Types of Turkey Calls

Turkey calls are essential tools for hunters to attract turkeys by mimicking their vocalizations. Here are some common types of turkey calls when you're out in the field:

Box Calls

These are among the simplest and most traditional turkey calls. They consist of a wooden box with a lid that the hunter slides back and forth. The friction between the lid and the box creates the sounds of a turkey's yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles. Box calls are excellent for yelps, cackles and putts.

Friction Calls

Friction calls consist of a pot, typically made of wood or plastic, and a striker. The hunter rubs the striker against the surface of the pot to create various turkey sounds. There are different types of friction calls, including slate calls, glass calls, and aluminum calls, each producing slightly different tones.

Diaphragm Calls (Also known as Mouth Calls)

Diaphragm calls are inserted into the hunter's mouth, where they use air pressure and tongue movement to produce turkey sounds. They are highly versatile and allow hunters to make realistic turkey calls without using their hands, which can be advantageous in certain hunting situations. Mouth calls come in various sizes and designs creating multiple turkey sounds.

Push Button Calls

These calls consist of a small box with a button or paddle on top. When the hunter pushes the button or paddle, it creates the sound of a turkey. Push button calls are easy to use and can produce a variety of turkey sounds with minimal movement.

Locator Calls

Locator calls are used to locate turkeys rather than to call them in. They mimic the sounds of other animals or natural occurrences that may provoke a turkey to gobble, such as owl hoots, crow calls, or even the sound of thunder.

Hunters use a combination of turkey calls to increase their chances of success in the field.