Although mouth calls, sometimes referred to as diaphragm calls, can be frightening, they have certain benefits over other types of calls.
The sound of a turkey call echoing through the woods can be a thrilling experience for any hunter. But mastering the art of using a diaphragm turkey call can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Fear not, aspiring turkey callers! This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and techniques to produce realistic turkey sounds and lure those gobblers in close.
Understanding the Diaphragm Call:
Unlike box calls or mouth calls, diaphragm calls, also known as “diaphragms,” are placed inside your mouth, resting against the roof of your palate. They vibrate with the air you blow through them, creating a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
Choosing the Right Diaphragm:
With a plethora of diaphragm calls available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Consider these factors:
- Material: Diaphragms come in latex, silicone, and acrylic. Latex offers a more natural sound but requires frequent replacement. Silicone is durable and versatile, while acrylic provides a loud, clear sound.
- Cut: The cut refers to the shape of the diaphragm’s reed. Single-reed diaphragms are easier to use but have a limited range of sounds. Double-reed diaphragms offer more versatility but require more practice to master.
- Thickness: Thicker diaphragms produce deeper sounds, while thinner ones create higher-pitched calls.
Getting Started:
- Position: Place the diaphragm on the roof of your mouth, behind your upper front teeth.
- Relax: Keep your tongue relaxed and slightly curled behind the diaphragm.
- Blow: Blow air through the diaphragm, starting with gentle pressure and gradually increasing it to create the desired sound.
- Practice: The key to mastering the diaphragm call is practice. Start with simple yelps and clucks, and gradually progress to more complex calls.
Essential Diaphragm Turkey Calls:
- Yelp: A high-pitched, single note that imitates a hen’s excited call.
- Cluck: A series of soft, clucking sounds that mimic a hen feeding or content.
- Purr: A low, continuous sound that indicates a hen’s contentment or submission.
- Cut: A short, sharp sound that imitates a hen’s alarm call.
- Gobble: A deep, resonant sound that imitates a tom turkey’s gobble.
Tips for Success:
- Listen to real turkeys: Familiarize yourself with the sounds of real turkeys to replicate them accurately.
- Record yourself: Record your calls and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Practice in different conditions: Practice calling in various weather conditions and terrains to adapt your technique.
- Be patient: Mastering the diaphragm call takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged; keep practicing!
Learning to use a diaphragm turkey call can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to communicate with turkeys on their level and increase your hunting success. By following these guidelines, practicing diligently, and listening to real turkeys, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential turkey hunting tool. Remember, patience and persistence are key. So, grab your diaphragm, head to the woods, and start calling those gobblers in!
Parts of a mouth call
There are four parts to a mouth call. Starting at the outside of the call there’s:
The tape. The tape stops air from blowing around the reed, and flowing through it instead. The tape is usually made of a somewhat pliant material that can be trimmed to fit your mouth.
The frame. Usually made of rigid plastic or aluminum, the frame stretches and holds the reed in place.
The tab. The tab is at the back of the frame – the closed part of the call. It indicates which side of the call goes up or down and helps add tension to the back of the reed. In most calls, the tab goes down when placing the call in your mouth.
The reed(s). A thin membrane made of latex or a related rubber that vibrates when air passes beneath it to produce sounds that, hopefully, resemble turkeys Some calls have multiple reeds for making multiple sounds.
Some reeds also have cuts along the exposed edge to help mimic different sounds.
Using a mouth call
Start slow. Your initial goal is to simply make a sound, not to necessarily mimic a turkey. To generate a sound, it’s all about properly positioning the mouth call in the roof of your mouth.
Put the call in your mouth with the open edge facing forward. Place the callus in the roof of your mouth using your tongue, roughly halfway between your front and back teeth. On multi-reed calls, place the short reed down.
Experiment with where you put the call in your mouth. Move the reed forward or backward a bit until it feels the most comfortable. Also, feel free to trim the tape for a better fit in your mouth.
Place the top of your tongue against the tape, pinning the call to the roof of your mouth. The goal is to seal the tape so that air cannot pass over the top or around its edges. When blowing lightly, you want air moving over the top of your tongue, and beneath the call.
Air passing under the reeds causes them to vibrate, creating sound.
As you blow, your air should come from within your chest or diaphragm. Consider using fog to clean a pair of glasses or binoculars; that is where the air should come from. Don’t blow through your mouth as if you are blowing out a candle. Air should be forced from within your chest.
How to use a TURKEY Mouth call – THE BASICS –
FAQ
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