Calling in a wild turkey requires more than just luck; it demands skill and the right equipment. While store-bought calls are readily available, crafting your own homemade turkey call offers a unique connection to the hunting process and can yield surprisingly effective results. This guide dives into the process of making several types of homemade turkey calls, providing detailed instructions and tips for achieving realistic sounds.
Choosing Your Call Type: A Matter of Material and Sound
Before you begin, decide what type of turkey call you want to create. Each type produces a different range of sounds, mimicking various turkey vocalizations. Popular options include:
- Box Call: Known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from soft clucks to loud yelps. These are generally considered the easiest to make.
- Slate Call: Creates a more raspy, realistic sound, often preferred for mimicking hens. Requires a bit more skill to master.
- Pot Call: Produces a deep, resonant sound perfect for imitating a gobbler's yelps and purrs. Can be more challenging to make than a box call.
Crafting Your Homemade Turkey Call: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Simple Box Call: A Beginner-Friendly Option
Materials:
- Two pieces of wood (approximately 4" x 6" x 1"). Hardwoods like maple or walnut work best, but softer woods are fine for practice.
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Hinge (optional, for a more durable call)
Instructions:
- Sanding: Smooth the surfaces of both wood pieces thoroughly using sandpaper, starting with coarser grits and progressing to finer ones. This ensures a smooth, friction-free surface for sound production.
- Glue and Clamp: Apply a thin layer of wood glue to one side of one wood piece. Align the other piece on top, ensuring the surfaces are perfectly flat. Clamp firmly and allow the glue to dry completely.
- Hinge (Optional): For added durability, attach a small hinge to one edge before gluing, allowing the call to open and close more smoothly.
- Testing and Refinement: Once dry, test the call by lightly rubbing the top piece against the bottom. Adjust the pressure and angle to create different sounds. You might need further sanding to achieve the desired sound.
2. The Rustic Slate Call: Mimicking a Hen's Sound
Materials:
- A piece of slate (approximately 3" x 4") – Find a relatively smooth, flat piece.
- A piece of glass or smooth stone (slightly smaller than the slate)
- Sandpaper
- Leather or cloth (optional, for grip)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Smooth any rough edges of both the slate and the glass/stone using sandpaper.
- Testing: Hold the slate in one hand and the glass/stone in the other. Experiment with different pressures and angles to produce various sounds. A slight rocking motion helps create a natural hen sound.
- Grip (Optional): Glue a small piece of leather or cloth to the back of the slate for a more secure grip.
3. The Resonant Pot Call: The Gobbler's Voice
Materials:
- A small ceramic pot (a flower pot works well)
- A smooth, flat striker (a piece of hardwood or a polished stone)
- Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing the striker)
Instructions:
- Striker Preparation: If necessary, smooth the striker with sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
- Sound Testing: Experiment with different parts of the pot and various striking motions to find the sweet spot for producing deep, resonant sounds.
- Practice: Practice different striking techniques to imitate various gobbler calls, including yelps, purrs, and clucks.
Tips for Success: Practice Makes Perfect
Making a homemade turkey call is only half the battle. Mastering the art of using it effectively takes time and practice. Here are some key tips:
- Practice Regularly: Spend time practicing your calls, experimenting with different techniques to produce a variety of sounds.
- Listen to Recordings: Listen to recordings of real turkey calls to learn the nuances of their vocalizations.
- Start Soft: Begin with softer sounds to attract turkeys without spooking them.
- Vary Your Calls: Don't stick to just one call; experiment with different sounds to keep the turkeys engaged.
Creating your own homemade turkey call is a rewarding experience, combining craftsmanship with the thrill of the hunt. With patience, practice, and a bit of experimentation, you can craft a call that will bring you closer to your quarry and deepen your connection to the outdoors. Remember, the most important ingredient is practice. Happy hunting!
