One of the most thrilling parts of turkey hunting is the cat and mouse game that arises from calling turkeys. Interacting with a receptive tom can be thrilling, particularly when he keeps yelling back at your hen. Most of us probably practiced mouth calls and box calls when we first started turkey calling. Furthermore, compared to the other options, making noises on a pot call requires more practice and skill, even for beginners. So with that in mind, here are some ways you can get improve at turkey pot calls.
Before you can dedicate yourself entirely to the art and science of turkey calling, you have to choose a pot call. Thankfully, there are lots of wonderful options on the market, like some of the amazing turkey pot calls from Bone Collector that are mentioned below. They’re all made in the USA with high quality materials and craftsmanship.
It is best to become acquainted with the conditioning and preparation of your turkey pot calls well in advance of the start of the season. The technique you employ for this step will differ based on the pot’s surface and the material of your striker.
Friction calls seem like they might be so straight-forward, but there’s a lot of nuance to using them. You have to practice as much as you can to become accustomed to those subtleties and learn how to apply them in different contexts in order to produce the necessary turkey calls. For example, gripping the striker slightly differently might change the tone a lot. As you practice with turkey pot calls, pay attention to your hand position. Gently rest the pot/cup near your fingertips, instead of cradling it in your palm. This allows the sound to travel through the cup properly. Similarly, the striker shouldn’t be too shallow of an angle or exactly perpendicular to the call surface. Try starting with a 45 degree angle and see how it works for you. Last, you don’t want to push too hard by grinding the striker into the surface. Using a lighter touch will make a much better turkey sound.
Hey there, turkey hunters! Gearing up for the fall season? If you’re looking to add a touch of tradition and finesse to your turkey hunting arsenal, then look no further than the glass turkey call. This classic tool has been luring gobblers into range for generations, and with a little practice, you can master its unique sound and become a turkey-calling whiz.
But before you head out to the woods, let’s break down the basics of using a glass turkey call We’ll cover everything from choosing the right call to making those sweet, seductive yelps that will have gobblers strutting their stuff right into your sights
Choosing Your Glass Turkey Call:
Not all glass calls are created equal Some are designed for specific sounds, while others offer more versatility Here’s a quick rundown of the different types:
- Single-reed calls: These are the most common type of glass call. They produce a clear, high-pitched yelp that’s perfect for long-distance calling.
- Double-reed calls: These calls have two reeds, which create a deeper, more raspy sound. They’re ideal for close-range calling or imitating the sound of a fighting gobbler.
- Triple-reed calls: These calls have three reeds, which produce a loud, attention-grabbing sound. They’re best used for open areas or when you need to call over long distances.
Mastering the Art of the Yelp:
The yelp is the most important sound in a turkey’s vocabulary. It’s a versatile call that can be used to attract gobblers from a distance, locate them in the woods, or even challenge them to a fight. Here’s how to make a perfect yelp:
- Hold the call firmly in your non-dominant hand. Place your thumb on the top of the call and your index finger on the bottom.
- Blow into the call with a steady stream of air. The amount of air you blow will determine the pitch of the yelp. Start with a low, soft yelp and gradually increase the volume and pitch.
- Vary the length and rhythm of your yelps. Gobblers are more likely to respond to a series of yelps that sound natural, rather than a single, monotonous call.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you’ll become at making realistic-sounding yelps.
Beyond the Yelp:
The glass turkey call can make a variety of sounds, the yelp being just one of them. You can also use your call to make clucks, purrs, cuts, and gobbles. Knowing how to use each of these sounds effectively will give you a significant advantage in the turkey woods. Each of these sounds has a distinct purpose.
Here’s a quick rundown of some other common turkey calls:
- Cluck: A soft, rhythmic sound that imitates the sound of a hen feeding.
- Purr: A low, continuous sound that imitates the sound of a contented hen.
- Cut: A sharp, high-pitched sound that imitates the sound of a hen being alarmed.
- Gobble: A deep, resonant sound that imitates the sound of a gobbler.
Using Your Glass Turkey Call in the Field:
It’s time to put your newly acquired knowledge of how to use a glass turkey call to the test in the field. Here are a few tips for using your call effectively:
- Start by scouting out the area where you plan to hunt. Look for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Set up in a concealed location with good visibility. You want to be able to see the turkeys without them being able to see you.
- Use a variety of calls to attract the turkeys. Don’t just rely on yelps. Mix it up with clucks, purrs, cuts, and gobbles to keep the turkeys interested.
- Be patient. It may take some time for the turkeys to respond to your calls. Don’t give up if you don’t see any turkeys right away.
- Most importantly, have fun! Turkey hunting is a challenging but rewarding experience. Enjoy the process of learning how to use a glass turkey call and calling in those gobblers.
With a little practice and the right glass turkey call, you’ll be well on your way to bagging that trophy gobbler this fall. So get out there, start calling, and experience the thrill of turkey hunting with this classic tool.