Calls In Turkey Hunting

Every seasoned hunter knows that calling is a very important part of turkey hunting. Just like most other complex animals, turkeys have a system of sounds - calls, as they're more commonly known - to signal to and communicate with each other. Your familiarity with these calls will have a big impact on your success in turkey hunting.

The Importance of Calls

By nature, turkeys in the wild tend to be wary or even fearful of humans. They're rather docile birds, so predatory threats like humans are to be escaped rather than confronted. It's this instinct that will make it difficult for you to find and get a turkey, because there's a good chance that they'll notice you before you do them.

Calling simulates the sound of another turkey. You're essentially pretending to be a fellow turkey so as to make them regard you as less of a threat and thus lower their guard. If you've gotten really good with turkey hunting and calls, you can even make turkeys approach you just by making the right sound.

That's why calls are very important. In almost all turkey hunting conditions, there's an appropriate call or sound that will make it easier for you to get yourself a turkey. Knowing the types of calls and the right situation to use each one will be a great advantage to you as a hunter.

Types of Turkey Hunting Calls

There are three basic types of calls in turkey hunting - the box call, the diaphragm call and the slate call. Each one is different based on the implements used to create their sounds.

Box calls are made using a specially constructed box that's usually made of wood, hence the name. They're one of the most convenient calls for you to use because the calling tool itself is very easy to find, and the sound is simple to produce. It's also very effective because it can produce a lot of volume for such an uncomplicated device.

Diaphragm turkey calls, on the other hand, require no additional equipment whatsoever. You'll have to produce your own sounds when you're out turkey hunting, so you've got to have the sound production technique practiced before you begin. Sounds are produced using just your mouth and your diaphragm, leaving your hands free to operate your other turkey hunting gear.

Like box calls, slate calls require the use of an implement - a slate, in this case - to produce the necessary sound. The slate comes with a striker, which is struck against the surface of the slate to produce the sound. Different techniques of striking will produce different sounds, so slate calls are very versatile.

Although one call will definitely suffice to get you results, it's best if you learn at least two or three. You never know what kind of conditions you'll have to face when turkey hunting, and it's best to be prepared for everything.