Turkey hunting success often comes down to one thing: your ability to communicate with the birds. For beginners, selecting the right turkey call can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. This guide breaks down what you need to know to make an informed decision and start calling in gobblers this spring.
Understanding the Basic Types of Turkey Calls
Turkey calls fall into two main categories: friction calls and air-operated calls. Each produces different sounds and requires varying skill levels to master.
Friction calls include box calls, pot calls and push-button calls. They work by creating friction between two surfaces to produce turkey sounds. Box calls are beginner-friendly, featuring a wooden box with a paddle lid that you scrape across the box’s edge. That friction between the paddle and box creates realistic hen yelps, clucks and purrs. Pot calls (also called slate calls) use a striker to create friction against a circular surface made of slate, glass or aluminum.
Air-operated calls include diaphragm calls (mouth calls) and tube calls. Diaphragms sit in the roof of your mouth and take practice to use effectively. They consist of latex or prophylactic reeds stretched over a horseshoe-shaped frame. The learning curve is steep, but they offer hands-free operation once you’ve mastered them. Tube calls work similarly but are held externally, making them less challenging for beginners than traditional diaphragms.
Factors to Consider as a Beginner
Ease of Use
Your first turkey call should be simple to operate. Box calls and push-button calls make excellent starting points because they produce realistic sounds with minimal practice. You can create convincing yelps, clucks and purrs within minutes.
Diaphragm calls are popular among experienced hunters but typically require weeks or months of practice before you can produce quality sounds. Many beginners get frustrated and quit before developing proper technique. Save these for later after you’ve built confidence with friction calls.
Sound Quality and Versatility
A good turkey call produces realistic hen sounds that turkeys respond to. Look for calls that can create multiple vocalizations: yelps, clucks, purrs and cuts. This versatility lets you adjust your calling strategy based on the situation and how the tom responds.
Materials make a difference in tone. Slate pot calls create raspy, natural sounds perfect for close-range calling. Glass surfaces produce higher-pitched, sharp sounds that carry farther on windy days or across open fields. Aluminum offers the loudest, sharpest tone for reaching distant birds in heavy timber. Knowing these differences helps you pick the right call for your hunting environment.
Weather Conditions
Think about when and where you’ll be hunting. Some calls perform better in certain conditions. Box calls can be affected by moisture and humidity, making them less reliable in wet weather. Wood absorbs moisture, which dampens the sound and cuts volume significantly.
Pot calls with glass or aluminum surfaces work well in damp conditions, though slate gets slippery when wet. Diaphragm calls work in any weather since they stay dry in your mouth. Keep this in mind as you build your call collection for different seasons.
Matching Your Call to Your Hunting Style
Your hunting approach should influence what calls you choose. Mobile hunters who move from spot to spot throughout the morning do better with lightweight calls like diaphragms or small pot calls. They’re easy to carry and quick to deploy when you strike up a conversation with a gobbler.
Box calls and larger pot calls work better for stationary setups with decoys. You have more time to work birds and can use multiple calls to create realistic conversations between hens. This approach works particularly well on pressured birds that have heard the same sounds from other hunters.
Physical abilities matter too. Hunters with limited hand dexterity may struggle with pot calls that require precise striker control. Box calls offer a simpler motion that’s easier to execute consistently.
Starting Your Collection
Most experienced turkey hunters carry multiple calls to the woods. As a beginner, start with two: a box call and a pot-and-peg call. This combination covers most situations you’ll face during spring or fall seasons.
Use the box call as your primary tool for prospecting and locating birds. Its loud, carrying sounds help you strike up conversations with distant gobblers. The pot call becomes your finishing tool for close-range work when a tom approaches. Those softer, more subtle sounds won’t spook wary birds at 30 yards.
Once you’re comfortable with these basics, add a diaphragm call to your arsenal. Practice at home before the season to develop the muscle memory you’ll need. Start with calls that have two reeds rather than three or four since they’re easier for beginners to control.
Quality Matters
Cheap turkey calls often produce tinny, unrealistic sounds that educate birds rather than fool them. Invest in quality calls from reputable manufacturers like Quaker Boy, which has been producing top-tier turkey calls since 1982. Quality calls last for years and consistently produce the realistic sounds that bring gobblers into range. Well-made calls maintain their tune better and require less maintenance throughout the season.
Ready to Get Started?
Quaker Boy offers a complete line of turkey calls designed for hunters at every skill level. From beginner-friendly box calls to competition-grade mouth calls, our products deliver the authentic sounds you need for success. Shop Now to find the perfect call for your next hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest turkey call for beginners?
Box calls and push-button calls are the easiest options for beginners. Both produce realistic turkey sounds with minimal practice and don’t require special techniques or extensive training to use effectively.
How many turkey calls should I carry while hunting?
Most hunters carry at least two or three calls. A good starting setup includes a box call for loud, long-range calling and a pot call for softer, close-range situations. Many hunters also bring a diaphragm call as a backup or for hands-free calling.
Can turkeys tell the difference between call types?
Turkeys respond to realistic sounds regardless of the call type used. What matters most is sound quality and proper calling technique. Different calls excel in different situations, which is why experienced hunters carry multiple types.
How often should I practice with my turkey call?
Practice regularly in the off-season, especially with diaphragm calls. Spend 10 to 15 minutes several times per week working on basic sounds like yelps and clucks. This builds muscle memory and helps you develop confidence before opening day.
Do I need different calls for different turkey subspecies?
The same calls work for all turkey subspecies. The key is adjusting your calling volume and frequency based on local bird behavior and hunting conditions rather than the specific subspecies you’re pursuing.