help with calling

[asmith]

Hello yall.  Well, I am new to turkey hunting and am having a hard time figuring out this calling.  I have been watching videos, listening to the birds when I go out, but just cant seem to figure out what exactly I need as far as a call goes.  There are so many damn calls out there it makes it confusing for the noob such as myself to know which type to get and which type does what.  I went and bought a mouth call, but yea that's not going to happen for awhile.  So, if there is somebody in my area that would be willing to show me a bit about calling that would be great.  I have a great spot, with a lot of birds.  They are skidish right now and I figured it would be a good time to learn some calling, what calls to buy, different techniques, how/where to set up, etc.  If anyone interested let me know, shoot me a PM and we can figure out a good day and time to head out.  Thanks all!!

[northwesthunter84]

Well good evening.  I will preface that I haven't turkey hunted since joining the military in 05 but I really found a box call and a slate worked best when I first started out. I used to chase eastern's in Illinois.  An owl or crow call for locating birds on the roost in the evening then try and slip in on them early.  Also learn where preferred feed is and possible strutting locations.  Fields, clearings and benches are good starting spots to target.  Also try to compare these location to known roost sites so you can pin down potential travel paths so you can cut birds off if necessary or if they are quiet.  Mouth reeds can take a bit, don't get discouraged and practice as much as you can.  Try a few different ones because not everyone's mouth/palate are the same.  Hope some of this helps. 

[tgomez]

A box call, and slate calls is all I preffer to use. When I get a bird fired up real good with the box call I switch to the slate call and give soft long purs. I like to shut up on them when they get within 175 yards and use my "natural" call which is my mouth. If you can't make a turkey call with your mouth/tounge than get a push button call for those last few closing yards needed. Try a blind sometime with decoys. The birds will literally walk up to your blind, and sometimes whip your tom/jake decoys butt. Good luck to you, turkey hunting gets the heart rate up or sure!