Master the Art of Turkey Calling with These Top Picks for Beginners

Turkey hunting is an exhilarating sport that requires skill, patience, and the ability to effectively communicate with these elusive birds. One essential tool every aspiring turkey hunter needs is a reliable turkey call. A turkey call mimics the sounds turkeys make, attracting them and luring them within range. For beginners, selecting the right turkey call can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. To help you get started on your turkey hunting journey, we have compiled a list of the top turkey calls that are perfect for beginners. These calls are easy to use, produce realistic sounds, and will give you the best chance of success in the field.

1. Box Calls: Box calls are a popular choice among beginners due to their simplicity and versatility. They consist of a rectangular-shaped box with a paddle on top. By moving the paddle across the box’s surface, you can produce a range of turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cackles. Box calls are easy to master and produce consistent, high-quality sounds. They are also forgiving for beginners, making them an excellent starting point for learning turkey calling techniques.

2. Slate Calls: Slate calls, also known as pot calls, are another excellent option for beginners. They consist of a round piece of slate or glass set within a pot-like structure. Using a striker, you create various turkey sounds by rubbing it against the slate surface. Slate calls produce realistic, subtle tones that mimic the soft calls of a hen turkey. They are particularly effective in close-range situations and can produce gentle purrs, clucks, and soft yelps.

3. Mouth Calls: Mouth calls, also called diaphragm calls, are more challenging to master but offer the advantage of hands-free operation. They are inserted into the mouth, and by manipulating tongue and airflow, you can create a range of turkey sounds. Although mouth calls require practice to achieve proficiency, they provide excellent versatility and are effective in a variety of hunting scenarios. Once mastered, they allow you to create realistic yelps, cuts, purrs, and even gobbling sounds.

4. Push Button Calls: Push button calls are a simple yet effective option for beginners. They consist of a small box with a button or plunger on the top. By pressing the button, you can produce basic turkey sounds, such as yelps and clucks. Push button calls are user-friendly and produce consistent sounds with minimal effort. They are a great choice for beginners who want an easy-to-use call that can quickly produce realistic turkey sounds.

5. Locator Calls: While not used for directly calling in turkeys, locator calls are essential tools for beginners. Locator calls imitate the sounds of other animals or birds to locate the position of turkeys. For instance, owl hooters, crow calls, or coyote howlers can be used to elicit a response from turkeys, revealing their location. Including a locator call in your arsenal can greatly enhance your chances of finding turkeys and setting up in the right spot.

Choosing the right turkey call as a beginner can greatly enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of success. The box calls, slate calls, mouth calls, push button calls, and locator calls mentioned above are all excellent options for beginners. Remember to practice regularly to refine your calling technique and understand the nuances of turkey vocalizations.