Top 5 Turkey Calls and Why

Turkey hunting is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires skill, patience and the right equipment. One of the most important tools for any turkey hunter is a good turkey call. A turkey call is a device that mimics the sounds of wild turkeys, such as yelps, clucks, purrs and gobbles, to attract them to your location. There are many types of turkey calls available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the top 5 turkey calls and why they are worth considering for your next hunt.

1. Mouth Call

A mouth call is a small, flexible device that fits inside your mouth and produces sound when you blow air through it. Mouth calls are very versatile and can produce a wide range of turkey sounds with different pressure, tongue position and air flow. Mouth calls are also hands-free, which means you can keep your gun ready while calling. However, mouth calls require some practice and skill to use effectively, and they can be uncomfortable or cause gagging for some people.

Try These Mouth Calls

WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS | Primos Hunting | STRUT Commander

2. Pot Call

A pot call is a round device that consists of a hollow base (the pot) and a striker (the peg). The pot is made of wood, slate, glass or other materials, and the striker is usually a wooden or plastic stick. To use a pot call, you hold the pot in one hand and rub the striker across the surface of the pot in different patterns to create friction and sound. Pot calls are very popular among turkey hunters because they produce realistic and consistent sounds that can be loud or soft depending on how you strike the pot. However, pot calls require two hands to operate, which means you have to put down your gun or bow while calling.

Try These Pot Calls

Woodhaven | Primos Rare Breed | Deception Turkey Call

3. Box Call

A box call is a wooden device that consists of a hollow box with a paddle attached to it by a hinge or screw. The box has one or more slits on the sides that allow sound to escape when you move the paddle across the edge of the box. Box calls are very easy to use and can produce loud and clear sounds that carry well over long distances. However, box calls are also bulky and noisy, which means they can be hard to conceal and transport in the woods.

Try These Box Calls

Quaker Boy | Deception Heartache | Harmon Scents – Humpin’Hen

4. Push-Pin Call

A push-pin call is a simple device that consists of a pin attached to a spring inside a hollow tube. The tube has a hole on one end that allows sound to escape when you push or pull the pin in and out of the tube. Push-pin calls are very easy to use and can produce crisp and consistent sounds with minimal movement. However, push-pin calls are also limited in their sound variety and volume, which means they may not work well in windy or noisy conditions.

Try These Push-Pin Calls

Quaker Boy | The Grind Pusher | Strut Commander Button Pusher Turkey Call

5. Locator Call

A locator call is a device that mimics the sounds of other animals that turkeys respond to, such as owls, crows, hawks or coyotes. Locator calls are used to elicit shock gobbles from turkeys that reveal their location without spooking them. Locator calls are usually loud and distinctive, which means they can be heard over long distances and through thick cover. However, locator calls are also situational and should be used sparingly, as overusing them may make turkeys wary or silent.

Try These Locator Calls

Strut Commander | HUNTERS SPECIALTIES | Primos Hunting

These are some of the best turkey calls you can use for your next hunt. Remember that no single call works for every situation, so it’s good to have a variety of calls in your vest and know when and how to use them effectively.