The days are getting warmer, things are greening up, and turkey hunting fever is not too far away. It is time to check your turkey calls, gun and ammunition supply. Maybe a new call is in the plans for this season. Getting everything ready now will make that opening morning hunt go a lot smoother.
The most commonly used types of turkey calls are box calls, pot calls, and diaphragm calls. There are other calls such as wing bone calls and reed calls, but they are not as common.
The Box Call
The box call has been around for more years than most of us have. It is reasonably easy to master and can be used to produce most of the turkey sounds that you might want. Box calls work by the friction of the paddle producing sound as it is moved across the edge of the box. Several different wood types are used in constructing box calls which give a little different pitch to the call. What type of wood and pitch you prefer is somewhat a matter of personal preference. Most of the better constructed calls give acceptable performance. By taking a couple of calls made with different wood, you can match the sound to the situation. Box calls can be especially useful on windy days and in situations where you need a call that can be heard a long way off. They can also be used to call softly with a little practice.
Pot and Striker Calls
The pot and striker call used to always be referred to as a slate call because they were originally all constructed of a wooden pot with a slate top. Now days, not only are there multiple kinds of wood used for the pot, but there are striking surfaces of slate, copper, aluminum, crystal, and other materials. Each variation gives a little different sound and is again somewhat a matter of personal preference. Some of the surfaces are more durable than others. Slate is much easier to crack and ruin than the others, however, the sound produced by a good slate is hard to beat. Just don’t slip and land on it. The strikers have evolved as well. Wood strikers used to be the norm but now there are ceramic, plastic wood, and other materials used in strikers. The call works by pulling or pushing the striker across The surface of the call. Different patterns and pressure can enable you to produce a variety of turkey sounds. This call requires a bit more practice than the box call, but any of the better ones will make really sweet turkey sounds.
Diaphragm Calls
Diaphragm calls consist of a frame of plastic with a metal strip which holds a thin plastic reed or multiple reeds. Some are made with slots in the end of the reed. There are lots of small variations which each give a little bit different sound. Probably the biggest advantage of the diaphragm call is that once it is put in your mouth, both hands are free to manage your gun. The diaphragm call can also produce really nice turkey sounds. This call generally needs to be practiced with quite a bit so that you will be able to produce calls with the right volume and rhythm. Some really hideous sounds can occur when diaphragm calls are taken hunting without practicing first.
Craigs Outdoor Sports has just gotten in some new Gooserbat Game Calls brand diaphragm calls, box calls, and pot and striker calls. Some turkey load shotshells and shotguns are also available.
To hear what some of these calls sound like, follow the link