Mastering the Art of Using a Turkey Box Call

For many turkey hunters, the ability to use a box call effectively is an essential skill. A quality box call that’s tuned and used properly can draw in wariest of gobblers from far away. With some practice and technique you can become a master at using this classic turkey hunting tool.

What is a Turkey Box Call?

A turkey box call is a rectangular wooden box with a paddle or striker that, when scraped against the box’s sides, mimics the sounds of a hen turkey. The hollow chamber amplifies the sound and projects it over longer distances. Box calls are very versatile and can recreate almost all the noises wild turkeys make from soft clucks and purrs to excited yelps and fly down cackles. They take a bit more skill to master than push-button style calls, but allow more customization and nuance in sounding like a real turkey.

Getting Started with a Box Call

When just starting out, it’s best to begin with a quality box call from a reputable brand. Look for one made from durable wood like walnut, maple or cedar. The paddle shape and size impacts sound – longer narrow paddles are good for louder, ringing calls while shorter fatter ones create softer, muted tones. Look for a paddle that’s comfortable for your hands. Single-sided boxes are easier for beginners while double-sided versions allow more versatility.

Be sure to “tune” the call by rubbing chalk on the paddle bottom to optimize the sound Carpenter’s chalk works best Avoid oil-based products which can ruin the wood, Store your call in a ziplock bag when not using to keep the chalk dry,

Find a quiet spot to practice – calls sound very different outdoors from in your living room. Spend time experimenting to get a feel for the basics – soft clucks, excited yelps, purrs and cutting. Pay attention to paddle pressure, speed and lip contact. With experience, you’ll learn to control pitch and volume.

Advanced Box Call Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are some advanced turkey calling techniques to learn:

• Fly down cackle – Make some soft clucks then loud, rapid strokes followed by varying yelps to mimic a hen flying down from the roost.

• Kee kee run – Find the paddle’s sweet spot and make three fast whistle-like kee notes followed by a few yelps. Longer box calls work best.

• Gobble – Wrap a rubber band around the box to restrict paddle movement Hold upright and vigorously shake from side to side

• Cutting – Sharply pop the paddle off the lip making fast clucks that indicate aggression.

• Purr – Slowly drag paddle across lip to mimic contentment.

• Cluck – Use short upward pops of the paddle to mimic feeding.

Customizing Your Calling Strategies

With experience, you’ll learn how to adapt your calling strategies based on the season, weather conditions, time of day and bird behavior. For example, use high-pitched, excited calls on spring mornings, while lower, raspy purrs work better on lazy afternoons. Pay attention to timestamps between gobbles and mimic that pattern. And remember that less is often more – don’t overcall.

Mastering the turkey box call does take practice but allows you to project sounds over distance and control the tone and tempo. Follow these tips and you’ll be creating calls so realistic you can fool even the savviest old tom. With the right skills and techniques, this classic call will serve you well out in the turkey woods.