Imagine this: you’re out in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear a gobble in the distance. You’re ready to call in that magnificent bird, but then you freeze. Which call do you grab? Does it even matter?
Choosing the right turkey call can feel overwhelming. There are so many different kinds, and each one makes a unique sound. You might worry about picking a call that doesn’t sound realistic, or one that’s just too hard to use. This can lead to frustration and missed opportunities in the field. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be this way!
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of turkey calls and know which ones are best for beginners. We’ll break down the sounds they make and give you tips on how to use them effectively. Get ready to learn what you need to make your next turkey hunt a success!
Our Top 5 Turkey Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Realistic Turkey Sounds
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit offers a complete turkey calling solution for hunters. This pack brings together essential tools to help you bring in more birds. It includes a variety of calls designed to mimic real turkey sounds, plus other game calls to add to your hunting strategy.
What We Like:
- This kit includes four essential calls: the Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call, Hammerin Crow Call, Hooter Owl Call, and Premium Double D call.
- The Suzie Snood call creates very realistic turkey sounds, making it easier to attract wild turkeys.
- The Crow and Owl calls are useful for calling in turkeys and other animals.
- The Premium Double D diaphragm call is simple to use and helps you make many different turkey sounds easily.
- All the calls are built with strong materials to last through tough outdoor conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the diaphragm call is easy to use, new hunters might need some practice to master all the sounds.
- More detailed instructions on how to use each specific call effectively could be helpful for beginners.
Overall, this combo kit is a valuable addition for any turkey hunter looking to improve their calling success. It provides a versatile and durable set of tools for the field.
2. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in yellow makes turkey calling simpler. This call helps you make realistic turkey sounds without a lot of practice. It’s built tough and designed to last for many hunting seasons.
What We Like:
- It takes the guesswork out of making good turkey calls.
- The call is made with a strong pot and a slate surface for great sound.
- A special cap shows you exactly where to strike for perfect yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- New hunters and experienced ones can use it easily.
- The slots guide your striker for consistent sounds every time.
- You can remove the cap to use the whole slate surface once you learn.
- The yellow color makes it easy to find in your gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some hunters might prefer a call with a more traditional feel right away.
- While versatile, mastering all the nuances of purrs and clucks might still take some practice beyond the guide.
This pot call is a smart choice for hunters who want reliable turkey sounds. It’s a tool that grows with your skills.
3. Woodhaven Red Wasp Custom Calls WH013
Rating: 8.5/10
The Woodhaven Red Wasp Custom Calls WH013 is a turkey call designed to bring in those gobblers. It’s made to sound like an experienced hen, giving you a realistic edge in the field. This call is great for making those tricky turkey sounds that can really get a tom fired up.
What We Like:
- It makes awesome raspy cutts and yelps.
- This call helps you bring in those gobblers.
- It has a very raspy and bold sound, just like an old hen.
- It produces sharp, crisp cutts and cackles.
- It also makes great raspy yelps.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sound can be a bit too aggressive for some beginner hunters.
- Availability can sometimes be limited.
If you want a call that sounds authentic and can help you succeed on your next turkey hunt, the Woodhaven Red Wasp Custom Calls WH013 is a solid choice. It offers a realistic sound that can make all the difference.
4. Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call Starter Pack is a fantastic way to get into turkey hunting or to add to your existing gear. This pack provides you with a variety of calls designed to mimic different turkey sounds, making you a more effective hunter. It’s a comprehensive set that helps you sound like the real thing in the woods.
What We Like:
- This starter pack includes a double-sided box call with a sonic dome slate pot, giving you two distinct calling surfaces.
- It comes with a slim striker that works well with the sonic dome slate call.
- You also get a cut diaphragm mouth call, a conditioning kit, and a carrying case, so you have everything you need in one place.
- The collection is great for both beginners just learning to call turkeys and experienced hunters looking for versatile options.
- The inclusion of a sonic dome slate call and wooden striker means you get a quality friction call right away.
- A mouth call and storage case are also provided, ensuring you can easily transport and protect your calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the striker is slim, some users might prefer a slightly thicker or more textured striker for a different feel.
- The conditioning kit is basic; advanced users might want more specialized tools for fine-tuning their mouth calls.
This starter pack offers excellent value and a solid foundation for any turkey hunter. You get a well-rounded selection of calls to help you succeed in the field.
5. ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack – Realistic Diaphragm Turkey Calls for Hunting – High-Volume 3-Reed Turkey Mouth Calls for Beginners and Pros
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to bring home that gobbler with the ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack. This set includes three different calls designed to sound like real hens. They are made for both new hunters and experienced ones. You can make all sorts of turkey sounds with them, like yelps and clucks. They are easy to use, even if you’re just starting out.
What We Like:
- Three different calls in one pack: True Hype, React, and Long Spur.
- Each call makes realistic hen sounds like yelps, kee-kees, clucks, cutts, and purrs.
- Easy to use, even for beginners. They don’t need much air to make good sounds.
- Expertly made by ESH Custom Calls. They are hand-assembled and tested.
- Designed for efficient airflow, so you can make calls easily.
- Made in the USA with good materials for lasting use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The variety of calls might be overwhelming for absolute beginners who only want one or two sounds.
- While they are user-friendly, mastering all the different sounds might take some practice for some users.
This ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack offers a fantastic way for hunters to improve their calling skills. With these realistic and easy-to-use calls, you’ll be more successful in the field.
Choosing the Right Turkey Call: Your Guide to a Successful Hunt
Unlocking the Secrets of the Wild Turkey
Turkey hunting is an exciting outdoor adventure. A good turkey call can make the difference between a quiet day and a memorable hunt. This guide will help you find the perfect call to bring that gobbler within range.
Key Features to Look For
- Sound Quality: This is the most important feature. A good call sounds like a real hen turkey. It should be able to make different sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are easier to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey hunting, start with a call that’s simple to operate.
- Durability: Your call needs to withstand the elements. It should be tough enough for the woods and won’t break easily.
- Versatility: Can the call make a variety of sounds? A versatile call lets you imitate different turkey vocalizations, which can attract more birds.
Important Materials
The materials used in a turkey call greatly affect its sound and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many high-quality calls are made from different types of wood like cedar, walnut, or cherry. Wood creates a natural, rich sound.
- Slate: Slate calls are popular for their realistic hen sounds. They often come with a striker made of wood or carbon.
- Acrylic: Acrylic calls are very durable and can produce loud, clear sounds. They are also easy to clean.
- Plastic: Plastic calls are usually the most affordable and are great for beginners. They are lightweight and easy to carry.
- Carbon: Carbon strikers are often used with slate calls. They help produce sharp, clear notes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Call Great?
- Craftsmanship: A call that is carefully made by hand often sounds better. Skilled craftspeople pay attention to the details that create realistic turkey sounds.
- Tuning: Some calls can be “tuned” to produce specific sounds. This means you can adjust them to sound just right.
- Weather Conditions: Humidity can affect how some calls sound. Wood calls, for example, might sound different when it’s damp.
What Can Hurt Call Quality?
- Poor Construction: A call that is cheaply made might sound tinny or unnatural.
- Damage: Cracks or chips in a call can change its sound for the worse.
- Lack of Practice: Even the best call won’t work if you don’t know how to use it properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a turkey call is all about practice and understanding turkey behavior. Different calls are good for different situations.
- Beginners: Friction calls like box calls or pot calls with slate are often recommended for beginners. They are easier to learn and produce classic turkey sounds.
- Experienced Hunters: Those with more experience might use diaphragm calls. These are placed in the mouth and allow for a wide range of sounds and hands-free operation.
- Calling in Gobblers: You use calls to imitate the sounds of a hen turkey. This can attract a curious gobbler to your location.
- Calling in Hens: Sometimes, you can use calls to make sounds that attract other hens, which can bring a gobbler looking for company.
- Scouting: You can use calls to locate turkeys before the hunt. A few soft clucks can reveal their presence.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend time with your call before you head into the woods. Listen to real turkeys if you can. This will help you make sounds that sound authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the easiest type of turkey call to use for a beginner?
A1: For beginners, box calls and slate pot calls are usually the easiest to learn. They produce clear sounds with a bit of practice.
Q2: How do I make my turkey call sound realistic?
A2: Practice is key. Listen to recordings of real hen turkeys. Try to mimic their clucks, yelps, and purrs.
Q3: Can I use the same turkey call for all types of turkeys?
A3: While many calls work for different species, some calls are better for certain regions or types of wild turkeys. However, a good quality call will generally be effective.
Q4: How important is the material of the call?
A4: The material is very important. Wood and slate often create more natural and varied sounds than plastic.
Q5: Will rain affect my turkey call?
A5: Yes, rain can affect some calls, especially wood calls. They might sound different or become harder to use when wet. Keep them dry when possible.
Q6: How do I clean my turkey call?
A6: Cleaning depends on the type of call. For slate calls, you might need to lightly sand the surface. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q7: What’s the difference between a cluck and a yelp?
A7: A cluck is a short, sharp sound. A yelp is a longer, more drawn-out sound. Both are common turkey vocalizations.
Q8: Can I use a turkey call to scare away predators?
A8: While not their primary purpose, the loud sounds from some calls might momentarily startle a predator.
Q9: How much should I expect to spend on a good turkey call?
A9: Beginner calls can range from $15 to $30. High-quality, handcrafted calls can cost $50 to over $100.
Q10: Are there any sounds I should avoid making with a turkey call?
A10: Avoid making unnatural or aggressive sounds. Stick to the basic hen vocalizations until you become more experienced.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.