How Do You Call a Turkey? Mastering the Art of Wild Turkey Vocalization
Calling a turkey involves mimicking the various sounds wild turkeys make to attract them during hunting season or for observation. Mastering the art requires practice, patience, and understanding the nuances of turkey language to effectively communicate and lure them into range.
The Allure of the Turkey Call: More Than Just a Gobble
Calling turkeys isn’t just about making noise; it’s about engaging in a conversation, telling a story that a wild turkey finds irresistible. The rewards of successful turkey calling are manifold, from the thrill of the hunt to a deeper appreciation for the complexities of wildlife communication.
Understanding the Turkey Vocal Repertoire
Turkeys use a wide array of calls, each with a specific meaning and purpose. Understanding these calls is crucial for effective communication. Some of the most common calls include:
- Gobble: The most recognizable turkey call, typically made by males (toms) to attract hens during mating season. It’s a loud, explosive sound.
- Cluck: A short, staccato sound used for various purposes, including communication within a flock and attracting attention.
- Putt: An alarm call, often signaling danger or suspicion.
- Yelp: A versatile call used by both hens and toms, serving as a general call to locate other turkeys and express excitement.
- Purr: A soft, contented sound, often heard when turkeys are feeding or relaxed.
- Kee-kee Run: A high-pitched call made by young turkeys (jakes) looking for their mother hen.
The Tools of the Trade: Turkey Calling Devices
A variety of devices are used to mimic turkey calls, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:
- Box Calls: Easy to learn and produce loud, realistic sounds.
- Slate Calls: Offer a wide range of tones and volumes, requiring more finesse to master.
- Mouth Calls (Diaphragm Calls): Hands-free operation, allowing for greater mobility, but require significant practice to control.
- Pot Calls: Similar to slate calls, using a striker against a calling surface.
- Push-Button Calls: Simple and user-friendly, producing consistent yelps and clucks.
| Call Type | Ease of Use | Volume | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Call | High | High | Medium |
| Slate Call | Medium | Medium | High |
| Mouth Call | Low | Low to Medium | High |
| Pot Call | Medium | Medium | High |
| Push-Button Call | High | Medium | Low |
Mastering the Call: Techniques and Strategies
Successfully calling a turkey involves more than just making the right sounds. It requires understanding turkey behavior, reading the terrain, and adapting your strategy to the situation.
- Scouting: Before you even pick up a call, spend time scouting the area to identify turkey roosting locations, feeding areas, and travel routes.
- Camouflage and Concealment: Turkeys have excellent eyesight. Blend into your surroundings and minimize movement.
- Calling Location: Position yourself in a location where turkeys are likely to hear you and feel comfortable approaching. Avoid open areas and noisy environments.
- Starting Softly: Begin with soft clucks and yelps to pique the turkey’s interest. Gradually increase the volume and intensity if necessary.
- Reading the Response: Pay close attention to the turkey’s reaction. If it’s coming in quickly, reduce your calling. If it’s hesitant, try different calls or change your location.
- Patience is Key: Turkeys are unpredictable. Be prepared to wait patiently and adjust your strategy as needed. Sometimes, silence is the best call.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced turkey hunters can make mistakes that spook turkeys. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcalling: Calling too frequently or too loudly can scare turkeys away.
- Moving Too Much: Turkeys are easily spooked by movement. Stay still and avoid sudden movements.
- Poor Camouflage: Failing to blend into your surroundings will make you visible to turkeys.
- Calling at the Wrong Time: Avoid calling when turkeys are already actively feeding or moving.
- Ignoring the Wind: The wind can carry your scent and your calls, potentially alerting turkeys to your presence.
- Not Practicing: Practice your calling techniques regularly to improve your consistency and realism.
Ethical Considerations
Always prioritize ethical hunting practices. This includes knowing and following all hunting regulations, ensuring a clean and humane kill, and respecting the land and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best turkey call for beginners?
For beginners, the box call is often recommended due to its simplicity and ease of use. It requires less finesse than other calls and can produce realistic and loud turkey sounds with minimal practice.
How do I make a realistic turkey yelp?
A realistic turkey yelp should consist of a series of two to three notes that gradually increase in volume and then taper off. Practice with different calls and listen to recordings of real turkey yelps to hone your technique. Focus on consistency and rhythm.
What is the difference between a hen yelp and a tom yelp?
Hen yelps are generally softer and higher pitched than tom yelps. Tom yelps tend to be deeper and raspier. Pay attention to these subtle differences when trying to imitate each type of call.
When is the best time of day to call turkeys?
The best times to call turkeys are typically early in the morning and late in the afternoon, during the periods when they are most active. However, turkeys can be called at any time of day, depending on the weather and other factors.
What should I do if a turkey starts coming in but then stops?
If a turkey stops approaching, try reducing your calling or changing your call type. It’s possible the turkey has encountered an obstacle or is becoming suspicious. Sometimes, silence is the best approach.
How important is camouflage when turkey hunting?
Camouflage is crucial when turkey hunting. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and can easily spot movement or unnatural patterns. Wear camouflage clothing that blends into your surroundings, and avoid making sudden movements.
How can I determine the age of a turkey by its call?
While it’s difficult to determine a turkey’s exact age by its call, younger turkeys (jakes) often make higher-pitched, less refined calls than mature toms. They might also use the kee-kee run call, a call unique to young turkeys.
What is a “shock gobble” and how do I use it?
A shock gobble is a loud, abrupt call designed to elicit a response from a nearby tom. It can be any loud noise, such as an owl hoot, crow call, or even a loud shout. Use it sparingly, as it can also spook turkeys if overused.
How do I deal with a henned-up tom?
A henned-up tom (a tom surrounded by hens) is one of the most challenging situations for a turkey hunter. Try using aggressive calling to challenge the hens or mimic a rival hen. Patience and persistence are key. Sometimes, leaving and returning later is the best strategy.
What are some common mistakes beginners make when using a mouth call?
Beginners often struggle with breath control and tongue placement when using a mouth call. Practice regularly to develop the necessary muscle memory and coordination. Starting with a single-reed call can simplify the learning process.
How far away can a turkey hear a call?
A turkey can typically hear a call from several hundred yards to a mile away, depending on the terrain, wind conditions, and the volume of the call. Clear, open areas allow sound to travel further.
Is it ethical to call turkeys on public land?
Calling turkeys on public land is generally considered ethical, as long as you are following all hunting regulations and respecting other hunters. Be mindful of your calling volume and avoid interfering with other hunters’ hunts. Communicate with other hunters if necessary to avoid conflicts.