The art of calling:

 This post will focus on using the proper techniques for calling in long beards while covering some of the basic types of turkey calls used in the spring woods. So get ready to grab your 12 gauge put on your snake boots and pop in a mouth call, lets go.

Basic types of calls:

I choose to start here because if you don't know what you’re looking for in a turkey call then there is a good chance you could end up purchasing the wrong one for yourself. I am starting with the 3 most basic types of calls the friction call, diaphragm or mouth call and the locator call. Each one of these calls has a place in the turkey hunter’s bag of tricks.  The most used call in the spring woods is the ever popular friction call.

As the name suggests friction calls work by using the power of friction. These calls come in 3 call types: the pot and peg, box call and the push pen. The most popular are the box and the pot and peg style calls.  My personal favorite is the pot and peg or slate call. The calls are operated by a wooden peg also known as a striker sliding across a surface such as glass, slate, aluminum or plexie type material.  Each surface material has its advantages and disadvantages; glass for example is very high pitched.  It is a call that will cut through strong winds easily.  The same goes for aluminum, this makes the first two calls great starting call and easy to use in any condition. Slate and plexi on the other hand are a little lower and quieter, making soft purrs and clucks perfect for imitating that provocative hen. if you are  confused and conflicted on what type of material you want to use then i suggest using the “quacker boy triple threat,” 1/3 of the call is glass and 1/3 is plexi , and 1/3 is aluminum,  this is a great call for those of you who just can’t make up their mind

Technique:The first thing you want to do is use the sand paper that comes with your call to cause abrasions on the surface of your call. This will allow the sound of calls to be made so it is imperative that you do not get the surface wet or to wipe it on clothing. Now let’s call, if you are using a pot and peg style call set the pot in your non dominant hand and the striker or peg in the other hand. Next, with your left hand make your fingers form a platform for the pot so that there is a pocket in your hand under the sound hole. At this point hold the striker in your right hand at a 45 degree angle and draw egg shaped ovals on the surface of the call.  Practice until you are comfortable.

                                            this tramp stamp by flextone is a great call and one
                                             of my favorite

Box calls and push pens:

Box calls and push pins like the pot and peg calls work on friction also. However they just have a slightly different design. Let’s began with the box call, a box call consist of a well, a box and a lid. When using the box call take the lid and slide it across the roughed lip of the box.  This causes the high pitched clucks, cuts and purrs. While not as loud as most glass and aluminum calls the box call does have advantages such as its one piece construction.  If you are one of those people who lose gear easily this is a huge advantage over the pot and peg style call. Another great advantage is the   ease of use.  The box call is probably the easiest call to learn. Although don’t let this stop you from trying other calls, a turkey hunter needs many types of calls to trick shy gobblers.  Also remember all birds are different and like different things remember this when call shopping.  Certain box calls have other ability’s for instance a wet box, this call does not need chalk and can work in wet conditions something most friction calls can’t do. The push pen calls operate by pushing a small wooden peg into a box which makes the call.   Like most friction calls its very simple to use and can also attach to the underside of a shot gun making it possible to do some calling while that gobbling, long beard is in your face and personal.

Technique scrapes the lid across the lip of the box to make the call

Don’t forget to check out the next post where we will continue to inform you about calls.

Good Hunting and God Bless,

Ryan