advice on calls

[nimrod67]

just wondering if anyone could give me any advice on the best kind of calls to use and best ways to get good sound out of mouth calls.

[yelp]

I would start with a double reed or triple reed.  First is to do an initial fit.  If it seems big you may have to trim tape with scissors until it feels right.  Some peoples palates are higher or arched steeper than others.  If this is the case you may have to bend frame slightly.  I would recommend using a call with a fitted arch like the Primos Sonic dome.  This helps position the call easier.  Then start by trying to push air over reed and make one note or (sound) with no breaks.  You need to practice controlling the air as it comes over the reed.  Then try and drop your jaw with a yee yawk.  yee yawk.  then shorten it to make your yelp.  Then it comes down to practice.  A yelp is the most common call hunters make and really it is the only one you really need.  Cutting, purring, cackling, putting, fly down yelps, fighting purrs, etc..are really only used during certain situations.  All of these take lots of time using a call.  Try looking up you tube videos and some manufacturers have cds or tapes and instructional videos.  Hope this helps ya.

[packmule]

Regarding the best types of calls to use, most people probably start off with a box call or a slate type call.  Both calls can make all types of turkey sounds if you practice with them.  If you're looking at getting one and getting started for this year I'd suggest you pick out a slate call and start practicing.  The other nice thing about a slate is you can spend a few dollars later to buy several different strikers and have a range of pitch options.  If you can master 3 turkey sounds: yelps, clucks and purrs, you'll be well on your way to chasing turkeys this spring.  See the link below for turkey sounds:

http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/calling_tips.html

Good luck, and if you do buy a couple of turkey calls keep an eye on them.  They seem to reproduce.  When I first started I had a homemade box call and a new slate and several months later I had more than a dozen different calls!

[turkeydancer]

    Good advice & help from Yelp and Pack Mule ...

You will find that some calls are better for you than others ... the key is practice,  practice, practice and be comfortable with the use of whatever call you choose.  Remember that the worst caller most of us have ever heard was a real hen, and she still got her tom.

That said, you may want to check with local sporting good stores about possible turkey hunting clinics in your area which normally include some basic lessons on the use of various calls ... or attend sportsman shows that offer clinics (or stop by an NWTF booth for a quick calling lesson or two ... or any booth selling turkey calls).

 If all else fails get some good tapes/discs on calling and tactics (most callmakers such as Primos, Knight & Hale, Hunter Specialities, etc have on-line instructions that are fairly good) ... or vist their websites, the NWTFs, or even You Tube that have clips on turkey calling.
 
good luck ....

[Deer slayer]

I learned a lot as a starter from Hunter Specialities DVD's that came with their calls. After that I watched a lot on you tube. The hardest part for me was getting use to having the call in my mouth then actually making a sound. After practicing it was all of a sudden I was able to make turkey sounds and then they started coming to my calls.

[Gobble Doc]

I think everyone has their favorite calls.  I'm not good with mouth calls but I have 3 slate calls and practice with them. 

[MtnMuley]

Yelp gave you some great advice.  Personally though, I wouldn't recommend starting with a domed diaphram.  I know they say they're easier and give you proper placement and lift if your mouth, but I absolutely can't make them work nearly as well with a standard diaphram.  Diaphrams are fairly cheap, so I'd at least recommend trying one standard, even if you chose to try the dome as well.

[dreamunelk]

Sorry to go off subject but, It was no many years ago when no one would think of putting a diaphram in them mouth.  At least admit to it!   

[yelp]

It pays to be safe dreamunelk! 

[nimrod67]

i got a domed one and a few with out but it sounds to me like they all make the same sound, am i doing it wrong or do most calls just sound the same.

[yelp]

Some will have higher pitches than others.  The more reeds the harder they are to blow normally but they can sound raspier or fuller sounding.  Then you have some with notches or cuts which can give you certain inflections and cuts when you yelp.  Its hard to explain.  Most guys will sound the same no matter what call they use.  You can change the pitch by pursing lips, lowering jaw, using different muscles than you normally use to just yelp.  Its hard to explain with words.  I can take one call and make it sound like three different turkeys..It is all about time using calls.

[Wacenturion]

If you're having trouble with a diaphragm, you are probably trying too hard.  Relax, and ease up.  Some require harder push of air and some lighter.  Sounds like you being consistent in how you are attempting to call, and that is probably why you are sounding the same on different calls. 

[BOWHUNTER45]

Good tips everyone but I will throw my  in ....I think the best way to start out with a diaphram is with a single reed call ... Why ? Does not take alot of air to make sounds from them ...getting used to having one in your mouth is a big deal too ! Once you get comfortable having it in your mouth you will be surprised how fast you will learn how to use it ! Diaphram call is the best all around call out there ...You can call ELK- COYOTES AND TURKEY  all with the same call ..   Lots of practice and more practice  Once you learn the basics with a single reed to can move up to a double and triple reed call !!!! Ya Know , 1 2 3 

[castor gitter]

I had one call starting and that was my trusty box call. Its my goto. Easy to use and can do different calls with it. After that my slate, push button,.... I picked up a new call last month, the Haint by down n dirty. Its a gobbler call that they swear by for henned up birds. So far though mine sounds more duck than turkey when I blow! .... Must need a bit more practice or they labeled it wrong lol...

[ChadH]

Box calls are easy to learn on, so are slates. There are lots of really good custom call makers that make both for a very reasonable price, or you can pick up one from a big company. I used Quaker Boy Mini Boat Paddles for years. Recently messed with a Tru Tone "waterproof" box (doesn't need chalk, sounds good when wet) at the Sports Show. I was impressed, and the Tru Tone guys are from "back home" in Missouri, so I picked one up. Sounds really good.

For mouth calls I use Hooks, I also blow a tube call, which once you learn on it can be one of the most versatile calls in your bag. When blowing a mouth call, don't lock your jaw, keep it nice and loose and drop the lower jaw away to get a good rolling sound.

The big key is drive your family crazy practicing. Just make sure you can do a nice smooth, short series of yelps first, then learn to putt and purr, after that you can worry about aggressive cutting and fly downs... but you don't NEED to blow those all that much (at least in my experience).