Imagine this: the first rays of sun peek over the horizon, and the woods are alive with the sound of a gobbler’s powerful call. You’re ready, your rifle is steady, but your call… well, it’s just not cutting it. If you’ve ever felt that frustration, you know the struggle is real. Choosing the perfect turkey hunting call can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different types – box calls, mouth calls, slate calls – each promising to bring that wary tom right into your lap. But how do you know which one will actually work for *you*?
This confusion can lead to missed opportunities and a lot of wasted time in the woods. You want to sound like a real hen, but sometimes it feels like you’re just making noise. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down the world of turkey calls so you can finally feel confident in your choices. You’ll learn what makes each type of call special and how to pick the one that best suits your skills and the hunting situation.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different turkey calls available and be ready to choose the perfect tool to help you bag that gobbler. Get ready to impress those wild turkeys and have more successful hunts!
Our Top 5 Turkey Hunting Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Hunting 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 designed to make turkey calling easier for everyone. This call takes the guesswork out of getting the right sounds. It’s built with quality materials to last a long time. This makes it a reliable tool for your hunting trips.
What We Like:
- It’s very easy to use, even for beginners.
- The special lid shows you exactly where to strike for perfect calls.
- It produces a variety of sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- The call is made from premium materials and is built to last for many years.
- Once you learn, you can remove the lid for more advanced calling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The quick-reference cap might feel a bit restrictive for very experienced callers at first.
- While the yellow color is bright, it might not be ideal for hunters who prefer very stealthy gear.
This pot call is a fantastic tool for any hunter looking to improve their turkey calling skills. It offers a user-friendly approach to producing realistic turkey sounds, making your hunting experience more successful.
2. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Raspy Old Hen Glass Wild Turkey Call Hunting Combo Kit
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to call in those gobblers? The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Raspy Old Hen Glass Wild Turkey Call Hunting Combo Kit is your ticket to a successful hunt. This kit brings you two powerful tools: the Raspy Old Hen Premium Flex diaphragm call and the Raspy Old Hen glass call. With this combo, you’ll be able to make all the turkey sounds you need to get a bird to come your way.
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What We Like:
- The combo includes both a glass call and a diaphragm call, giving you versatility.
- The diaphragm call is made with Infinity Latex, which is super durable and consistent.
- You can make a wide variety of turkey sounds, from soft yelps to loud cutting.
- The glass call comes with a carbon striker for great sound.
- This kit offers a great value for the quality of calls you get.
- The diaphragm call’s tape is water-resistant and lasts a whole season.
- It’s designed for extra rasp and volume, which helps attract turkeys.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, mastering both call types may take some practice for beginners.
This HS Strut Raspy Old Hen combo kit is a fantastic choice for any turkey hunter looking for reliable and effective calls. You’ll be ready to hit the woods and bring home dinner.
3. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Turkey Sounds
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit is a fantastic turkey call set for hunters. It gives you a variety of sounds to attract gobblers. This kit includes three different types of calls: a box call, a glass friction call, and a diaphragm call. Each one is designed to sound like a real hen turkey.
What We Like:
- The box call is handmade with cherry and maple wood. It makes clear, high-pitched yelps and raspy cuts. It is also waterproof, so you can use it in any weather.
- The glass friction call is very versatile. It makes soft yelps and loud, excited cutting sounds. The special pan design and carbon striker help make clear turkey noises.
- The diaphragm call uses special Infinity Latex for long-lasting, consistent sounds. The double-split reed adds extra rasp for realistic turkey calls.
- All the calls are water-resistant and built to last. The diaphragm call has special tape to keep it working well all season.
- The box call has a strap to keep it quiet when you move. This stops you from scaring away the turkeys.
- This kit offers a lot of value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might find the initial learning curve for the diaphragm call a bit challenging.
This combo kit provides everything a hunter needs to make realistic turkey sounds. It’s a great value for a reliable set of calls.
4. Primos Hunting Crow Call
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to improve your hunting game? The Primos Hunting Crow Call is a versatile tool designed to help you locate and call in both turkeys and crows. Its authentic crow sounds can make a gobbler give away its spot, allowing you to move in and get closer. You can also use it to call in crows themselves.
What We Like:
- This call makes accurate, subtle crow sounds that mimic real crows.
- It’s an excellent tool for locating turkeys in the spring by getting them to gobble back.
- The call has a super raspy sound, which is great for attracting attention.
- Primos Hunting is a trusted brand that makes game calls for many types of animals.
- The company is committed to making great products built by hunters for hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention how easy or difficult the call is to master.
- More details about the durability or materials used would be helpful.
This Primos Crow Call is a solid choice for hunters. It offers a dual purpose for both turkey locating and crow hunting.
5. Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. This 4-pack gives you a great variety of sounds to attract gobblers in different situations. These calls are designed to be easy to use, even for beginners, and they produce realistic turkey noises that will fool even the wariest birds.
What We Like:
- Super easy to blow, making it great for beginners.
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds for different hunting scenarios.
- The Premium Flex frame is comfortable and keeps its shape for consistent calling.
- Moisture resistant design means the calls last longer.
- Includes four different calls: Lil’ Strut, Sickle Cutter, Deuce Cutter, and Smokin’ Gun, offering excellent versatility.
What Could Be Improved:
- While easy to use, mastering the subtle nuances of each call may take some practice.
- Availability might be limited at certain times of the year.
This combo pack is a must-have for anyone serious about turkey hunting. It provides the realistic sounds and ease of use needed to increase your chances of a successful hunt.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Turkey Hunting Calls
Turkey hunting is a thrilling sport. It takes skill and patience. A good turkey call can make all the difference. It helps you sound like a real hen turkey. This attracts gobblers to your location. This guide will help you choose the best call for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a turkey call, think about these important things:
- Sound Quality: The call should make realistic turkey sounds. Listen to how it sounds. Does it mimic the clucks, yelps, and purrs of a hen?
- Ease of Use: Some calls are easier to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey hunting, pick a call that’s simple to operate.
- Durability: You’ll be using your call in the woods. It needs to be tough. It shouldn’t break easily.
- Versatility: Can the call make different turkey sounds? A good call can produce a range of sounds for different situations.
- Portability: You’ll be carrying it in the woods. It should be small and light.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a turkey call affect its sound and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many calls are made from wood. Different types of wood make different sounds. Walnut, cedar, and cherry are popular choices. Wood calls often have a warm, rich sound.
- Slate: Slate calls are very popular. They are known for their realistic hen sounds. Slate calls usually come with a striker.
- Glass: Glass calls can also make great sounds. They often produce higher-pitched sounds.
- Plastic/Acrylic: These materials are durable. They are good for all weather. Plastic calls can be very loud.
- Strikers: The striker is the stick you use to rub on the call. They are often made of wood or carbon. The material of the striker also affects the sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a turkey call better or worse.
- Craftsmanship: A well-made call sounds better. Look for smooth finishes and good construction.
- Tuning: Some calls need to be “tuned” to sound their best. This means making small adjustments.
- Weather: Wet or cold weather can affect how some calls work. Calls made from certain materials handle different weather better.
- Practice: Even the best call won’t sound good if you don’t practice. Learning to use the call properly is key.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your turkey call matters.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting, try a box call or a diaphragm call. Box calls are easy to learn. Diaphragm calls are hands-free.
- Experienced Hunters: Experienced hunters might prefer slate or glass calls. They can also use friction calls. Friction calls require more skill.
- Different Situations: You might use a loud call to locate turkeys from far away. You might use a softer call to call a turkey closer.
Using a turkey call takes practice. Listen to recordings of real turkeys. Try to copy their sounds. With the right call and practice, you’ll be calling in those gobblers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of turkey call for beginners?
A: Box calls and simple diaphragm calls are usually best for beginners. They are easier to learn how to use.
Q: How do I make a turkey call sound realistic?
A: Practice is very important! Listen to real turkeys. Try to copy the sounds they make, like clucks and yelps.
Q: Can I use the same call in any weather?
A: Some calls work better in certain weather. Plastic or acrylic calls are often good in wet or cold conditions.
Q: What is a striker?
A: A striker is the stick you rub on a call, like a slate or glass call, to make sounds.
Q: Do I need to tune my turkey call?
A: Some calls might need slight adjustments, called tuning, to sound their best.
Q: What are the most common turkey sounds I need to make?
A: Key sounds include clucks (short, sharp sounds) and yelps (longer, more drawn-out sounds).
Q: How does the material of the call affect the sound?
A: Different materials like wood, slate, and glass produce different tones and volumes. Wood often sounds warmer, while glass can be higher pitched.
Q: Can I use a call to find turkeys or only to bring them closer?
A: You can use calls for both. Louder calls can help you locate turkeys from far away, and softer calls can bring them closer.
Q: How do I clean my turkey call?
A: Gently wipe calls clean with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or harsh cleaners, as this can damage the call.
Q: Where can I buy turkey calls?
A: Turkey calls can be bought at sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and online.
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.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!