Ever heard a wise old owl hoot in the woods and wondered if that sound could help you bag a turkey? Many turkey hunters use owl calls, but picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. It’s tough to know which call sounds most natural and will get a gobbler talking back. You might be frustrated by calls that don’t work or are hard to use.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore why owl calls are a secret weapon for turkey hunters. You’ll learn what makes a great owl call and how to use it effectively to attract those wily birds. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing and using an owl call, making your next turkey hunt more successful.
Let’s dive into the world of owl calls and discover how they can bring you closer to that prize gobbler.
Our Top 5 Owl Call For Turkey Hunting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Owl Call For Turkey Hunting Detailed Reviews
1. Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call, Turkey Hunting Owl Call in Black 314 is a powerful tool for any hunter. It’s designed to sound like real owls, which can help attract turkeys during hunting season. This call works for everyone, whether you hunt all the time or just sometimes. It’s also built to last and easy to take with you.
What We Like:
- LOUD! This call makes a really strong sound that carries far.
- Versatile Tones: It has three special holes that let you make eight different sounds and pitches.
- Realistic Sounds: You can easily make the clear hoots of barred owls and great horned owls.
- Built Tough: The call is durable, so it can handle being used outdoors.
- Portable: It’s easy to carry, so it won’t weigh you down in the woods.
- For All Hunters: It fits the needs of professional hunters, people who hunt for fun, and even casual users.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: Getting all eight tones perfect might take a little practice for some users.
This owl call is a fantastic addition to any hunter’s gear. It’s loud, realistic, and built to last, making it a reliable choice for attracting game.
2. PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call in Black is a tool designed to help hunters find turkeys. It imitates the sound of a barred owl, which hunters have found that turkeys respond to well. This call aims to help you locate even shy turkeys. It’s built for loudness and ease of use.
What We Like:
- The call accurately copies the barred owl’s 8-note sound with a rasp.
- It has strong volume, making it good for finding turkeys from a distance.
- The improved design makes it super loud for locating.
- It prevents reeds from sticking, even with a lot of blowing.
- You can change tones and pitches by using back pressure.
- It’s designed for all types of hunters, from pros to casual users.
- The automatic back pressure feature makes it easier to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rasp sound is only heard up close, which might not always be ideal for locating.
- While designed for all users, mastering the tone variations might take practice.
Overall, the PRIMOS Power Owl is a powerful tool for turkey hunters. Its ability to produce loud, realistic owl sounds can significantly improve your chances of locating your target.
3. HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Mega Hoot Owl Gobbler Locator Rasp Sound Long Distance Turkey Mouth Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Mega Hoot Owl Gobbler Locator Rasp Sound Long Distance Turkey Mouth Call in brown is a top-notch tool for any turkey hunter. It’s built to help you locate gobblers from far away, even in tough conditions. This call is designed to make realistic owl hoots that get the attention of turkeys.
What We Like:
- It makes loud, raspy owl sounds that travel a long distance, helping you find turkeys from afar.
- You don’t need to blow very hard to make great sounds, making it easy to use for long periods.
- The call has a comfortable, specially shaped barrel that fits nicely in your hand.
- It’s part of the Strut Select premium line, meaning it’s made with good materials and great care.
- This call is designed to help you pinpoint your prey’s exact location.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for locating, it might not be as versatile for other turkey sounds like yelps or clucks.
- The focus is on long-distance owl calls, so hunters looking for a multi-purpose mouth call might need other options.
This Mega Hoot Owl Call is a fantastic choice for hunters who want to effectively locate gobblers. It’s a reliable tool that can improve your chances of a successful hunt.
4. ESH Owl Call for Turkey Hunting – Pure Owl Hoot Turkey Calls for Hunting – Real Maple Wood Bird Call & Trapping Supplies – Perfect Turkey Call for Beginners & Pro Hunters – Turkey Hunting Gear
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to bring in those big toms with the ESH Owl Call for Turkey Hunting. This call is designed to make you sound like a real owl, which is a secret weapon for spring turkey hunting. Turkeys get excited when they hear owls, especially when they’re looking for a mate, and this call helps you do just that. It’s made from real maple wood and is easy to use, so even if you’re new to turkey hunting, you can master it quickly.
What We Like:
- Makes very realistic owl hoots that attract turkeys.
- Hand-carved from real maple wood in the USA for great sound.
- Easy to blow, even for beginners, and can make tricky sounds.
- Designed to get “shock gobbles” from turkeys.
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee – love it or get your money back.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description focuses heavily on owl sounds; more variety in turkey vocalizations might be a bonus for some hunters.
- While durable, some users might prefer a more compact or weather-resistant material for extreme conditions.
This ESH Owl Call is a solid choice for any turkey hunter looking to improve their success rate. It offers a simple yet effective way to get the attention of those elusive gobblers.
5. Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call is a must-have for any turkey hunter. This call is designed to help you locate gobblers, especially during those crucial early morning and late evening hours. Its realistic barred owl sound, with true hoot tones, is known to trigger shock gobbles from turkeys, bringing them closer. Created by passionate turkey hunters, this gear accessory aims to help you successfully fill your tag.
What We Like:
- Excellent for locating gobblers in early morning or evening.
- Produces a realistic barred owl sound that often elicits shock gobbles.
- Designed by experienced turkey hunters who want you to succeed.
- Easy for hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, to use.
- A vital piece of turkey hunting gear for bagging your next gobbler.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific effectiveness can vary depending on the individual turkey’s behavior.
- While designed for ease of use, mastering any locator call takes practice.
This Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call from Duck Commander is a reliable tool for any turkey hunter. It offers a simple yet effective way to improve your chances of success in the field.
How to Choose the Best Owl Call for Turkey Hunting
Getting ready for turkey season? A good owl call can be a game-changer. It helps you locate turkeys and can even get them to gobble and come closer. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect owl call.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an owl call, keep these important things in mind:
- Sound Realism: The most important thing is how realistic the call sounds. A good owl call mimics the hoots, barks, and even the screeches that real owls make. Turkeys react to these sounds.
- Ease of Use: You don’t want to be fumbling with a complicated call when a big tom is nearby. Look for calls that are easy to hold and operate. Simple designs often work best.
- Durability: Turkey hunting can be tough on your gear. Your owl call needs to be built to last. It should handle being in your vest, getting bumped around, and even a little rain.
- Portability: You’ll be carrying a lot of gear. A compact and lightweight owl call is a big plus. It shouldn’t add much weight or take up too much space.
- Sound Variety: Some calls can make different owl sounds. This can be helpful because different owl sounds might get different reactions from turkeys.
Important Materials
The materials used to make an owl call affect its sound and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many top-quality owl calls are made from wood. Different types of wood create different tones. Walnut, cherry, and cedar are popular choices. Wood often gives a natural, rich sound.
- Plastic: Plastic calls are usually more affordable and can be very durable. They can also be easier to clean and maintain. Some plastic calls are designed to sound very realistic.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is another good material. It’s strong and can produce clear, sharp sounds. It’s also easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make an owl call sound amazing or not so great.
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is made matters a lot. Hand-tuned calls are often better. This means someone carefully adjusted the call to make sure it sounds just right.
- Design: The shape and design of the call influence its sound. A well-designed call will be easier to blow and produce a wider range of sounds.
- Weather: Extreme cold or wet weather can sometimes affect how a call works. Wood calls might swell in humidity, and plastic calls can become brittle in very cold temperatures. Keeping your call dry and protected helps.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an owl call is all about strategy.
- Locating Birds: The most common use is to hoot in the early morning or late afternoon. You listen for turkeys to gobble back. This tells you where they are.
- Calling Birds In: Once you know where a turkey is, you can use owl sounds to try and get it to come closer. Turkeys sometimes see owls as a threat and might approach to investigate or drive them away.
- Breaking Silence: Sometimes, a well-timed owl hoot can break the silence and make a shy turkey gobble. This can give you a chance to move in closer.
- Practice: It’s important to practice using your call. Learn different sounds and how to make them clearly. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at fooling those turkeys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Owl Calls for Turkey Hunting
Q: What is an owl call used for in turkey hunting?
A: An owl call is used to make sounds that real owls make. This helps hunters find turkeys and can make them gobble and move towards the hunter.
Q: What is the best type of owl call to buy?
A: The best type depends on what you prefer. Wood calls often have a richer sound, while plastic and acrylic calls can be more durable and easier to use in different weather.
Q: How do I make my owl call sound realistic?
A: Practice is key! Learn to mimic the different sounds of owls, like hoots and barks. Listen to real owls if you can. A good call design also helps make realistic sounds.
Q: Can any owl call attract turkeys?
A: While many owl calls can work, calls that sound very realistic are usually more effective. Turkeys are smart and can tell if a sound is fake.
Q: Do I need to clean my owl call?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to keep your call clean and dry. This helps it last longer and sound its best. Wipe it down after use, especially if it gets wet.
Q: When is the best time to use an owl call?
A: Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times. This is when turkeys are most vocal and likely to respond to owl sounds.
Q: Can I use an owl call to call hens?
A: No, owl calls are not used to imitate hen turkey sounds. Different calls are used for different turkey sounds.
Q: What does it mean if a turkey gobbles at my owl call?
A: A gobble means the turkey heard your call and is responding. This is a good sign that it might come closer.
Q: Are expensive owl calls always better?
A: Not always. While higher quality materials and craftsmanship can improve sound, a well-made, simple call can be very effective. It’s more about how realistic it sounds and how well you can use it.
Q: Can I use an owl call in different weather conditions?
A: Yes, but some materials handle weather better than others. Plastic and acrylic are generally more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than wood.
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.
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