Greetings, fellow hunters of turkeys! Are you prepared to discover the key to bringing in those elusive gobblers? If so, grab a seat; we’re going to delve into the amazing realm of turkey mouth calls and the skill of purring like a pro.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to refine your skills or a complete newbie eager to land your first bird this guide will provide you with all the knowledge and tips you need to master the purr. So, let’s get started!
What is a Turkey Mouth Call?
A turkey mouth call is a small, handheld instrument that hunters use to imitate the vocalizations of wild turkeys. These calls come in various designs and materials, but they all work by vibrating against the roof of your mouth to produce realistic turkey sounds.
Why Use a Mouth Call?
Mouth calls offer numerous advantages over other types of turkey calls, such as box calls and slate calls. They are:
- Compact and portable: Easily fits in your pocket or vest, making it convenient for carrying on the hunt.
- Versatile: Can produce a wide range of turkey sounds, including purrs, yelps, clucks, and cuts.
- Discreet: Allows you to call softly and subtly, avoiding spooking wary birds.
- Affordable: Typically more affordable than other types of turkey calls.
Mastering the Purr: A Step-by-Step Guide
The purr is one of the most essential sounds in a turkey hunter’s arsenal It’s a soft, low-pitched vocalization that female turkeys use to communicate with their young and attract potential mates Mastering the purr can significantly increase your chances of luring a gobbler into range.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to purring on a turkey mouth call:
- Choose the right call: Select a mouth call that fits comfortably in your mouth and produces a clear, realistic purr.
- Position the call: Place the call against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.
- Blow gently: Blow air into the call, using your tongue to control the airflow and create the purring sound.
- Vary the pitch and volume: Experiment with different pitches and volumes to imitate the various purrs a turkey makes.
- Practice, practice, practice: The key to mastering the purr is practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
Tips for Effective Purring
Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your purring technique:
- Listen to real turkeys: Spend time listening to recordings of wild turkeys to get a feel for the natural sound of the purr.
- Use a mirror: Practice purring in front of a mirror to observe your mouth position and adjust accordingly.
- Start with short purrs: Begin with short, single purrs and gradually increase the duration and complexity as you become more comfortable.
- Vary your rhythm: Turkeys don’t purr in a constant rhythm, so try incorporating variations in speed and emphasis.
- Be patient: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master the purr overnight. It takes time and practice to develop the skill.
A useful ability for any turkey hunter is learning how to purr on a mouth call. You can attract gobblers and fill your tags by practicing frequently and adhering to the instructions provided in this guide. Take your mouth call with you, go into the forest, and begin purring like a pro!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of mouth call for purring?
A: The best type of mouth call for purring is a single-reed call. These calls are known for producing realistic and clear purrs.
Q: How often should I practice purring?
A: Aim to practice purring for at least 15-20 minutes each day. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
Q: What are some common mistakes when purring?
A: Using the incorrect mouth position, blowing too forcefully, and failing to alter the pitch and rhythm are a few common errors.
Q: Can I use a mouth call to call in other types of game?
A: Yes, mouth calls can also be used to call in other types of game, such as crows and coyotes.
Additional Resources
- National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
- Turkey Call Academy: https://www.turkeycallacademy.com/
- YouTube video on how to purr on a turkey mouth call: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Q7s60jHtQ