The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Turkey Call

Turkey hunting takes skill, patience, and the right gear Having the best turkey call can make the difference between a successful hunt and an empty tag. With so many types of turkey calls on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the pros and cons of the top turkey calls to help you choose the best option for your hunting style and skill level.

Overview of Turkey Call Types

There are 5 main types of turkey calls to consider:

• Slate Calls: Also known as pot calls. Made of slate, glass, crystal, ceramic, or aluminum. Produce realistic hen sounds by scraping a striker across the surface. Great for beginners and close range calling.

• Box Calls Wooden boxes with a plexiglass top Use a wooden paddle to mimic hen yelps Excellent for open fields and long distance calling.

• Mouth Calls: Small, versatile call that fits in your mouth. Takes practice to use but allows hands-free operation. The go-to for experienced hunters.

• Push Button Calls: Uses a plunger mechanism to create hen yelps with the push of a button. Easy to use even for novices. Lacks versatility of other options.

• Wing Bone Calls: Simple, V-shaped calls made from turkey wing bones. Takes an expert hand to sound realistic. Mostly a novelty item.

When choosing a call, consider your skill level, hunting environment, and personal preferences. Many hunters use multiple call types to produce the most realistic and versatile sounds.

Best Turkey Calls Reviewed

Based on expert tests and reviews from leading hunting sources, here are the top-rated turkey calls in 5 categories:

Best Overall: Houndstooth Game Calls Dixie Hen Slate

This versatile, American-made slate call consistently earns top marks for ease of use and sound quality. The innovative horizontal laminate construction amplifies volume and resonance. It excels at delivering raspy, excited hen yelps that convince toms to close the distance. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hunters alike.

Best Box Call: Lynch World Champion Box Call

This classic box call produces loud, realistic yelps that carry over long distances. The patented angled sides project sound while preventing distortion. Features a beautiful mahogany body and scratch-resistant plexiglass. Adjustable sliding lid allows fine tuning of tone and volume. A premium choice for open fields.

Best Mouth Call: Woodhaven Custom Calls Ninja Ghost Mouth Call

With expertly tuned reeds, this versatile diaphragm call creates sharp cuts, excited yelps, clucks, and purrs. Its proprietary reed system allows for an array of realistic sounds. The flexible rubber frame fits comfortably for all-day calling. It takes practice, but rewards dedicated hunters with superior calling abilities.

Best Slate: Zink Wicked Series Slate

This reasonably priced slate produces raspy, high-pitched yelps perfect for aggressive calling. The innovative wood laminate and tight grain slate offer excellent volume and resonance. Includes a easy-grip striker with rubber inserts to prevent slipping. A great choice for close range calling under $50.

Best Push Button Call: Quaker Boy ‘Cyclone’ Easy Yelper

This push button call is incredibly user-friendly for beginners of all ages. Just press the button to emit loud, realistic yelps at the perfect cadence. The cyclone shaped pot projects sound while the slate surface produces an authentic raspy tone. It lacks versatility but excels at delivering consistent yelps.

What to Look for in a Turkey Call

With an overview of the top options, here are key factors to evaluate when choosing your call:

• Sound Quality: The most lifelike, realistic sounds convince wary birds. Listen to recordings of top-rated calls to determine sound profile.

• Build Quality: Durable materials and fine craftsmanship ensure years of service. Poor construction affects sound. Feel for sturdy pots, tight seams, and smooth strikers.

• Ease of Use: Look for calls noted as beginner-friendly. Consider push button or box calls if new to hunting. Mouth calls require expert breath control.

• Weather Resistance: Wood calls falter in wet conditions. All-weather materials like aluminum, crystal, and synthetics excel in rain and moisture.

• Range: Box and slate calls project different volumes. Box calls carry farther while slates excel up close. Factor in your hunting environment.

• Price: Sets expectations for sound quality and materials. Premium calls over $100 offer exceptional sound but budget options under $50 can still be effective.

Tips for Using Turkey Calls

Once you’ve selected the right call, effective use takes practice:

• Use proper grip and pressure – A loose hold prevents muffling the call. Match pressure to volume desired.

• Master cadence and rhythm – Hens use patterns of clucks, purrs, and yelps. Mimic natural pacing.

• Vary sounds – Cycle through different calls to sound like a flock of hens.

• Listen to real hens – Learn nuances like squeaks, whistles and excited tremors to make your calling ultra-realistic.

• Start soft – Loud calls can spook birds. Work up to aggressive calling as they get closer.

With the right turkey call and proper technique, you’ll be ready to fill your tag this spring. Use this guide to zero in on the perfect option to match your budget and hunting style.