How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting Your Own Custom Call

Calling in a gobbler is an exhilarating experience, and using a call you crafted yourself adds a whole new level of satisfaction to the hunt The wingbone turkey call is a classic tool that’s been around for generations, and it’s surprisingly easy to make In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating your own wingbone call, from gathering materials to making those sweet, seductive turkey sounds.

Before we dive in. let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need:

Materials:

• Turkey wing (fresh or frozen)
• Saw
• Super glue
• String or dental floss
• Epoxy (optional)
• Dish soap
• High-powered hydrogen peroxide (40 Volume Developer)

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The first step is to gather all the necessary materials. You’ll need a turkey wing preferably from a mature bird. You can get one from a hunter friend, purchase one from a butcher, or even find one at your local sporting goods store.

Step 2: Cut the Bones to Length

Once you have your turkey wing, it’s time to cut the bones to the desired length. For a two-segment call, cut the bones longer. For a three-piece call, cut them shorter. You can experiment with different lengths to find what sounds best to you.

Step 3: Glue the Bones Together

Use super glue gel to fit the bones together. Make sure the joint is secure and allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Wrap the Joints

For added durability, wrap the joints with string or dental floss. This will help prevent the bones from splitting and will also give you a better grip on the call.

Step 5: Whiten the Bones (Optional)

Dish soap and strong hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten the bones of your call to give it a more professional appearance (40 Volume Developer). Just let the bones soak in the mixture for a few hours, then rinse them and let them air dry.

Step 6: How to Use the Call

Now comes the fun part! To use your wingbone call, hold it between your thumb and index finger. Place the tip of the call against your lips and blow into it. You’ll need to experiment with different lip positions and blowing techniques to get the desired sound.

Tips for Success:

• Start by practicing with a diaphragm call to get a feel for the proper mouth position and blowing technique.
• Experiment with different lengths of bone to find what sounds best to you.
• Practice calling in different situations, such as in the field and at home.
• Be patient and persistent. It takes time and practice to master the wingbone call.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to use your wingbone call to lure in those wary gobblers and add a touch of personal satisfaction to your turkey hunting experience.

Additional Resources:

• Video: How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call (MeatEater)
• How to Make a Turkey Tail Fan (MeatEater)
• How to Choose the Right Turkey Call for the Conditions (MeatEater)
• How to Call to Pressured Turkeys (MeatEater)