Calls, decoys, camo

Stealth and deception is the name of the game when hunting wild turkeys.  Their superior eyesight and hearing, combined with the fact that a hunter must lure them to within 35 yards makes bagging a wild turkey one of the greatest “chess games” a hunter can undertake.

Assuming you’ve done your homework, scouted for bird activity, and have a basic knowledge of your quarry it’s time to think about calls and how to use them to get those gobblers talking up close and personal.

Calls come in a variety of styles with the slate call, box call, diaphragm call, and push-button call being the most common.  Like anything in life practice makes perfect and whether it be driving in my truck or sitting watching my favourite hunting show, any time is a good time to get your calling up to speed. It is essential that you take the time to learn how to use your calls, learn when to use them, and learn the language.

Slate style calls come in a variety of styles from exceptional custom made glass and fine woods calls  to more mass produced.  Quality calls are made of quality material and will last longer and replicate and project sound better so being penny wise at this juncture of the hunt is normally not a good idea.  A well designed and manufactured box call can make some very sweet music and is the choice of many when heading into the field.  Mouth or diaphragm calls give you the added flexibility of having both of your hands on your gun when you give that final chirp to get Mr. Gobbler’s attention. However diaphragm calls take a little getting used to and when improperly used they can sound more like a dying duck then a breedable hen turkey.

Innovation seems to be the name of the game in hunting gear today.  The push button box call allows you to have some of the benefits of a box call with the added benefit of keeping your hands on the gun ready for action at all times.

Take the time to get to know your calls, and you’ll be a whole bunch more successful the next time you head out into the woods searching for a long beard.