Simple calls are the best for newbies. There are countless Turkey call designs On the market. Simplicity is the best option for a new hunter. However, there are a ton of simple designs on the market, let’s break down what type works best.
Different turkey call designs
There are four basic types of turkey calls
- The diaphragm
- The push-pull
- The slate or pot call
- The box call
All four calls are effective. All four calls will convince a mature gobbler you are a lonesome hen when used properly.
- The Diaphragm
The diaphragm mouth call is perhaps the simplest design of all the different types of turkey call. They are often made out of a aluminum, silicone, and synthetic cloth. However, they are difficult for a beginner to master. In fact, it takes some people years to truly master a diaphragm call. I recommend new hunters should start practice using a call, of this design, well before turkey season.
- The Push-Pull
The push-pull call is extremely easy to operate. In fact, just about anyone can effectively operate this call. You simply push the plunger back and forth. The plunger often directly attached to a small striker which rubs against a small piece of slate located at the bottoms of the sound chamber box. The one draw back I have experienced with this type, they can be very noisy and you traverse through the woods while chasing a gobbler. If you choose this type of call make sure to secure it inside you vest properly where it will not constantly squeak as you walk.
- The Slate/Pot Call
Without a doubt, the slate call is the simplest call design out there. Basically, a pot call has two components. A pot topped with a piece of slate and a striker. They are the favorite of many turkey hunters. They are extremely versatile when used properly and give the caller the ability to change pitch as need for different situations. However, you have to keep up with two pieces of equipment at all times. In order to make any type of sound the slate pot needs a striker. Keep this in mind if you frequently tend to loose things.
- The Box Call
The most iconic turkey call on the market is the classic box call. They give a new hunter the ability to mimic a hen turkey with ease. The design of a box call is simple and very effective. A box call has a sound chamber made of wood on the bottom and a sound board attached on a swivel on the top side of the call. The rough bottom of the sound board is often coated in chalk to help create friction when rubbed against the sound chamber below. When the sound board is rubbed against the sound chamber properly, it creates the sound of a hen turkey. A new turkey hunter cannot go wrong selecting the classics box call.
So which is best?
To be honest, there is no right or wrong choice. The best advice I can give a new turkey hunter is, is to try as many type as possible. If there is one with a high difficult level, it would be the diaphragm. Not because they are hard to blow, but because they require more practice to master.
Go with what works best for you. However, you will get what you pay for when it comes to turkey calls. I suggest you get a mid grade call in the $50 range to start with. A mid grade call will help you build confidence as you progress. Mid-grade calls are very capable of tricking old Tom Turkey!
Summary
There are countless turkey calls to choose from. Each design is effective if used properly. I truly believe the turkey call is a small piece of the puzzle to killing a gobbler. Understanding the nature of a turkey along with scouting are critical for having success. Anyone can call a gobbler with a decent call if used the right way at the right time.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope this post will encourage you to turkey hunt. Our main goal of this post is to encourage you to go turkey hunting. Don’t overthink the small things. If you would like more information on turkey hunting, check out Americanhuntingsafari.com. Do you have a favorite type of turkey call? Let us know in the comment section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to Americanhuntingsafari.com.
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