Imagine this: the crisp morning air, the woods are waking up, and you hear it – a soft yelp in the distance. That’s the sound of a wild turkey, and if you want to be ready to answer its call, you need the right tools. Turkey calls are your secret weapon in the field, helping you mimic the sounds of these fascinating birds.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect turkey call can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds! Some are made of wood, others of slate, and then there are mouth calls that go right in your mouth. It’s easy to get confused and wonder which one will actually bring a tom closer. You want a call that sounds real, but you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something that just gathers dust.
In this post, we’ll break down the world of turkey calls. We’ll explore the different types, explain what makes them work, and give you tips to choose one that fits your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident about picking a call that will help you have a more successful and exciting turkey hunt. Get ready to learn how to speak turkey!
Our Top 5 Turkey Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in yellow is a game-changer for turkey hunters. This call takes the guesswork out of making realistic turkey sounds, helping both beginners and experienced hunters sound like a pro. It’s built with quality materials to last for many hunting seasons.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use, even if you’re new to turkey calling.
- The special lid shows you exactly where to strike for perfect clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- The smart design ensures you get consistent sounds every time you call.
- It’s made with premium materials for long-lasting durability.
- Once you learn, you can remove the cap for more advanced calling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bright yellow color might stand out a bit too much in certain hunting environments.
- While easy to use, some advanced callers might prefer a call with no lid at all for more freedom.
This call makes mastering turkey sounds much simpler. It’s a reliable tool that helps hunters connect with turkeys more effectively.
2. Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to call in those gobblers with the Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo. This 4-pack of mouth calls is designed to make your turkey hunting trips more successful. These calls are easy to use, even for beginners. They produce a variety of realistic turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- Super easy to blow, making them great for all skill levels.
- The Premium Flex frame is comfortable and keeps its shape for perfect calls every time.
- These calls are moisture-resistant, so they last longer.
- You get four different calls: Li’l Strut, Sickle Cutter, Deuce Cutter, and Smokin’ Gun.
- Each call has 2 or 3 ultra-thin reeds for clear, realistic sounds.
- The variety of sounds covers long-range calls, loud cutts, raspy sounds, and soft fall hunting calls.
- This combo gives you the versatility to match any hunting situation and attract any gobbler.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for ease of use, mastering any mouth call takes practice.
- Some hunters might prefer a slightly different sound profile than what’s offered, but the variety helps.
This Hunters Specialties mouth call combo is a must-have for any serious turkey hunter. It provides the tools you need to bring home that trophy gobbler.
3. Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Realistic Turkey Sounds
Rating: 9.3/10
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is your all-in-one solution for turkey hunting success. This pack brings together essential calls to help you sound like a real turkey. You get calls that make realistic turkey sounds, plus calls for crows and owls. This kit is built tough for the outdoors. It’s designed to help both new and experienced hunters. You can practice and improve your calling skills easily.
What We Like:
- This kit includes four different calls: the Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call, the Hammerin Crow Call, the Hooter Owl Call, and the Premium Double D diaphragm call.
- The Suzie Snood call makes very realistic turkey sounds. It helps you attract toms and hens.
- The crow and owl calls offer more ways to hunt. You can use them for turkeys and other animals.
- The Premium Double D diaphragm call is easy to use. It lets you make many turkey sounds without much effort.
- All the calls are made from strong materials. They will last through many hunting trips.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the variety is good, some hunters might prefer more specialized calls for specific turkey dialects.
- The instructions for using the diaphragm call could be a bit clearer for absolute beginners.
This combo kit provides a solid foundation for any turkey hunter. It offers great value and the tools you need to get started.
4. HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Sweet Suzie Snood Rasp Soft Seductive Cutting Calls Yelps Hen Turkey Glass Pot Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Sweet Suzie Snood Rasp Soft Seductive Cutting Calls Yelps Hen Turkey Glass Pot Call is a game-changer for turkey hunters. It’s built tough and sounds incredibly real. This call is designed to help you bring home that gobbler.
What We Like:
- This call is super reliable and tough, ready for any hunting trip.
- The frosted glass over glass pan works great in all kinds of weather.
- It makes very realistic hen turkey sounds, from soft calls to loud yelps.
- The carbon striker helps create lifelike sounds that really draw in turkeys.
- Its small size makes it easy to carry in your pocket or pack.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for various conditions, mastering the different sounds might take a little practice.
This glass pot call is a must-have for any serious turkey hunter. Get ready to experience more successful hunts with its realistic calls and durable design.
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: 9.1/10
The ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack is a fantastic set of diaphragm calls designed to help hunters of all levels bring in more turkeys. This pack includes three distinct calls, each crafted to produce a variety of realistic turkey sounds. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, these calls are built to help you succeed in the field.
What We Like:
- The comprehensive 3-pack offers great variety with the True Hype, React, and Long Spur calls.
- Each call is designed for user-friendly operation, producing realistic hen sounds with minimal air.
- These calls are expertly crafted and hand-assembled in the USA, ensuring high quality and authentic turkey sounds.
- The 3-reed design makes them efficient, requiring less air for lifelike calls like clucks and purrs.
- Durable, premium materials ensure consistent performance for successful hunts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for ease of use, some beginners might still need practice to master all the sounds.
- The specific cutting styles of each call might appeal more to certain hunting situations than others, requiring some understanding of turkey behavior.
This ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack offers a high-quality, versatile solution for any turkey hunter. With these realistic calls, you’ll be better equipped to fill your tags and enjoy more successful hunting trips.
Choosing Your Perfect Turkey Call
Gobble, gobble! If you’re ready to head into the woods and try your hand at calling in a wild turkey, you’ll need the right tool for the job. Turkey calls are your secret weapon, designed to mimic the sounds that turkeys make. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you find the perfect turkey call.
Key Features to Look For
Sound Quality
This is the most important thing. A good call sounds like a real turkey. You want calls that can make different sounds, like the soft cluck, the excited yelp, or the loud gobble. Listen to recordings of real turkeys to get a feel for what sounds you need to make.
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. You don’t want to be fumbling with your call when a turkey is nearby!
Durability
Turkey calls will go through a lot. They get wet, they get dropped, and they get carried in your hunting pack. Look for calls made from strong materials that can handle the outdoors.
Important Materials
The materials used in a turkey call greatly affect its sound and how long it lasts. Here are some common ones:
- Wood: Many box calls and some mouth calls use wood. Different types of wood, like cedar or cherry, give different sounds. Wood can create warm, natural sounds.
- Plastic: Mouth calls often use a thin plastic reed. This reed is what vibrates to make the sound. Plastic is durable and can produce a wide range of turkey noises.
- Slate: Slate calls, often called pot calls, use a slate surface. You strike this surface with a striker (a small stick). Slate can make realistic clucks and yelps.
- Glass: Similar to slate, glass calls also use a striker. Glass can produce sharp, clear sounds that are great for getting a turkey’s attention from far away.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Call Great?
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is made matters. A well-built call will produce clearer, more realistic sounds.
- Tuning: Some calls can be adjusted to make different sounds. This allows you to match the specific calls of turkeys in your area.
- Practice: Even the best call won’t work if you don’t practice. Learning to use your call effectively is key.
What Can Make a Call Less Good?
- Poor Construction: If a call is not made carefully, it might sound raspy or unnatural.
- Moisture Damage: Wood calls can swell or warp if they get too wet, which can ruin their sound.
- Lack of Practice: A hunter who doesn’t practice will struggle to make realistic turkey sounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Turkey calls are designed for one main purpose: to bring turkeys within shooting range. Different calls are better for different situations and hunters.
For Beginners
A simple box call or a basic mouth call is a good starting point. These are generally easier to learn and can produce a variety of essential turkey sounds. Practice in your backyard or a park before heading into the woods.
For Experienced Hunters
Experienced hunters might experiment with more complex calls or calls that produce specific regional dialects of turkey sounds. They might also use multiple calls to mimic different turkey interactions.
Different Calls for Different Scenarios
- Box Calls: Great for beginners and producing loud, clear yelps and clucks. They are also easy to hold and operate.
- Mouth Calls (Diaphragm Calls): These are held in your mouth and operated by air. They offer hands-free operation, which is good when a turkey is close. They take practice but can make a wide range of sounds.
- Pot Calls (Slate/Glass): These require a striker. They are excellent for making realistic clucks, purrs, and yelps. They are often favored for their realistic sound.
Choosing the right turkey call is an important step in your hunting journey. Consider the features, materials, and how you plan to use it. With practice, your new call will help you experience the thrill of calling in a tom turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Calls
Q: What is the easiest type of turkey call to learn?
A: For many beginners, a box call is the easiest to learn. You simply slide the lid across the soundboard to make noise.
Q: Do I need more than one turkey call?
A: Not necessarily to start. One good, versatile call is enough. As you get more experienced, you might want different calls for different sounds or situations.
Q: Can I use a turkey call in the rain?
A: Some calls handle rain better than others. Mouth calls are generally good in wet weather. Wood calls can be affected by moisture, so keep them dry if possible.
Q: How do I practice using a turkey call?
A: Practice in a place where you won’t disturb others, like your backyard or a quiet park. Listen to recordings of real turkeys to get the sounds right.
Q: What is the difference between a cluck and a yelp?
A: A cluck is a short, soft sound. A yelp is a longer, louder sound. Turkeys make these sounds for different reasons.
Q: How do I store my turkey calls?
A: Store them in a dry place. For wood calls, avoid extreme temperatures. Some calls come with protective cases.
Q: Are expensive turkey calls always better?
A: Not always. A well-made, less expensive call can be just as effective as a high-priced one, especially if you practice with it.
Q: What is a diaphragm call?
A: A diaphragm call is a type of mouth call. It’s a thin piece of latex stretched over a frame that you place in your mouth and use air to make sounds.
Q: How do I know if my call sounds realistic?
A: Compare the sounds you make to recordings of real turkeys. Ask experienced hunters for feedback.
Q: Can I use a turkey call to scare away other animals?
A: While some sounds might startle animals, turkey calls are specifically designed to attract turkeys, not to be used as a general deterrent.
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.