.
• Box Calls: These calls consist of a wooden box with a hinged lid that produces turkey sounds when scratched with a peg. Box calls are easier to use than mouth calls, but offer less versatility in terms of sound variation.

Learning to Call Like a Pro

Once you have chosen your call, it’s time to start practicing. Here are some tips to help you master the art of turkey calling:

• Start with the Basics: Begin by learning how to make the most common turkey calls, such as the gobble, yelp, and cluck. Practice these calls until you can produce them consistently and realistically.
• Listen to Real Turkeys: Spend time listening to recordings of wild turkeys to get a feel for the natural rhythm and inflection of their calls.
• Vary Your Calls: Don’t just stick to one call. Use a variety of calls to mimic the natural behavior of turkeys and keep them interested.
• Be Patient: Learning to call turkeys takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.
• Use the Right Calls for the Situation: Different calls are effective in different situations. For example, gobblers are more likely to respond to aggressive calls like gobbles and yelps, while hens are more likely to respond to softer calls like clucks and purrs.

Additional Tips for Turkey Calling Success

• Use proper calling etiquette: Avoid calling too loudly or too frequently, as this can spook turkeys.
• Be patient and persistent: Turkeys may not always respond immediately to your calls. Be patient and keep calling until they come into range.
• Use decoys: Decoys can help attract turkeys to your calling location.
• Set up in a good location: Choose a spot with good visibility and cover, where you can call without being seen by turkeys.
• Be safe: Always wear hunter orange during turkey season and be aware of your surroundings.

Mastering the art of the turkey call is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly increase your success in the field. By understanding turkey vocalizations, choosing the right call, and practicing your calling skills, you can become a more effective turkey hunter and experience the thrill of calling in a gobbler. Remember, patience, persistence and proper calling etiquette are key to success. So, grab your call, head to the woods, and start calling like a pro!