Turkey Calls

[bama1911]

I am new to turkey hunting. Need help picking a call, could anybody recommend a type or brand that will be easy to learn.
Richard

 

[pinblaster]

There are some pushbotton box calls available , I don't think it can get any easier than that . I've never tried one , but I guess they work OK . I have a paddle type box call , a glass call , and some mouth diaphram calls . The box call and the glass call were easy to learn to use . The mouth diaphram call was hard at first , but once I was able to get it to make a noise it got easier . The advantage of using the mouth diaphram call is that your hands are free to use your gun . If you can't get it to work , put in your mouth and try to say the word "chick" . Another good thing about mouth diaphram calls is , the rain won't affect them , however , they aren't as easy to learn to use as the other calls (at least for me) . The most important thig to do is get a tape or video on turkey calling , so you can learn the different calls and how they're supposed to sound , and then , practice , practice , and more practice .

 

[bama1911]

Thanks pinblaster. My friend that is getting me into turkey hunting said the same. I like the idea of the mouth diaphram, but am having a hard time getting it right. Well I have until the spring hunt to get it right. Guess I need to find a video and practice. Richard

 

[DigMe]

I've not been happy with pushbutton calls.

I really like slates. Hitting that slate will make the toms come running. There is an issue with having your hands full and trying to go to your gun but you just have to develop a system. If I am staked out and start hearing some answers to the slate I'll cradle my gun across my arms with the slate in my hands and keep working it. If a turkey comes into view and I'm still holding the slate then I can just drop the slate and I have quick access to my gun.

Maybe I should just use the diaphragm calls...I sure like slates though.

brad cook

 

[pinblaster]

bama1911

bama , if you can get a copy , I would highly reccomend you read "Bearded Bird" , by Larry F. Hudson . It is probably the best book I've read so far about spring gobbler hunting . The only way I know to get it , is to contact Mr. Hudson by mail (regular mail) . I will e-mail you the return address I got when I recieved my copy back in 1988 . Hopefully he will still be there and have a copy to send you . IMO this book is well worth the small amount of money it costs .

 

[Cindog]

Just to expand on what DigMe said, I also really like slate but prefer glass because they can get wet and still be used. With slate, once its wet it is next to impossible to get a decent sound out of it until it dries. Diaphram calls are my personal favorite but until I can get mine to stop sounding like a wounded duck I am not going to actually try it in the field.

 

[sc1911cwp]

The mouth call is the best. Try this; take a deep breath, face downwind, and call, "HEY Bubba, watch this". Every turkey in the woods will look your way!!

 

[bama1911]

pinblaster -Thanks again. I'm going to try to get in touch with Mr Hudson. Any advice his book has will be most welcomed. I'm beginning to understand just how challenging turkey hunting is. Richard

 

[pinblaster]

bama 1911

You're quite welcome , bama , I'm happy to be of some help . Spring gobbler hunting is the ultimate challenge . Good luck !