How to Use a Turkey Call Slate: Mastering the Sweet Sounds of Success
A slate call mimics a hen turkey’s vocalizations, attracting gobblers during hunting season. To use it effectively, gently scratch a striker across a slate surface to produce various calls, mastering techniques like purrs, clucks, yelps, and cutts to fool even the wariest of toms.
Understanding the Slate Call: A Hunter’s Secret Weapon
The slate call, a staple in the turkey hunter’s arsenal, offers unparalleled versatility and realism when mimicking the captivating sounds of a hen turkey. This seemingly simple device can produce a wide range of calls, from the softest purrs to the most aggressive cutts, making it a crucial tool for enticing gobblers within range. Mastering the slate call unlocks a new level of hunting success, allowing you to communicate with turkeys on their own terms.
The Anatomy of a Slate Call
Understanding the components of a slate call is crucial for mastering its use:
- Slate Surface: The calling surface, typically made of slate, glass, crystal, or aluminum. Slate offers a mellow, natural sound.
- Striker: A rod-like instrument, typically made of wood, acrylic, or carbon, used to create friction on the slate surface to produce sounds. Different strikers produce different tones.
- Pot: The housing that holds the slate surface, often made of wood, plastic, or metal.
Generating Turkey Talk: The Core Sounds
The slate call’s versatility stems from its ability to reproduce a variety of turkey vocalizations. Learning these core sounds is essential:
- Cluck: A short, sharp note used for general communication and attracting attention.
- Purr: A soft, rolling sound that indicates contentment and reassurance.
- Yelp: A series of rising and falling notes used to signal a hen’s location and attract a gobbler. The most common call.
- Cutt: An aggressive, excited call used to challenge other hens or spark a gobbler’s interest. High energy!
The Proper Technique: Step-by-Step
Using a slate call effectively requires precision and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Grip: Hold the call firmly in one hand, with your fingertips resting on the edge of the pot.
- Striker Placement: Hold the striker like a pencil, angling it slightly away from you.
- Sound Production: Apply gentle pressure and move the striker across the slate surface in short, controlled strokes.
- Practice: Experiment with different pressures, angles, and stroke lengths to produce varying tones and calls.
Mastering Different Calls: Nuances and Variations
Each turkey call requires a slightly different technique. Here’s how to produce each call effectively:
- Cluck: Use a short, quick tap of the striker on the slate. Imagine dropping a pebble on the surface.
- Purr: Apply very light pressure and move the striker in a slow, circular motion. Think of gently stirring a cup of coffee.
- Yelp: Start with a light touch and gradually increase pressure as you move the striker across the slate in a smooth, arcing motion. Vary the speed and rhythm to create different yelps.
- Cutt: Use a sharp, aggressive stroke with a lot of pressure. Lift the striker slightly between each cutt to create a distinct, staccato sound.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many novice slate call users make easily avoidable mistakes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Applying too much pressure: This creates a harsh, unnatural sound. Use a light touch and let the friction do the work.
- Holding the striker too rigidly: A relaxed grip allows for more control and nuance.
- Making the same call repeatedly: Turkeys are smart. Vary your calls and add pauses to keep them interested.
- Failing to condition your call: Use sandpaper to scuff the slate surface and the striker tip for optimal sound quality. Essential for optimal performance.
Advanced Techniques: Adding Realism
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced techniques:
- Mixing calls: Combine clucks, purrs, and yelps to create a more realistic and engaging sequence.
- Varying the volume: Use soft calls to lure turkeys in close and louder calls to reach out to distant gobblers.
- Mimicking specific hen sounds: Listen to recordings of real hen turkeys and try to replicate their vocalizations.
Maintaining Your Slate Call: Longevity and Performance
Proper maintenance ensures your slate call remains in top condition:
- Clean the slate surface: Use a mild abrasive cleaner to remove dirt and oil.
- Condition the striker tip: Use sandpaper to scuff the striker tip and maintain a rough surface.
- Store the call in a dry place: Moisture can damage the slate and striker.
- Carry a scratch pad: Touch up the slate surface during the hunt for optimal sound.
Understanding the Habitat: Where Calls Shine
Consider the environment when using your slate call. Heavy woods call for higher-pitched sounds that travel better, while open fields might benefit from softer, more subtle calls. Understanding the specific context of your hunt will enhance your effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of slate is best for a beginner?
A slate call with a softer slate material like natural slate or crystal is often recommended for beginners. These materials tend to be more forgiving and easier to produce consistent sounds with.
What kind of striker should I use?
The ideal striker depends on personal preference and the slate material. Experiment with different materials like wood, acrylic, and carbon. Wood strikers offer a warmer tone, while synthetic strikers provide a sharper, clearer sound.
How often should I condition my slate call?
Condition your slate call before each hunt to ensure optimal sound quality. A quick scuff with sandpaper on both the slate surface and striker tip is usually sufficient.
How loud should I call?
The volume of your calls should vary depending on the distance to the gobbler and the surrounding terrain. Use louder calls to reach distant turkeys and softer calls to lure them in close.
What is the best time of day to use a slate call?
The best time to use a slate call is typically early morning or late afternoon, when turkeys are most active. However, you can use a slate call successfully at any time of day, especially during the peak of the breeding season.
Can I use a slate call in the rain?
Using a slate call in the rain can be challenging, as the moisture can affect the sound quality. Consider using a waterproof slate call or a different type of call, such as a diaphragm call, in wet conditions.
How do I know if my call sounds realistic?
Compare your calls to recordings of real hen turkeys and ask experienced hunters for feedback. Practice and attention to detail are key to achieving a realistic sound.
Is it ethical to use a slate call to attract turkeys?
Using a slate call is generally considered an ethical hunting practice. However, it’s important to be aware of local regulations and to avoid using calls in a way that could harm or disturb other hunters or wildlife.
How far away can a turkey hear a slate call?
A turkey can typically hear a slate call from several hundred yards away, depending on the terrain, weather conditions, and the volume of the call.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a slate call?
Common mistakes include using too much pressure, holding the striker too rigidly, and making the same call repeatedly. Avoid these by focusing on technique and variation.
How can I practice using a slate call without disturbing turkeys?
Practice using your slate call at home or in a non-hunting area, such as your backyard or a local park. Record yourself and analyze the quality of your calls.
What other calls pair well with a slate call?
Slate calls pair well with other turkey calls such as box calls, diaphragm calls, and wingbone calls. Combining different types of calls can add realism and variety to your calling sequence.