Mastering the Box Call: A Complete Guide to Using This Iconic Turkey Call

Of all the turkey calls on the market today, the box call remains one of the most popular and effective options for calling in wary spring gobblers. When properly operated, the box call can mimic an astounding range of hen turkey sounds from soft clucks and purrs to loud yelps and cutting. Mastering the box call takes practice, but with proper technique you’ll be making beautiful turkey talk in no time.

Box Call Basics

First, let’s cover some box call basics:

• The call consists of a rectangular wooden “box” body with a paddle inside that acts as the soundboard.

• Moving the paddle across the angled sides of the box produces friction that makes the hen turkey sounds

• The paddle is connected to a handle outside the box that allows operating the call.

• Box calls come in single, double, and triple styles depending on the number of call surfaces inside.

• Good box calls are made of quality hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or oak that produce great sound.

• chalk is applied to the call surfaces to absorb moisture and improve friction. Re-chalk frequently.

Proper Box Call Grip and Technique

Holding the box call properly is critical for good technique

• Grip the box call lightly between the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.

• Let the box call rest on your middle, ring, and pinky fingers curled underneath.

• Hold the handle between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.

• Point the handle away from you at a 45 degree angle to the call’s surface.

• Light pressure produces soft hen clucks and purrs. Firmer pressure makes louder yelps and cutts.

• Work the paddle in straight lines or small circles. Don’t lift it off the surface.

• Keep the handle and paddle moving continuously to simulate a real hen.

With practice, you’ll develop a feel for creating different sounds by subtly adjusting your grip pressure, paddle movement, and wrist motion.

Producing Basic Hen Sounds

Here are some key hen turkey sounds and techniques for producing them on a box call:

Clucks

• Made by subtly twitching the wrist to work the paddle.
• Use light pressure and keep paddle in contact with call surface.
• Make series of 2-3 short clucks followed by pauses.

Purrs

• Created by applying very light pressure on the paddle.
• Move paddle in short, semi-circular motions.
• Makes vibrating purr sound; excellent for close-range work.

Yelps

• Made by firmly working paddle across call surface.
• Increase wrist motion to make louder, excited yelps.
• Vary spacing between yelps. Three or four in a row is effective.

Cutting

• Aggressive series of loud clucks made by chopping paddle sharply.
• Allows locating gobblers that aren’t vocalizing.
• Don’t overdo cutting or you’ll scare off shy birds.

Advanced Box Call Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic hen calls, try these advanced box call techniques:

• Volume Changes – Start calls softly then get progressively louder. Mimics a hen moving closer.

• Realism – Insert pauses, clucks, purrs between yelps. Vary pace like a real turkey.

• Directional Calling – Turn box call to broadcast sounds left, right or behind you. Makes hen seem to move.

• Stroke Length – Lengthen paddle stroke to create loud, excited yelps for an approaching gobbler.

• Mimic Other Birds – LearnCalls made by real hens in your area to make your calling sound local.

• Fight Purr – Make ticked-off cutting sounds by twisting paddle back and forth rapidly. Makes dominant hens mad.

Gobbling on a Box Call

While box calls are designed for hen calls, they can also replicate a gobbler’s booming vocalization:

• Secure handle to box with rubber band to allow free shaking.

• Hold bottom of call in one hand with handle pointing up.

• Vigorously shake call from side to side to send paddle into oscillation.

• This creates deep gobble sound; use sparingly to excite gobblers.

In the hands of an experienced turkey hunter, the classic box call becomes a deadly tool for bringing in spring gobblers up close. Following the tips above, you’ll be yelping, cutting, and gobbling like a pro in no time. With sufficient practice, you’ll gain the ability to expertly mimic turkey sounds and language. Master the box call, and you’ll bag more longbeards this spring.