Craft Your Own Turkey Mouth Call for a More Natural Sound

As an avid hunter and outdoorsman I’m always looking for ways to improve my game. One area I’ve been working on lately is replicating natural turkey sounds with mouth calls. The right call at the right moment can draw in a wary tom and make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. After trying a few store-bought options I decided to try my hand at crafting my own customizable turkey mouth call.

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a simple, inexpensive way to make effective diaphragm-style turkey calls using basic household materials. The ability to tweak the reed and frame design lets me fine-tune the sound to match local birds. And as a bonus, this homemade call produces a more natural tone than many mass-produced versions.

Gather Your Materials

You’ll be surprised how few supplies you need to DIY an excellent turkey mouth call

• Latex glove
• Tin or steel can
• Waterproof medical tape
• Scissors
• Razor blade
• Marker

That’s it! With just those few inexpensive items you can craft a customizable call that rivals specialty gear costing 10 times as much.

Shape the Frame

The firmer metal frame forms the base that holds the pliable latex reed in place. Carefully cut a rectangular frame shape out of the can. I like to trace the outline first before cutting out the center.

Aim for a frame about 2 inches long by 1 inch wide. The exact dimensions aren’t too crucial. Fold the frame in half after cutting to test the fit. Then trim any rough edges. The cleaner the cuts, the better the reed will seal.

Cut the Latex Reed

Now for the businesses end – the vibrating latex that mimics a turkey’s chatter. Measure and cut out a matching rectangle from the latex glove. A sharp blade will prevent tearing that could affect the sound.

Be sure to cut both layers of the glove to create a double reed. The extra layer enhances the raspy tone turkeys make. Just be sure to avoid latex if you have an allergy!

Join the Reed and Frame

Here’s where it all comes together! Open the metal frame and fit the latex rectangle inside, pressed flush against the short end. Pinch the frame closed tightly to secure the reed.

Bend the remaining metal tab over the top to lock it in place. The reed should be held taut, but not stretched too tight.

Seal with Tape

To finish, lay strips of medical tape over the frame. Three layers thick seems to work well. Trace the frame’s center opening in the tape so the latex reed is exposed.

Align the frame in the tape hole and stick the tape edges down firmly to seal it. Then trim off any excess tape with scissors.

Customize the Sound

Now the fun part – testing and tweaking your design! The latex thickness, frame shape, and tape sealing all affect the sound. Keep notes on what works best so you can replicate it.

Try thinner latex reeds for high-pitched yelps or thicker for low, raspy clucks. Vary the frame size and texture too. A little homemade innovation will tune the call to your specific needs and hunting spots.

Master Proper Technique

Of course, the most lifelike sound comes from proper use. Practice creating different turkey noises by varying airflow and mouth position. Watch videos to learn techniques from expert callers.

Be patient in developing this new skill. It takes regular practice to sound like a real turkey rather than a human with a weird hobby! But persistence pays off in fooled toms and filled tags.

Stay Safe in the Field

One important reminder about turkey calling – safety first! These mouth calls work so well that hunters occasionally get mistaken for real turkeys. Avoid trouble by never wearing red, white or blue and being sure of your target.

With reasonable caution, homemade turkey calls are a deadly addition to your hunting arsenal. A little scrap metal, latex, and ingenuity produces sweet turkey talk that brings in wariest old gobblers. Do-it-yourself customization lets you modify the call to match local flocks too.

Next spring, try crafting your own mouth call and enjoy more successful hunts! With a bit of practice, you’ll be yelping and clucking like a real pro.