When a yelp is broken down, its constituent parts become apparent: a high-pitched “kee” note that suddenly changes into a sound better described as a “youk.” ” When you put the two sounds together you get a “kee-youk”.
Being familiar with each Yelp sequence will help you make sure you are saying the right thing at the right time.
The first note in the yelp is the whistle sound, called a “kee”. Because they can only make the first half of a yelp, turkeys’ first calling sound when they are very young is a simple kee-kee or poult whistle. The young turkeys’ ‘lost’ calls are plaintive and leading, and pure and clear.
Young poult whistles are the most musical bird calls I’ve ever heard. Until the family flock is reached, the whistles are usually blown in groups of three, or “kee-kee-kee,” and are repeated roughly every thirty seconds.
As the poults get older, their whistle gets a little rougher, and the young birds try to finish their yelp by adding a “youk” to the “kee.” The young hens prepare for a yelp by whistling once or twice, which they then let out once or twice. When they are able to get that done, the sequence is called a kee-kee-run. Young gobblers will occasionally try to yelp before blowing their whistle, then attempt to do so two or three more times after.
Turkeys lose their pre-yelp whistles as they get older, but because they are free spirits, you can frequently hear mature hens doing kee-kee-runs in the spring.
Since the kee-kee-run is the poult’s “lost” call and the one they are most likely to respond to, it is a “must learn” if you go fall hunting. I have also been successful using kee-kee runs in the Spring. Gobblers would never gobble at any of my fake calls or even the yelping of a real hen, but I’ve managed to get them to respond to kee-kees on several occasions.
I believe the kee-kees are such pure, unadulterated turkey sounds they penetrate whatever B. S. filter the turkey may have, and they gobble whether they want to or not. If turkeys aren’t talking, a kee-kee run is worth a try. You won’t alarm anything, and you just might get things stirred up.
The poults seem to have known from birth how to respond to the distinctive yelps that the brooding hen makes to gather her flock when they finally emerge from their shells. “Assembly yelp” is the collective term for these yelps, though most hens will also occasionally cluck in front of and/or behind the yelps, so the term “yelp” is used ambiguously.
I have never heard any two hens sound alike when they are assembling their brood. I’ve heard a couple that did more clucks than yelps calling in their flock.
Because of her apparent authority and urgency, I think the assembly yelp stands out from the plain or lost yelps. The poults understand very well that she is telling them to “get yourself over here right now!” .
Lovett Williams, a turkey biology expert, asserts that the poults are trained to respond only to the voice of their mother hen. It is nature’s way of keeping the poults from getting mixed up with other broods. You should know you’re not going to have much luck trying to call the poults away from her. Occasionally, I’ve been successful in attracting the hen and her offspring by making light of the elderly woman and taunting her with my own version of assembly yelps. Try to sound just like the old hen and add a little “charisma” to your calling. However, most of the time she will just gather up her troOps and go the other way.
I don’t think the assembly yelp is a very useful hunting call because every hen has a different version, but you should be aware of it
The basic hen yelp is precisely what it sounds like: it’s a straightforward series of four to six yelps with minimal changes in intensity, tempo, or volume. No one has a clear explanation of what they exactly mean. A turkey will yap clearly—not in an assembly- or lost-like manner—when it is within easy sight of her flock.
The plain yelp is the sound you should practice the most to become a skilled turkey caller. If a turkey won’t respond to your yelp, something is wrong with the turkey or with your yelp.
Ron Jolly is one of the best turkey hunters I’ve ever met and makes an excellent videographer. One spring season, I went turkey hunting with him. That season, he filmed 28 turkeys called to the gun. Every one of them came in to hen yelps. No response to other calls, just to hen yelps, and most of them plain hen yelps.
You can slightly adjust the volume and tempo to convey excitement, but you must make sure that the sequences last between four and six yells.
I think it is of utmost importance to make a statement when you call. I have always believed making turkey sounds with no purpose or sequence was counterproductive.
A group of wild turkeys that Joe Hutto, a turkey biologist, raised after they were incubated and hatched were imprinted on him. He essentially adopted them as his surrogate mother in order to keep a close eye on their behavior during their first year of life. Without the usual mistrust and fear of people, he produced an unadulterated, natural window into their thought and feeling processes.
I believe his findings are invaluable. One observation dealt with the sounds that distressed and disturbed turkeys make. He said, “One way to frighten or disturb wild turkeys, ironically, is with a turkey call. They seem very limited in their tolerance for meaningless yelping. ”.
Therefore, when you make a call, know what you’re saying and how to say it. Make a statement and say it with some authority.
For more turkey calling and hunting tips, order Lessons Learned From the Magnificent Bird, by Gary Sefton.
Ah the majestic turkey. A symbol of Thanksgiving, a formidable foe in the woods and a master of vocal communication. But what do those yelps, clucks, and gobbles really mean?
Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts! This guide will delve into the fascinating world of turkey vocalizations, deciphering their meanings and helping you understand these feathered friends like never before.
The Yelping Turkey: A Versatile Communicator
The yelp is the most versatile and commonly heard turkey sound. It is an essential tool in their social interactions because, depending on the situation, it can convey a multitude of messages.
The Plain Yelp: This two-note call is the most basic form of yelp It’s used by hens to communicate with other hens, gobblers, and even poults. The meaning of the plain yelp can vary depending on its frequency, volume, and context. For instance, a series of rapid yelps might indicate excitement or alarm, while a slower, drawn-out yelp could signal contentment or a desire to gather
The Lost Yelp: This desperate plea is used by young turkeys separated from their flock. It’s characterized by its higher pitch, increased intensity, and longer duration compared to the plain yelp Hearing a lost yelp is a sure sign that a young turkey needs help, and experienced hunters often use this call to lure in lost poults.
The Assembly Yelp: Adult hens use this loud, demanding yelp to gather their dispersed brood. It’s similar to the plain yelp but with added emphasis and urgency. The assembly yelp is most prevalent in the autumn, when fledging turkeys are more prone to stray.
The Gobbler Yelp: Gobblers yelp too, but they do so more slowly, coarsely, and in deeper tones than hens do. They use this call, particularly in the breeding season, to interact with other gobblers and hens.
Beyond the Yelp: A Chorus of Turkey Sounds
The turkey’s repertoire extends far beyond the yelp. Let’s explore some other essential turkey vocalizations:
The Cluck: Turkeys use this brief, single-note cry to attract attention, find other turkeys, or show satisfaction. It’s a useful tool for hunters attempting to replicate the natural behavior of turkeys because it’s a versatile sound that can be used in a variety of situations.
The Purr: This soft, rolling call is a sign of contentment and social interaction. Turkeys often purr while feeding or interacting with other members of their flock. It’s a calming sound that indicates a relaxed and comfortable environment.
The Cutting: This series of loud, rapid clucks is used by turkeys to express excitement or agitation. It’s often used by hens to attract gobblers or to challenge other hens for dominance. The cutting call is a clear sign that something is happening, and it can be used by hunters to pique the interest of nearby turkeys.
The Putt: This single, sharp note is used as an alarm call. Turkeys use it to warn other members of their flock of potential danger. Turkeys use the putt as a vital means of communication to stay safe and evade predators.
The Tree Call: When roosting in trees, turkeys use this series of quiet, muffled yelps and clucks. They use it as a means of social interaction and communication within the flock.
The Fly-Down Cackle: This combination of clucks, yelps, and cuts is used by turkeys as they fly down from their roosts. It’s a way for them to communicate their location and maintain flock cohesion during the transition to the ground.
The Kee-Kee: This coarse, three-note call is used by young turkeys to reassemble with the flock after becoming separated. It’s a high-pitched, attention-grabbing sound that helps young turkeys find their way back to their family.
The Gobbler: This iconic sound is the turkey’s mating call. It’s a loud, booming vocalization that can be heard for miles. Gobblers use this call to attract hens and assert their dominance over other males.
Understanding Turkey Vocalizations: A Key to Success
By understanding the meanings of these various turkey vocalizations, hunters can gain a significant advantage in the field. Learning to mimic these calls effectively can help attract turkeys, communicate with them, and ultimately increase your chances of a successful hunt.
So, the next time you hear a turkey in the woods, listen closely. By understanding their language, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures but also unlock new possibilities for success in your turkey hunting endeavors.
TURKEY CALLING TIPS | Turkey Sounds and What They Mean
FAQ
What do different turkey sounds mean?
What does a turkey cluck mean?
Why do gobblers yelp?
How often do you yelp when turkey hunting?