Crafting Your Own Diaphragm Turkey Call: A Step-by-Step Guide

For centuries hunters have been enthralled with the wild turkey’s captivating gobble and graceful strut. And this detailed guide will walk you through the process of making your own diaphragm turkey call, from gathering the necessary materials to producing those lifelike gobbles that will draw the turkeys in. And what better way to entice this wary bird than with a handcrafted diaphragm turkey call, a testament to your dedication and skill?

Materials and Tools: Assembling Your Arsenal

Prior to starting this adventure, make sure you have the required equipment and supplies on hand. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Materials:

• Latex glove
• Tin or steel can
• Waterproof medical tape

Tools:

• Snips
• Scissors
• Razor knife
• Permanent marker
• Cutting board

The Frame: Building the Foundation

The frame is the heart of your diaphragm turkey call providing the structure and support for the latex reeds. Here’s how to create the perfect frame:

1. Cut the can: Using your snips, carefully cut down the side of the can and around the bottom, creating a long strip of metal. Discard the bottom or save it for future call-making endeavors.
2. Draw the frame: Lay the metal strip flat and use your permanent marker to draw the outline of your frame. Aim for a shape that is approximately 2 inches long by 1 inch wide. You can find templates online or use the one provided in the Instructables article.
3. Cut the frame: Carefully cut out the frame along the outline you drew. Fold the frame in half and cut out the interior portion, creating a U-shaped frame. Save the interior portion for later use.

The Reeds: Crafting the Voice

The reeds are the voice of your diaphragm turkey call, responsible for producing the realistic gobbles that will lure the turkeys in. Here’s how to create the perfect reeds:

1. Mark the latex: Lay the latex glove flat on your cutting board and use your permanent marker to mark out a 2-inch by 1-inch rectangle. You can create multiple rectangles on the same glove to make several calls.
2. Cut the latex: Using your sharpest razor knife, carefully cut out the marked rectangles from the latex glove. Ensure you cut through both layers of the glove to create a double-reed design. This design adds a raspy quality to the sound and helps mask any imperfections in your calling technique.

Assembling the Call: Bringing It All Together

It’s time to put your diaphragm turkey call together now that you have your frame and reeds:

1. Insert the reeds: Gently open the frame and carefully insert the latex reeds into the U-shaped opening. Ensure the reeds are positioned all the way forward against the bend.
2. Close the frame: Gently close the frame, ensuring it holds the latex reeds securely in place. Bend the top tab on the frame over to lock it closed.
3. Tape the frame: Cut three pieces of waterproof tape, each approximately 3 inches long, and layer them together. This creates a single piece of tape that is three layers thick, providing extra strength and durability.
4. Cut the hole: Using your razor knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of the layered tape, following the outline of the interior portion of the frame that you saved earlier.
5. Attach the frame: Place the frame with the reeds on the tape, aligning the opening in the frame with the hole you cut in the tape. Pull the latex taut and stick it to the tape around the frame, ensuring a tight but not overstretched fit. Overstretching the reed will result in a higher pitch.
6. Fold and trim: Fold the tape over and press it firmly together, creating a secure seal. Trace the basic call shape onto the tape, creating a comfortable shape that conforms to your mouth and seals against the roof of your mouth. Use a store-bought call as a reference for the shape.

Using Your Call: Mastering the Art of Turkey Calling

With your diaphragm turkey call complete, it’s time to put it to the test. Here are some tips for mastering the art of turkey calling:

• Practice makes perfect: The key to using a diaphragm turkey call effectively is practice. Start by practicing basic gobbles and yelps, gradually increasing the complexity of your calls as you gain confidence.
• Listen and learn: Pay close attention to the sounds of wild turkeys and try to mimic them as accurately as possible. You can find numerous resources online and in hunting magazines that provide guidance on different turkey calls.
• Experiment with different techniques: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using a diaphragm turkey call. Experiment with different mouth positions, tongue placements, and air pressure to find what works best for you.
• Be patient: It takes time and dedication to master the art of turkey calling. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to produce realistic calls that will lure those wary turkeys in.

Creating your own diaphragm turkey call is a rewarding experience that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. With each call you produce, you’ll not only be luring in turkeys but also carrying on a time-honored tradition that connects you to generations of hunters who have walked the same path. So, grab your tools, embrace the challenge, and let your creativity soar as you craft the perfect diaphragm turkey call, a testament to your skill and passion for the hunt.