It’s an exciting experience to call in a wild turkey, but it takes skill, patience, and a thorough knowledge of these amazing birds. Developing your turkey calling skills can greatly improve your chances of success, regardless of experience level. This in-depth manual will explore the nuances of turkey calling and provide you the skills and information required to become an expert caller.
Understanding Turkey Vocalizations
Before we dive into the techniques, it’s crucial to understand the various vocalizations turkeys use to communicate. This knowledge will allow you to interpret their calls and respond accordingly
- Gobble: The iconic gobble is a deep, resonating call used by tom turkeys to attract hens and establish dominance.
- Yelp: A high-pitched, excited call used by hens to communicate with each other and to signal their receptiveness to toms.
- Cluck: A soft, rhythmic call used by hens to keep in contact with their poults.
- Purr: A low, guttural call used by toms to entice hens into breeding.
- Kee-kee run: A series of high-pitched yelps used by hens to alert other turkeys to danger.
Essential Turkey Calling Techniques
Now that you’re familiar with turkey vocalizations let’s explore the essential calling techniques you’ll need to master:
- Gobbling: To mimic a gobble, start by inhaling deeply and forming your lips into an “O” shape. Then, exhale forcefully, making a deep, resonating sound. You can vary the pitch and volume of your gobble to mimic different turkeys and situations.
- Yelping: To yelp, inhale quickly and form your lips into a smaller “O” shape. Then, exhale forcefully, creating a high-pitched, excited sound. Vary the rhythm and intensity of your yelps to imitate different hen behaviors.
- Cackling: Cackling is a more complex call that requires practice. Start by inhaling deeply and forming your lips into a wide “O” shape. Then, exhale forcefully, making a series of short, guttural sounds.
- Purring: Purring is a subtle call used by toms to entice hens. To purr, inhale deeply and form your lips into a small “O” shape. Then, exhale slowly, making a low, guttural sound.
- Kee-kee run: To mimic a kee-kee run, inhale quickly and form your lips into a small “O” shape. Then, exhale rapidly, making a series of high-pitched yelps. Increase the pace and intensity of your yelps to create a sense of urgency.
Tips for Effective Turkey Calling
Here are some additional tips to help you become a more effective turkey caller:
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become with your calls.
- Use a variety of calls: Don’t rely on just one or two calls. Experiment with different vocalizations to see what works best for you and the situation.
- Listen to real turkeys: Spend time observing and listening to wild turkeys to get a better understanding of their natural calls.
- Be patient: Turkeys can be unpredictable, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing and learning, and you’ll eventually find success.
- Use the right equipment: Invest in a high-quality turkey call that produces realistic sounds.
Mastering the art of turkey calling takes time, dedication, and a deep understanding of these fascinating birds. By following the techniques and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled caller and increasing your chances of success in the turkey woods. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it, and soon you’ll be calling in those gobblers like a pro.
Turkey Calling With A Mouth Call: Mastering The Cutt
FAQ
What is the best cut for a turkey call?
Do you bump up or down on a turkey call?
How do you make a turkey call?
The mouth call goes in tape end first and reed facing outward. Rest the call on your tongue and press it to the roof of your mouth to create a seal with your palate. Pushing air through the call causes the reeds to vibrate and produce those turkey sounds. Changing the pressure with your tongue and airflow changes the tone of the call.
When should you use turkey calls?
Know when to use certain turkey calls, such as mouth calls, box calls, and slate calls. For example, on a windy day, a high pitched, loud box call will be more effective at striking toms. When a gobbler is close, you want to use a soft mouth call (so that you can have your hands on your gun, ready to shoot).
How do turkey calls work?
You’ll soon sound like a seasoned expert with a little time and practice. Diaphragm turkey calls use the natural acoustics of your mouth to create lifelike noises. When you lightly push with your tongue, a thin latex reed stretched over a plastic or aluminum frame vibrates.
Why do turkey hunters use mouth calls?
Diaphragm calls are more adaptable than other designs. Experienced hunters may adjust them to varied hunting situations and bird behavior by adding stress to the reed. Additionally, you may utilize mouth calls hands-free, unlike box or slate calls. This makes handling your firearm safely simple. Why Mouth Calls Reign Supreme for Turkey Hunters?