Imagine this: the crisp morning air, the scent of pine, and the thrilling sound of a gobbler echoing through the woods. Turkey hunting is an adventure many outdoor lovers dream of. But before you step into the forest, there’s one crucial piece of gear you need to master: your turkey calls. It can feel overwhelming, right? So many different types of calls, and each one promises to bring that wary tom right to your blind. Choosing the wrong call can mean a silent woods, and that’s a disappointment no hunter wants.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! That’s exactly why we’re diving deep into the world of turkey calls. This post is your friendly guide to understanding what makes a good call and how to pick the perfect one for your next hunt. We’ll break down the different styles, explain what sounds they make, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to call in your very own gobbler.
So, if you’re ready to turn those silent dawns into a symphony of turkey talk, keep reading. Let’s get you equipped to make some noise in the turkey woods!
Our Top 5 Calls For Turkey Hunting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Calls For Turkey Hunting Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Raspy Old Hen Glass Wild Turkey Call Hunting Combo Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Raspy Old Hen Glass Wild Turkey Call Hunting Combo Kit is a must-have for any turkey hunter. This kit gives you two powerful calls to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey. You get a premium flex diaphragm call and a glass friction call. Both are designed to help you attract gobblers.
What We Like:
- Versatile Sound Production: The Raspy Old Hen calls can make many different turkey sounds. You can go from soft yelps to loud, excited cutting, which is great for different hunting situations.
- Durable and Consistent: The diaphragm call uses Infinity Latex, which is very strong and lasts a long time. The glass call has a custom-molded pan for reliable sound every time.
- Great Value Combo: This kit includes both a diaphragm and a glass call, plus a carbon striker. It’s a fantastic deal for getting two high-quality calls.
- Easy to Use: The diaphragm call has a double-split top reed for extra rasp and volume, making it easier to get the right sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While designed for a wide range of sounds, mastering all the nuances of both calls might take some practice for beginners.
- Striking Surface Care: The glass pan call works best when kept clean and dry to ensure consistent sound production.
This combo kit offers excellent quality and versatility for turkey hunters. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their calling success in the field.
2. Primos Hunting Crow Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Primos Hunting Crow Call is a versatile tool for any hunter. It accurately mimics the sounds of crows, which can help you locate turkeys in the spring. It also works well for calling in crows themselves. Primos Hunting is known for making quality game calls designed by hunters, for hunters.
What We Like:
- It sounds very much like a real crow.
- This call is great for finding turkeys. A gobbler might call back when it hears the crow sound.
- You can use it to call in crows for hunting them.
- The call is super raspy, which is good for attracting turkeys.
- Primos Hunting is a trusted brand that makes good calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if it’s easy to hold or carry.
- We don’t know how long it will last or if it’s very strong.
This crow call offers a natural sound that can attract game. It’s a solid choice for hunters looking to improve their success.
3. Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Realistic Turkey Sounds
Rating: 9.3/10
This Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is your complete turkey calling solution. It packs everything you need for a successful hunt. You get a variety of calls designed to sound like real turkeys.
What We Like:
- It comes with four essential calls: Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call, Hammerin Crow Call, Hooter Owl Call, and Premium Double D call.
- The Suzie Snood call makes very realistic turkey sounds. This helps you attract turkeys better.
- The crow and owl calls are also useful. They can attract turkeys and other animals. You can change your hunting plan easily.
- The Premium Double D diaphragm call is easy to use. You can make many turkey sounds with little effort. It’s great for practicing your calling.
- All the calls are made from strong materials. They are built to last through many hunting trips. They will work well all season long.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the kit offers a good range, some hunters might prefer even more specialized calls for very specific situations.
- The included instructions for the diaphragm call could be a bit more detailed for absolute beginners.
This combo kit gives hunters a fantastic way to improve their turkey calling skills. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to get more out of their turkey hunts.
4. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.5/10
Unlock your turkey calling potential with the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in vibrant yellow. This innovative pot call simplifies producing realistic turkey sounds, making it a game-changer for hunters of all skill levels.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The quick-reference cap guides you to make perfect clucks, yelps, and purrs. Even beginners can sound like a pro.
- Premium Quality: Built with a durable injection-molded pot and a slate striking surface, this call is made to last for many hunting seasons.
- Smart Design: The lid’s arrow-guided slots ensure consistent sound production every time you strike the call.
- Versatile Sounds: The removable cap offers dedicated slots for different calls. Once you master them, you can remove the cap for freehand calling on the slate.
- Durable Construction: This call is built tough to withstand the rigors of the field.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Techniques: While the cap makes basic calls easy, mastering more complex purrs and yelps without it might take practice.
- Cap Dependency for Beginners: New hunters might rely heavily on the cap, which could slow down their transition to unassisted calling.
The HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Pot Call truly takes the guesswork out of turkey calling. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone looking to improve their success in the field.
5. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Turkey Sounds
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit is a fantastic all-in-one package for any turkey hunter. This kit provides a wide variety of sounds to attract gobblers. It includes three different types of calls, each designed to mimic specific turkey vocalizations. You’ll be ready for any situation in the woods with this versatile set.
What We Like:
- The handmade box call is built with cherry and maple, offering clear, high-pitched yelps and raspy cutting sounds. It’s also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.
- The glass friction pan call is very versatile, producing everything from quiet yelps to loud cutting. The carbon striker helps make sharp, consistent sounds.
- The Premium Flex diaphragm call uses durable Infinity Latex and a double-split top reed for extra rasp, creating very realistic turkey sounds.
- All the calls are designed to be water-resistant, making them reliable in any weather conditions.
- The box call has an elastic strap to keep it quiet and secure while you’re moving through the woods.
- This kit offers great value for the quality and variety of calls included.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the calls are durable, some beginners might find mastering the diaphragm call takes practice.
- The “raspy” sound, while realistic, might take some getting used to for those who prefer cleaner tones.
This kit is a solid investment for hunters looking to improve their turkey calling skills. It’s built to last and offers the sounds you need to be successful.
Choosing the Right Turkey Call: Your Guide to Success
Turkey hunting is exciting! Getting a gobbler to come in requires skill and the right gear. A good turkey call is essential. It mimics the sounds wild turkeys make. This guide will help you pick the best call for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for turkey calls, keep these important features in mind.
- **Sound Quality:** The call must sound like a real hen turkey. Different calls make different sounds. Listen to them if you can.
- **Ease of Use:** Some calls are harder to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey hunting, start with a simpler call.
- **Durability:** You want a call that will last. It should be made from strong materials.
- **Versatility:** Can the call make different turkey sounds? This helps you attract more birds.
- **Portability:** You’ll carry this call in the woods. It should be small and light.
Important Materials
The material a call is made from greatly affects its sound and how it works.
- **Wood:** Many calls are made of wood. Different woods make different sounds. Cherry, cedar, and walnut are popular choices. Wood calls can be very realistic.
- **Slate:** Slate calls are very common. They often have a wooden box or base. Slate calls can make soft, clucking sounds and louder yelps.
- **Glass:** Glass calls are another popular option. They are usually paired with a striker made of wood or carbon. Glass calls can produce a wide range of sounds.
- **Acrylic:** Acrylic calls are made of plastic. They are often very loud and can be used in wet weather.
- **Plastic:** Some parts of calls, like strikers or mouth call reeds, are made of plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a turkey call better or worse.
- **Craftsmanship:** How well the call is made matters. A well-made call will sound better and last longer.
- **Striker Quality:** The striker is the stick you use to make sounds on the call. A good striker is made of the right material and is the right shape.
- **Weather Resistance:** Will the call work well even if it’s damp or cold? Some materials handle weather better than others.
- **Resonance:** This is how well the call vibrates to make sound. Good resonance means a clear, loud sound.
- **Tuning:** Some calls need to be “tuned” to sound their best. This means making small adjustments.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a call affects your hunting success.
- **Beginners:** If you are new to turkey hunting, consider a box call or a simple slate call. These are generally easier to learn. Mouth calls can be challenging at first.
- **Experienced Hunters:** More experienced hunters might want a variety of calls. They might use mouth calls for close-range calling and box calls for longer distances.
- **Different Situations:** You’ll use different calls in different situations. A soft cluck might work when a turkey is close. A loud yelp might be needed to get a distant bird’s attention.
- **Practice:** No matter the call, practice is key. Spend time learning to make realistic sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main types of turkey calls?
A: The main types are box calls, slate calls, glass calls, and mouth calls (also called diaphragms).
Q: Which type of call is best for beginners?
A: Box calls and slate calls are often easiest for beginners to learn.
Q: What is a striker?
A: A striker is the stick used to rub on a box call, slate call, or glass call to make sounds.
Q: Can I use a turkey call in the rain?
A: Some calls, like acrylic or plastic ones, work better in wet weather than wood calls.
Q: How do I make a turkey call sound realistic?
A: Practice is important! Listen to real turkeys and try to copy their sounds.
Q: What is a mouth call?
A: A mouth call is a small device with thin latex reeds that you place in your mouth and blow through.
Q: Do different wood types sound different?
A: Yes, different woods have different tones and frequencies. Cherry is often described as having a sharp sound, while cedar is softer.
Q: How often should I clean my turkey calls?
A: It’s good to wipe them down after each use, especially slate and glass calls, to remove dust or moisture.
Q: Can one call make all the sounds a turkey makes?
A: Some calls are more versatile than others. Many hunters carry multiple calls to mimic different turkey sounds like yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Q: Where should I practice my turkey calls?
A: Practice in a place where you won’t scare actual turkeys or disturb people. Your backyard or a park away from others can work.
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!