Crafting Homemade Turkey Calls: A Hunter’s Guide

Turkey hunting represents a thrilling outdoor pursuit and many hunters find that crafting homemade turkey calls enhances their experience. Slate calls produce realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs and these are essential sounds for attracting wild turkeys. Box calls, known for their loud and raspy tones, work very well in calling turkeys from long distances. Diaphragm calls also known as mouth calls, offer hunters hands-free operation and great versatility, making them very popular among experienced hunters.

The Alluring World of Turkey Calls: More Than Just a Hunting Tool

Ever wondered what separates a successful turkey hunt from a walk in the woods? Sure, camouflage and a trusty shotgun play their part, but there’s a secret weapon that many seasoned hunters swear by: the turkey call. It’s more than just a noise-making device; it’s an instrument of precision, a piece of art, and a direct line to the elusive gobbler’s heart (or at least, his ears).

Think of a master sculptor carefully chiseling away at stone, or a painter blending colors to capture the perfect sunset. Now, picture that same level of dedication and artistry applied to crafting a call that perfectly mimics the sounds of a hen. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but the reward? Oh, the reward! There’s nothing quite like calling in a tom with a call you built with your own two hands. It’s a primal connection to the hunt, a testament to your skill, and a darn good story to tell around the campfire.

And get this: you don’t have to be a woodworking wizard or a musical genius to get started. With a little patience, some quality materials, and the right guidance, you can craft your very own turkey-calling masterpiece. And speaking of masterpieces, we will dive into building box calls, slate calls, diaphragm calls, and push-pin calls. So, let’s get started!

Essential Materials for Building High-Quality Turkey Calls

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of turkey call making, huh? Awesome! But before you start whittling away, let’s talk about the heart of any good call: the materials. Think of it like baking – you can’t make a delicious cake with stale ingredients. The same goes for turkey calls. The materials you choose will drastically impact the sound, durability, and overall effectiveness of your call. When selecting materials for your turkey call, prioritizing a “closeness rating” of 7-10 ensures that these materials are optimally suited and harmonious for your construction, leading to superior sound quality and performance. So, let’s get down to brass tacks and explore the key ingredients you’ll need.

Wood Selection: The Soul of Your Call

Wood is a classic choice for turkey calls, lending a warm, natural tone. Different woods offer distinct tonal qualities and workability, making them suitable for various parts of the call. The best wood selection has a ***high closeness rating between 8-9***.

• Cedar: A lightweight wood known for its bright, crisp sound. It’s relatively easy to work with, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Walnut: Offers a richer, deeper tone. It’s a bit harder than cedar, but its beautiful grain and sound quality make it worth the extra effort.
• Cherry: A great balance between cedar and walnut, providing a warm tone with good clarity. It’s also prized for its attractive reddish hue.
• Poplar: A softer, more affordable option. While it might not have the tonal complexity of other woods, it’s great for practicing and experimenting.

Seasoned vs. Unseasoned: Always opt for seasoned wood. This means the wood has been properly dried to prevent warping and cracking, which can ruin your call. Unseasoned wood is a recipe for disaster!

Slate vs. Glass for Friction Calls: The Surface Matters

For pot calls, the surface material is where the magic happens. Slate and glass are the two most common choices, each offering a unique sound profile with a closeness rating of ***7-8***.

• Slate: Produces a warmer, softer, and more mellow sound. It’s often preferred for close-range calling or when trying to lure in weary toms.
• Glass: Offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound that carries well over long distances. It’s a great choice for cutting through wind or calling to birds across a field.

Surface Conditioning: Both slate and glass require conditioning to achieve optimal sound. This involves lightly scuffing the surface with a conditioning stone or sandpaper to create friction. More on that later!

Resonators/Soundboards: Amplify Your Sound

The resonator, or soundboard, is what amplifies the sound produced by the striking surface. It’s like the speaker in a stereo system – without it, your call will sound weak and muffled. A high closeness rating of ***7-9*** is expected.

• Thin Wood: A traditional choice that provides a warm, natural amplification.
• Plastic: Offers a brighter, more projected sound. It’s also more resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
• Metal: Can produce a very loud, sharp sound, ideal for cutting through wind or calling to distant birds.

The material you choose will impact the overall tone of your call. Experiment to find what you like best!

Strikers/Pegs: The Key to Unlocking the Sound

The striker, or peg, is what you use to create friction on the calling surface. The material you choose will significantly affect the sound you produce with a closeness rating of ***7-10***.

• Various Woods: Hardwoods like maple, hickory, and purple heart produce crisp, clear tones, while softer woods like balsa create warmer, more mellow sounds.
• Acrylic: Offers a bright, sharp sound that’s great for cutting through wind.
• Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and durable, carbon fiber strikers produce a high-pitched, raspy sound.
• Stone: Provides a unique, earthy tone that some hunters swear by.

Recommendation: For a versatile striker, consider a hardwood like hickory or maple. For a more specialized sound, experiment with acrylic or carbon fiber.

Rubber Bands/Latex for Diaphragm and Box Calls: The Elastic Element

Rubber bands or latex are crucial for diaphragm and box calls, as they create the vibrating reeds that produce sound with a closeness rating of ***8-10***.

• Latex Thickness and Tension: Thicker latex generally produces lower tones, while thinner latex creates higher tones. Tension also plays a critical role – the tighter the tension, the higher the pitch.
• Replacing Worn Bands/Latex: Over time, rubber bands and latex will stretch and lose their elasticity. Replace them regularly to maintain optimal sound quality.

Conditioning Abrasives: Keeping Your Call in Tune

Conditioning abrasives, like sandpaper and scouring pads, are essential for preparing and maintaining the striking surfaces of your calls with a closeness rating of ***9-10***.

• Importance: They create the necessary friction for producing consistent, realistic sounds.
• Grit Levels: Use coarser grits for initial conditioning and finer grits for maintenance.

Adhesives and Tapes: Holding It All Together

Adhesives and tapes are vital for securing the various components of your turkey call. Select the right adhesive with a closeness rating of ***7-9*** for a strong and lasting hold.

• Wood Glue: Ideal for bonding wood components.
• Epoxy: Offers a stronger, more durable bond for joining dissimilar materials.
• Super Glue: Great for quick fixes and small parts.
• Camouflage and Electrical Tape: Useful for securing parts and adding camouflage.

String/Cord: The Finishing Touch

String or cord is used for lanyards and attaching components. Both paracord and nylon offer durability with a closeness rating of ***7-8***.

Essential Tools for Crafting Turkey Calls with Precision

Alright, let’s dive into the toolbox! Making turkey calls isn’t just about knowing what materials to use; it’s also about having the right arsenal of tools to bring your vision to life. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t try to paint the Mona Lisa with a crayon, would you? (Okay, maybe you would, but the results might be… abstract.) Having the right tools not only makes the job easier but also ensures your calls sound like the real deal, capable of luring in even the wariest gobblers.

Saws: Cutting Through the Clutter

Whether you’re shaping the body of a box call or creating the frame for a diaphragm call, saws are indispensable. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Hand Saws: The trusty old hand saw is a great starting point. They offer control and precision, perfect for smaller projects or detailed cuts. Think of it as the seasoned veteran—reliable and always ready for action.
• Coping Saws: Need to make curved cuts? The coping saw is your best friend. Its thin blade and maneuverability make it ideal for intricate designs and tight corners. It’s the nimble acrobat of the saw world.
• Band Saws: For larger projects and resawing wood, a band saw is the powerhouse you need. It makes quick, clean cuts through thicker materials, saving you time and effort. This is your heavy artillery for serious call-making endeavors.

Tips: Always choose a blade appropriate for the material you’re cutting, and keep your saws well-maintained. A sharp blade is a safe blade!

Knives: Sculpting Sound

Knives are essential for carving, shaping, and fine-tuning your call components. A good knife in the right hands can transform a simple piece of wood into a work of art.

• Use different blade types like fixed blades for strength and folding knives for convenience.
• Always cut away from yourself and keep your fingers out of the path of the blade.
• Consider specialized knives for woodworking, such as carving knives or whittling knives, for more precise control.

Drills and Drill Bits: Making Holes for Harmony

Drills are used for creating precise holes for screws, pegs, and other fasteners. Getting the right hole size is crucial for ensuring a secure and professional-looking finish.

• Select the right drill bit size for the screw or peg you’re using.
• Use a drill press for accurate and consistent holes.
• Adjust drill speed and pressure based on the material. Start slow to prevent splintering or cracking.

Sanders: Smoothing the Way to Success

Sanders are your secret weapon for achieving smooth, consistent surfaces. Whether you prefer the hands-on approach of hand sanding or the efficiency of power sanders, the goal is the same: perfection.

• Hand Sanders: For detailed work and fine-tuning, hand sanding is the way to go. It gives you maximum control and allows you to feel the progress as you go. It’s like giving your call a gentle massage.
• Power Sanders: For larger surfaces and faster material removal, power sanders are a lifesaver. Choose between orbital sanders for general smoothing and belt sanders for aggressive material removal. Just remember to take it slow and steady to avoid over-sanding.

Grit Progression: Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 80-grit) to remove imperfections, then gradually move to finer grits (e.g., 120, 220, 320) for a smooth, polished finish.

Clamps: Holding It All Together

Clamps are the unsung heroes of any woodworking project. They hold pieces together securely while glue dries, ensuring a strong and lasting bond.

• Use bar clamps for larger pieces and C-clamps for smaller, more intricate assemblies.
• Distribute clamping pressure evenly to avoid warping or damaging the wood.
• Always use protective pads between the clamps and the wood to prevent indentations.

Measuring Tools: Precision is Key

In turkey call making, precision is paramount. Accurate measurements are essential for ensuring that all components fit together perfectly and that your call produces the desired sound.

• Use rulers, calipers, and marking gauges to ensure precise dimensions.
• Double-check all measurements before cutting or assembling anything.
• Invest in high-quality measuring tools for greater accuracy and reliability.

Files/Rasps: Shaping and Smoothing

Files and rasps are used for shaping and smoothing components, particularly in areas where a sander can’t reach. They’re like the detail-oriented artists of the tool world, perfecting every curve and contour.

• Use coarse rasps for rapid material removal and fine files for smoothing.
• Apply even pressure and follow the grain of the wood to avoid tearing.

So there you have it – a rundown of the essential tools for crafting turkey calls. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating calls that sound as good as they look! Happy crafting!

Step-by-Step Guide to Different Types of Turkey Calls

Alright, let’s dive into the meat and potatoes – actually building these magical turkey-summoning devices! We’re going to break down the construction of four popular types of calls: the classic box call, the versatile slate call (also known as a pot call), the compact diaphragm call (or mouth call), and the easy-to-use push-pin call. Get ready to unleash your inner craftsman (or craftswoman!).

Box Call Construction

So, you wanna make a box call that’ll have those gobblers drooling? Here’s the lowdown:

• Components: Think of this like a tiny wooden stage. You’ve got the box (the main resonating body), the lid/paddle (the part you scrape), and sometimes a soundboard inside the box to enhance the vibrations.

• Step-by-Step:

  1. Cut it Out: Using your trusty saw, cut the pieces for the box from your chosen wood (cedar or walnut work great). Accuracy is key here; even a slight difference in length/width will affect sound quality.
  2. Shape it Up: Sand the pieces smooth like butter. You don’t want any rough edges messing with the sound or your fingers! Now is the best time to stain/paint, and any decoration to the wood.
  3. Glue Time: Assemble the box using wood glue and clamps. Make sure everything is aligned perfectly. Let it dry completely – patience, young Padawan!
  4. Paddle Power: Shape the lid/paddle so it fits snugly on the box. Experiment with different angles on the striking surface to achieve different tones.
  5. Tune it, Baby: The most fun part! Scrape the lid across the box. Adjust the angle and pressure until you get that sweet, sweet turkey music. You might even want to lightly condition the tip of the paddle to the side of the box to get the real life turkey sound.

• Pro Tips:

  • The type of wood dramatically affects the sound.
  • A well-fitted lid is crucial for clear calls.
  • Experiment with different scraping techniques to create a range of sounds.

Slate Call/Pot Call Construction

Ready to unleash some raspy goodness? Let’s build a slate call:

• Components: The star of the show is the pot (the base), followed by the slate or glass surface (where the magic happens), and the striker (your sound wand).

• Step-by-Step:

  1. Pot Luck: Carve out or purchase a pre-made pot. Wood gives a warmer tone, while acrylic offers a brighter sound.
  2. Surface Prep: If you’re using slate or glass, carefully glue it into the pot. Make sure it’s centered!
  3. Condition is Key: Lightly scuff the slate/glass surface with a scouring pad. This creates the friction needed for those seductive turkey sounds.
  4. Striker Selection: Try different strikers made of wood, acrylic, or even stone. Each material produces a unique sound.

• Pro Tips:

  • Condition your striker tip for better grip and tone.
  • Experiment with different pot materials to find your perfect sound.
  • Adjust your calling angle and pressure on the striker to produce different turkey talk.

Diaphragm Call/Mouth Call Construction

Think you can handle the challenge? Diaphragm calls are tricky to build, but oh-so-rewarding when you nail it!

• Components: A horseshoe-shaped frame, thin latex or rubber reeds, and tape to hold everything together.

• Step-by-Step:

  1. Frame Game: Secure the frame comfortably between your fingers.
  2. Reed Placement: Carefully stretch and attach the latex/rubber reeds across the frame. The number of reeds and their spacing affects the sound.
  3. Tape it Up: Use tape to secure the reeds to the frame, ensuring a tight seal.
  4. Tuning Time: Trim the reeds with small scissors to adjust the pitch and tone. This takes practice!

• Pro Tips:

  • Reed thickness and tension are crucial for different sounds.
  • Experiment with reed placement and layering to find your sweet spot.
  • Don’t be afraid to watch tutorials – these are tough to master!

Push-Pin Call Construction

Want a simple and effective call? The push-pin is your answer!

• Components: A small box, a pin mechanism, and a striking surface.

• Step-by-Step:

  1. Box Basics: Build a small, resonating box. The size and shape affect the sound.
  2. Pin Placement: Install the pin mechanism so it strikes the surface when pushed.
  3. Striking Surface: Attach a small piece of slate, glass, or wood as the striking surface.
  4. Adjustments: Fine-tune the pin height and tension to achieve the desired sound.

• Pro Tips:

  • Experiment with different pin materials for various tones.
  • Adjust the striking surface material to get the best sound.
  • These are great for beginners but can still produce realistic calls!

Advanced Techniques in Turkey Call Making for Pro Sound Quality

So, you’ve got the basics down, huh? You’re not just slapping some wood together anymore; you’re aiming for turkey-whispering excellence. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty secrets that separate a decent call from a turkey-slaying masterpiece. We’re talking about turning your workshop into a symphony of wood chips and perfect yelps.

Woodworking Precision

Alright, picture this: you’re a surgeon, but instead of a scalpel, you’ve got a razor-sharp chisel. Woodworking isn’t just about hacking away; it’s about finesse.

• Cutting: Think clean, think accurate. Invest in a good saw – a bandsaw is your best friend here – and learn to use it properly. No shaky hands allowed! The cleaner the cut, the less sanding you’ll have to do later.
• Shaping: This is where the art comes in. Use rasps, files, and sandpaper to sculpt your call into the perfect form. Remember, it’s not just about looks; the shape affects the sound.
• Sanding: Patience, young Padawan. Start with a coarse grit and work your way up to a super-fine grit for a glass-smooth finish. This is crucial for both aesthetics and how the call vibrates.
• Joining: Whether you’re using glue or screws, make sure your joints are tight and seamless. Clamps are your best friends here.

Advanced Tuning Methods

Okay, so you’ve built a call, but it sounds like… well, not a turkey. Tuning is where the magic happens.

• Striker Angle: Experiment with the angle at which your striker hits the surface. Tiny adjustments can make a huge difference.
• Surface Pressure: How hard are you pressing down? Too much, and it’ll sound raspy. Too little, and it’ll sound weak. Find that sweet spot.
• Call Placement: Where are you holding the call? Different spots on the call body can alter the tone.
• Material Combinations: Play around with different strikers and call surfaces. A glass call with a specific hardwood striker will deliver a sound that turkeys can’t resist.

Surface Conditioning Secrets

Ever wonder why some calls sound incredible right out of the box? It’s all in the surface prep.

• Abrasives: Sandpaper and Scotch-Brite pads are your go-to tools. Experiment with different grits to find what works best for your materials. Remember: always clean the surface after conditioning.
• Surface Profiling: Create a slight texture on your striking surface. This can help the striker grip the surface better, producing more consistent sounds.
• Maintenance: Condition your call regularly to maintain that peak performance. A little bit of sandpaper goes a long way.

Understanding Sound Production

Time for a mini physics lesson (don’t worry, it’ll be quick).

• Friction and Vibration: The sound from a turkey call comes from friction – two surfaces rubbing together causing the material to vibrate. It’s all about controlling those vibrations.
• Material Properties: Different materials vibrate differently. Hardwoods like maple tend to produce crisper sounds, while softer woods like cedar have a warmer tone.
• Call Design: The shape and size of your call affect how the sound resonates. A larger call will generally have a deeper tone than a smaller one.
• Striker Material: It should be a material that doesn’t dampen any sound and promotes the vibrations between the call surface and the striker.

Mimicking Turkey Sounds: Understanding Turkey Sounds and Behavior

Alright, listen up, future turkey whisperers! You’ve crafted your calls, now it’s time to actually talk turkey. Knowing the language and understanding the social cues of these feathered goofballs is just as important as having a finely tuned box call. Think of it as learning the local lingo before you travel – you’ll have a much better experience (and maybe even bring home dinner!).

Decoding the Turkey Vocalizations: More Than Just Gobbles!

Turkeys are chatty birds, with a vocabulary that goes way beyond the iconic gobble. Let’s break down some essential turkey talk and how to imitate them:

• Cluck: The cluck is like a casual “Hey!” or “What’s up?” in turkey language. It’s a short, soft sound. You can mimic this with a slate call, lightly tapping the striker. It is like a friendly greeting or a way to keep the flock together. Master the cluck, and you’re basically saying, “I’m one of you.”

• Purr: A purr is a sign of contentment, like a cat’s rumble or a human’s gentle hum. A purr is a soft, rolling sound that shows a turkey is relaxed and content. Think of it as the turkey equivalent of a satisfied sigh after a good meal. It’s ideal for reassuring birds and creating a sense of security. You can mimic the purr with a slate call or even a mouth call with practice.

• Yelp: Now we’re talking! The yelp is a versatile call that can mean many things, from “Come here, handsome!” to “Lost my friends!”. A series of clear, rhythmic notes can signal everything from a hen looking for a mate to a lost bird trying to reconnect with its flock. It’s the bread and butter of turkey calling and can be made on almost any call type.

• Gobble: Ah, the classic! The gobble is a male turkey’s way of saying, “I’m here, I’m in charge, and I’m looking for love!”. Primarily used by males (toms) to assert dominance and attract hens, is a loud, booming sound that carries for miles. It’s the ultimate display of machismo in the turkey world. It’s best imitated with a box call or a tube call, but skilled diaphragm callers can pull it off too.

• Cut: A cut is a sharp, loud, and aggressive call, often used to get attention or express excitement. It’s like a turkey exclamation point. This is a loud, sharp, and abrupt call that can be used to cut through the silence and grab a tom’s attention. It is made with sharp, staccato notes, often performed on a box call or diaphragm call.

• Kee-Kee Run: This call is typically used by young turkeys, or jakes and jennies, the kee-kee is a high-pitched whistle, with a series of whistles, often followed by yelps. The “kee-kee run” is the sound of young turkeys trying to get the attention of a mother hen. This can be an effective sound to use when hunting in areas with a lot of younger turkeys.

Understanding Turkey Behavior: It’s Not Just About the Sound, It’s About the Story!

Making the right sounds is only half the battle. You also need to know when to make them. Turkeys are creatures of habit and react in predictable ways to different calls based on the time of day, the season, and their social dynamics.

• Reading the Room: Pay attention to the environment and the turkeys’ body language. Are they relaxed and feeding, or are they on high alert? Adjust your calling accordingly.

• Calling Strategies: If a tom is responding to your calls but hanging up, try changing your approach. A subtle purr or cluck might be enough to entice him the last few yards.

  • Early Morning: Start with soft calls like clucks and purrs, gradually increasing the intensity as the day progresses. This mimics the natural awakening of the flock.
  • Mid-Morning: If toms are hesitant, try a few aggressive cuts to pique their curiosity and challenge their dominance.
  • Late Morning/Afternoon: Turkeys are often call-shy later in the day. Use subtle calls sparingly, or try mimicking a lost hen to trigger a tom’s protective instincts.

• The Hen is the Key: Understanding hen behavior is crucial. Toms often follow the hens, so mimicking a hen’s calls can lure the tom into range.

• Patience is a Virtue: Don’t overcall! Sometimes, the best strategy is to remain silent and let the turkey come to you.

Mastering turkey sounds and behavior takes time and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. So, grab your calls, head to the woods, and start listening and learning. Good luck, and may your calls be answered!

Resources for Aspiring Turkey Call Makers

Alright, so you’re officially hooked on the awesome world of turkey call making? Fantastic! But where do you go from here? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned call makers started somewhere, usually with a healthy dose of curiosity and a whole lot of experimentation. Here’s your roadmap to leveling up your skills.

Recommended Tutorials and Instructions

The internet is practically overflowing with turkey call making tutorials. The trick is finding the good ones, right? I’m talking about the guides that don’t leave you scratching your head or, worse, with a pile of mangled wood and a serious case of the “shoulda-known-better’s”.

Here’s the truth: YouTube is your friend. Search for specific call types (“how to make a slate turkey call,” “diaphragm call tutorial,” etc.), and don’t be afraid to watch a few different videos. Everyone has their own style, and you’ll likely pick up different tips and tricks from each one. Look for creators who clearly explain each step, show close-up shots, and most importantly, seem like they know what they’re doing. Also, forums and communities are great places to get links to very helpful articles and blogs on the specifics.

Pro Tip: Don’t just watch – pause the video, try the step yourself, and then resume. Active learning is key!

Online Forums and Communities

Trust me, you’re going to have questions. Lots of them. And while Google can be helpful, nothing beats getting advice from someone who’s actually been there, done that, and probably has the scars to prove it.

Online forums and communities are the virtual water cooler for turkey call makers. It’s where you can share your creations (or your “learning experiences”), ask for advice, troubleshoot problems, and maybe even make a few new hunting buddies along the way.

Where to find these magical places? Start with dedicated hunting forums (many have call making sub-forums) or even general woodworking forums. Facebook groups can also be surprisingly active and helpful. Search for terms like “turkey call making,” “custom turkey calls,” or “DIY hunting gear.” Jump in, introduce yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! People are generally happy to share their knowledge, and who knows, you might even inspire someone else along the way.

So, there you have it! Making your own turkey calls isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about connecting with the hunt on a whole new level. Get creative, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with it. Who knows, you might just craft the call that brings in the Tom of a lifetime. Happy hunting!