starter calls ?

[superdown]

I have never turkey hunted before but this last season during my first muzzy deer season we saw a bunch turkeys in our area and thought we would give it a try this year . I picked up a hevi shot super full extended turkey choke tube for my bps 20gauge and i have some federal premium 3in. 1 5/16oz #4 shot turkey load . So finally my question how bout a couple starter calls ? I wanted to go to the turkey seminar at sportco but missed out on that
                                     

[JKEEN33]

I like the diaphragm because it leaves my hands free. A box or slate call are easier to use. If I am calling for someone else and my hands are free, I use several calls to get different sounds out there. A box call is probably the easiest for someone new. You can get a cd that will give you the different calls.

[Bigger Fish]

I'm a "starter" myself, and have been practicing my diaphragm calls for a few months now.  I thought I was getting fairly decent, until I went to the aforementioned Sportco seminar and one of the presenters did a few calls.  To say I was stunned as to how real he sounded, and how much more practice I need is a dramatic understatement.

I can yelp and cluck with it, but I'm finding purring quietly to be extremely difficult with the diaphragm.  So I bought a slate call while I was there, and that thing purrs NICE and QUIET...


My starter .02...

[baldopepper]

I would recomend sticking with a box call and a slate call.  Both are very easy to use with the drawback, as one poster noted, being that you need to be moving a bit to use them.  A box call can be used very easily with a minimum amount of movement. Make sure you get a good locator call (crow call, predator call or any of several types out there) as you should be using it as much as your regualr call.  I think to many hunters use their turkey calls to also locate the birds and I can guarnantee you  I've  actually seen birds later in the hunt turn and run when they heard yelping on a call.  You'll get a lot of opinons, but I think most hunters way over call and worry to much about how good they sound.  If you get around many turkeys you'll find they are about like humans-many different voices and many different ways of using them.  (if you get a slate call, make sure you keep a piece of sandpaper with you as the wet weather you usually encounter during the hunt will render them useless without occasional sanding and your box call should be kept in a waterproof pocket or plastic bag for the same reason)

[dawei]

I have never turkey hunted before but this last season during my first muzzy deer season we saw a bunch turkeys in our area and thought we would give it a try this year . I picked up a hevi shot super full extended turkey choke tube for my bps 20gauge and i have some federal premium 3in. 1 5/16oz #4 shot turkey load . So finally my question how bout a couple starter calls ? I wanted to go to the turkey seminar at sportco but missed out on that

If I could have only one call it would be a Hunter Specialties® Ring Zone® Slate w/the Hickory Cross Cut Striker. Simply the best IMHO.

[grundy53]

  There's some good info here. Your not the only beginner that could use some tips.  i'm right there with you.

[superdown]

I have never turkey hunted before but this last season during my first muzzy deer season we saw a bunch turkeys in our area and thought we would give it a try this year . I picked up a hevi shot super full extended turkey choke tube for my bps 20gauge and i have some federal premium 3in. 1 5/16oz #4 shot turkey load . So finally my question how bout a couple starter calls ? I wanted to go to the turkey seminar at sportco but missed out on that

If I could have only one call it would be a Hunter Specialties® Ring Zone® Slate w/the Hickory cross cut striker. Simply the best IMHO.

I will check that call out any others that i should look at?

[carpsniperg2]

Box calls for starters. Unless you have been using a diaphragm, why elk hunting and really know how to use them. If you are decent the turkeys won't even come near you! You have to be perfect with a diaphragm! a box or slate, you can get away with a little mistake here or there. But a bad note on a diaphragm sounds like nothing else

[gaddy]

i would start out with a slate or crystal call. went with a guy who was supposed to be a pro with a mouth call on my first turk hunt. we found some turks & he went to do his magic. nothing, no responce, after a while i decided to hit my crystal & boom-here they come-i worked em and then went to some soft calls, purs ect..(basically nervous scritches). he ended bagging the gobbler but it was the call that brought them in. dont be afraid to switch it up. i will also use one striker, move a little and use a different striker for a little different sound. more than one hen? what would do? i also use a mouth call but it seems to be real easy to screw up, one wrong note & your day is done. as far as box calls, i havent been able to master them yet, just me!. try them all & find what works best for you. once you get hooked on turkey hunting your going to end up with all of them any way.

[kevinlisa06]

When I started out my first season I had a box call which I still use today and a slate call and a crow call which needs to be replaced and hopefully I can find a new Faulks C 50 again. I would also recommend a crystal call with a plastic type striker so that you have a call to use when it rains. Good luck to ya hope the info on the site helps you out.

[Hangfire]

I think calls are like fishing lures, to catch the person, me included. When starting and wanting one call, a box call. Once you get some time in, then the others. I now use a wingbone, scratch box and box call. I have never got on to diaphragm or tube call. I have had very little luck with a slate call although most have. I don't think it is the call as much as the calling, they will all work. I have improved my success by reducing the calling frequency to 10% of what I used to do. As a rule of thumb I try to limit my calls to once every 15 minutes. I have had no luck at all with a locater call.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

As stated earlier, it really is up to the individual (Hunter AND Turkey) but I am surprised nobody has mentioned the push-button type.
I  have an Eastern that I have been playing with for 4 years now, the only call he has come to is my push-button.
I have also called in several Coyotes w/ the damn thing.
just to compare, I own 3 paddle/boxes, 2 slate/striker, 1 Aluminum/strike, 1 has 3 diff. surfaces, 1 is a turtle shell w/slate (more for coolness than use)
a Gobble-Shaker, and a plastic H.S.Strut push button.
not to mention 4-5 assorted Diaphragms.
But my experience is with the Easterns, dont know what the other species respond to.

[baldopepper]

I guess I asssumed when I said box calls, that meant the push pin type box, which is what I actually meant.  As stikngsting says, they are excellent for beginners and anyone else for that matter.  Very very good for close in work.  Only drawback to them is that most don't have much volume if you're working birds from a distance or in windy conditions.  As another poster said, if you really getted hooked on turkeys, you'll end up with at least a dozen of the damn things and probably rely on just 2 or 3.  Just like fishing lures, God forbid your buddy might have one that works and you don't own one.  Just plan on getting a vest with lots of pockets!!!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Just plan on getting a vest with lots of pockets!!!

I have 9 Turkey calls, 6-7 locator calls, let alone all the other "necessities and possibles" between the stuff in my pockets and pack, ( calls, seat, blind, decoys, TP, Lunch, and whatever else...)

[MtnMuley]

I'd get a slate call and a couple strickers, and learn how to use it.  Cadence is way more important than sound.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I'd get a slate call and a couple strickers, and learn how to use it.  Cadence is way more important than sound.

I hate to keep mentioning Easterns,
The only thing that has seemed to work is a few calls, and lengthy silence.......
knowing where they are, finding a spot to be confortable, make a few noises, take a nap.....

[MtnMuley]

Sounds like you've had some bad luck.  I'd be more than happy to come show you how I can kill that bird.

[yelp]

Sounds like you've had some bad luck.  I'd be more than happy to come show you how I can kill that bird.

LOL  HEre we go!     I already have dibs on sticknstrings turkey when he finally gives up!  LOL 

[yelp]

I think the best call to start out with is a simple slate pot call, two strikers one wood one glass/composite.  This type of call teaches you cadence like Mtn Muley suggest but gives you lots of options especially purrs and clucks.  I suggest a leg holder or holder off you gun like flextone makes.  THis will allow you to move less.  Unless your in a blind many turkey calls require movement which is the downfall of a many a setup.  I use mouthcalls but they are tough to master.  If you want a beginner type of reed get a two or three reed.  Practice a lot.  Especially the cadence.  Oh and always condition your slate call with sandpaper or brillo pad for the best friction.  Sanding/burning the tips of your strikers will also help.  Good luck.

[Turkeyman]

Love those easterns.

[mossy8352]

For practice you can go to this link set your player on loop or continuous (some of the sounds are too short to practice with) to at least get an idea for free on what your sounds and cadence should be. It is not the best site but it has a lot of info and different calls for free to practice with.
http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/hunting/calldescriptions.htm

[MtnMuley]

Sounds like you've had some bad luck.  I'd be more than happy to come show you how I can kill that bird.

LOL  HEre we go!     I already have dibs on sticknstrings turkey when he finally gives up!  LOL 

It's the American way these days, Yelp!  Keep undercutting til you get what you want!

[baldopepper]

Just another little hint for a new hunter-it's not at all unusal for hens to come into your calls and walk up to a decoy.  Make sure what you're shooting, with bright sun sometimes those hens heads can look awfully red.  I've had several lone hens come in over the years and give me a quick thrill before I realized that it was a hen.  I suspect a few get blasted very year by hunters (my nephew had his decoy shot a couple of years ago, so if a newbie can make that mistake I'm sure they hammer a few hens also)

[superdown]

For practice you can go to this link set your player on loop or continuous (some of the sounds are too short to practice with) to at least get an idea for free on what your sounds and cadence should be. It is not the best site but it has a lot of info and different calls for free to practice with.
http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/hunting/calldescriptions.htm

thanks for the link.

[mossy8352]

You are welcome hope it helps.

[Phantom Gobbler]

Was able to call in my first tom with a box call.  Had been following and calling to this particular Merriam all morning from fly down and he was pretty henned up.  Finally after all went dead in the woods and I took a nap....... He suddenly fired up to some box call yelps and came running in.  I was so excited I forget to put the call down and get the shotgun up.  Lately I have been using a combination of box call, glass friction calls and diaphrams.   Good luck and I hope you can hit the woods with someone with some calling experience.

[turkeydancer]

For the newbies ... the worst turkey caller I ever heard was a live hen ... you don't have to be a calling champ !!!  That said I would still practice, practice, practice .. no matter the call you use ... learn the yelp and cluck minimum ... add cutting and purring after that ...

I have one friend that doesn't call, but does a lot of scouting ... he basically patterns the birds ... then he gets to where he knows they want to be, is patient and waits them out.
 

[superdown]

Has Anybody tried these Knight and Hale "sweet lil liar" and "white liar" calls says they work Wet and dry ?http://www.knightandhale.com/catalog.aspx?catid=newproducts

[mossy8352]

Has Anybody tried these Knight and Hale "sweet lil liar" and "white liar" calls says they work Wet and dry ?http://www.knightandhale.com/catalog.aspx?catid=newproducts

This type of call does work wet or dry but the sound from the box call is something else (meaning not of this world). I have a Woodswise Mystic no chalk and we are still trying to find what it sounds like. Try chalk rain on your striker or the lid of your call box (do a google search) and watch the video by the inventor of rain chalk. Sounds better and makes more sense. I just ordered my second custom call and in a discussion with the person that has been doing this for a long time his remark was "we have all been down that road".

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Sounds like you've had some bad luck.  I'd be more than happy to come show you how I can kill that bird.

LOL  HEre we go!     I already have dibs on sticknstrings turkey when he finally gives up!  LOL 

I wont give up on it yet, but I would be interested in seeing anybody "come show me how they can kill that bird" .. 
Again, these birds are different, it is not just because of population that the harvest is low.
IMHO if you can kill an Eastern (other than semi-tame private flock) more than one season in a row, you are an exceptionally skilled Turkey Hunter.
Almost anyone can get one of the "other Species", it is the Eastern that keep them from completing the slam.. 
I also feel that just being able to get on Turkeys in SW Washington is good luck !
actually hearing one gobble, and watching him strut, makes it all worthwhile.
Even when I walk out empty handed.

[Instinct]

Just out of curiosity, y does people use crow calls for turkeys

[dawei]

As a locator call only.

[yelp]

Just out of curiosity, y does people use crow calls for turkeys

When male turkeys (gobblers)  hear a loud sound  (crow, horn, goose, coyote, etc..) they will gobble.  So we as turkey hunters use these calls to locate the gobblers in the spring.  I like a woodpecker, coyote and crow call to locate birds.. They don't always work.  It is just another call to add to the vest.  It lets you get a little closer before using your yelper and closing the deal!

[PA BEN]

For a starter call? It has to be the box call all the way. If it rains put it in a bread bag, works real will. Do get a diaphragm and learn how to use it. You can add more calls any time, but start w/a box call. Diaphragms were EZ for me because I used them for years elk hunting before I started turkey hunting.

[carpsniperg2]

Just out of curiosity, y does people use crow calls for turkeys

When male turkeys (gobblers)  hear a loud sound  (crow, horn, goose, coyote, etc..) they will gobble.  So we as turkey hunters use these calls to locate the gobblers in the spring.  I like a woodpecker, coyote and crow call to locate birds.. They don't always work.  It is just another call to add to the vest.  It lets you get a little closer before using your yelper and closing the deal!

I heard they gobble to high pitched squealing

I have had tom shock gobble to me shutting my truck door. Most loud noises will set them off. But with a animal sound they are not on edge as much. Like a yote howl or crow call. There is one secret call in my bad that I don't share with anyone. Its one of those calls no one else uses and it sets them off like nothing else. I had one guy hear it and ask me what it was. I told him I tripped over a log and made the noise

[PA BEN]

A cutting call will rip a gubble most of the time.

[carpsniperg2]

A cutting call will rip a gubble most of the time.

I don't want them to gubble, I want them to gobble

[PA BEN]

Another spell check cop

[yelp]

Just out of curiosity, y does people use crow calls for turkeys

When male turkeys (gobblers)  hear a loud sound  (crow, horn, goose, coyote, etc..) they will gobble.  So we as turkey hunters use these calls to locate the gobblers in the spring.  I like a woodpecker, coyote and crow call to locate birds.. They don't always work.  It is just another call to add to the vest.  It lets you get a little closer before using your yelper and closing the deal!

I heard they gobble to high pitched squealing

I have had tom shock gobble to me shutting my truck door. Most loud noises will set them off. But with a animal sound they are not on edge as much. Like a yote howl or crow call. There is one secret call in my bad that I don't share with anyone. Its one of those calls no one else uses and it sets them off like nothing else. I had one guy hear it and ask me what it was. I told him I tripped over a log and made the noise

The can of chili call..works every time 

[sneakyjake]

It's fun to learn on your own, but I think the best call is one coming from someone else.  Starting out it is always quite helpful to have a buddy do the calling for you so you can concentrate on listening to him and the birds responses.  I still like to hunt with other people who can call while turkey and elk hunting.  I enjoy listening to others calling styles and their use of different calls.  I taught everyone I hunt with how to call and 10 years later I find myself changing some of my techniques to mirror their success.

[yelp]

It's fun to learn on your own, but I think the best call is one coming from someone else.  Starting out it is always quite helpful to have a buddy do the calling for you so you can concentrate on listening to him and the birds responses.  I still like to hunt with other people who can call while turkey and elk hunting.  I enjoy listening to others calling styles and their use of different calls.  I taught everyone I hunt with how to call and 10 years later I find myself changing some of my techniques to mirror their success.

What is funny is I have friends that kill birds every year.  And I listen to them call around camp and just shake my head..I ask "what the hell was that?"  My one friend used to smoke and didn't have the lung compacity to call out a series of yelps with purrs in a normal cadence (normal as I know it) with a mouth call.   Anyways he would do it as fast as he could and it sounded like a hen on speed.  There were purrs, crackles, spits, yalps, and putts in like 20 seconds.  We called his signature calling technique (developed due to the lack of oxygen entering his body) as the "Crazy Aunt Jenny" call.  He still kills turkeys using that calland he quit smoking (even better). 

[superdown]

WOW guy's thanks for all the information about the call's. I had never put much thought into the complexity of the calling and hunting of these bird's until now.   considering they would roost on top of my house when i lived in Idaho

[KimberRich]

I vote for the box call also for beginners.  The sound travels well and cuts through wind well and is easy to learn and not terribly hard to be ok at with some practice.  I think at least one slate with a couple strikers and maybe one push buttom type call would be a well rounded arsenal to start with along with a locator or two. 

Not having Elk calling experience, I choked on my diaphram calls for a couple days before I could even get them to make a sound! 

But I keep a couple in the console of my truck and I practice most mornings on the way to work.  No one can complain about the noise and it gets some good looks from others drivers when you've got it half hanging out of your mouth. 

Good Luck! Go get em!