So you harvested your first turkey, or maybe your 50th. Anyway, you may agree with me when I say that a wild turkey is much more than its feathers, breasts, startlingly loud calls, and feral behaviors. Personally, I hate wasting anything and some may consider me a hoarder of my hunting “firsts. I understand that I may need the animal items I have preserved in the future.
Back in May, I harvested my first wild turkey Tom in upstate Pennsylvania. It was over before I knew it, and I was determined to enjoy every last detail of this amazing bird. I knew I was saving as much meat as possible. I removed as many feathers from the body as I could for crafting, then used the tail and wings to finish a mount. I never would have guessed that I would be making a wild turkey call out of the bird’s wing bones!
The wild turkey call was suggested by a friend of mine who is a member of United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, an organization I also belong to. I was immediately drawn in after he shared a picture of his call. I just did a fast search for YouTube videos. An extremely simple technique that has been used since the earliest Native Americans is used to make the turkey bone call. The method is influenced by my personal taste for macerating meat, and the directions have been revised to make use of more modern equipment.
I plan on personalizing my call in the near future. If you have made one or made one please share yours in a comment here at Miss Pursuit!.
Hey there, turkey hunters! Looking to up your game this season? Then you need to learn how to make your own turkey pot call. Trust me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as calling in a gobbler with a call you made yourself.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “I’m no craftsman I can’t possibly make a pot call.” But don’t worry, it’s actually easier than you think. With a little patience and the right instructions, you’ll be calling in turkeys like a pro in no time.
So, grab your tools and let’s get started!
Materials:
- Wooden blank: You can find wooden blanks for pot calls at most craft stores or online. Popular woods include cherry, walnut, and maple.
- Pot call kit: This will typically include a striker, a soundboard, and a screw. You can also find pot call kits online or at some sporting goods stores.
- Sandpaper: You’ll need sandpaper in various grits, from coarse to fine.
- Wood glue: Any wood glue will do.
- Finishing oil: This is optional, but it will help to protect your pot call and give it a nice shine.
- Drill: You’ll need a drill to create the hole for the soundboard.
- Saw: A coping saw or a scroll saw is ideal for cutting out the pot call shape.
- Clamps: Clamps will help you to hold the pot call together while the glue dries.
Instructions:
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Cut out the pot call shape: Using your saw, cut out the pot call shape from the wooden blank. The shape can be round oval or even square. Just make sure it’s comfortable to hold in your hand.
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Drill the hole for the soundboard: Make a hole in the middle of the pot call with your drill. The hole should be just large enough to fit the soundboard.
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Attach the soundboard: Insert the soundboard into the hole and secure it with wood glue. Make sure the soundboard is flush with the surface of the pot call.
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Sand the pot call: After the glue has dried, smooth out any sharp edges with sandpaper. Start with coarse sandpaper and gradually work your way up to fine sandpaper.
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Finish the pot call: If desired, apply a finish to your pot call. This will help to protect it and give it a nice shine.
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Make a striker: The striker is the stick that you use to rub against the soundboard to create the turkey call. You can make a striker out of wood, dowel rod, or even a pencil. Just make sure it’s smooth and has a rounded tip.
Tips:
- Experiment with different woods: Different woods will produce different sounds. Experiment with different woods to find the one that you like the best.
- Practice your calling: The key to using a pot call effectively is practice. Spend some time practicing your calling before you head out to the woods.
- Don’t give up: It takes time and practice to master the art of turkey calling. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Additional Resources:
- YouTube video: How to Make a Turkey Pot Call: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JjNKg8QHYsg
- Turkey Call Maker’s Association: https://www.turkeycallmakers.org/
Making your own turkey pot call is a fun and rewarding project. You can make a call that will enable you to call in turkeys like an expert with a little work. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!.
Making a Turkey Call – Woodturning
FAQ
What is the best turkey pot call for beginners?
What do you say to make a turkey mouth call sound?