Turkey Calling Questions

[BaldingEagle]

For all you guys who have called some in real close, a couple of questions:
1. What calls do you recommend for a beginner? (me!)
2. Is there a CD or tape that you recommend for the beginner to hear some of the different types of calls that will lure in a two-footed trophy? (Turkey - not human:)
3. If I could only become good at two calls, which would you recommend for this season?
4. I have a Double Bull recurve blind - any set-up suggestions?

Sorry if all of these questions have been answered.  You could just point me to the right post, if you know where they are - I couldn't find them.
Thanks,
John

[MJB]

Push - pin call , cluck or a yelp. Don't be to concerned about sounding perfect. Some of the worst calling I've heard came from turkeys themselves.

[jacobsladder]

JUMP ON YOUTUBE...theres some pretty good videos on there with guys that show you how to use the box and slate calls too...

[owlbait]

My #1 call is an Aluminator. It is a slate type call that is high pitched and really gets their attention yet I can make soft yelps and purrs. It is easy to use, most of these calls have basic instructions with them.

[whitebuffalo]

Alright John,, First and formost,,Know thy bird like he's your pet,,Laymans terms,, Be the best woodsman you can and know the birds in your area,,J

Well I would get yourself a simple slate and get a good hardwood striker with it,,get yourself a plunger "pin/push" call that operates by a string. You can put that around your thigh and use it with your finger,, Or if you want to try a mouth call get one of those,, Oh yeah get a medium length paddle call for the windy days afeild. those are a few beginer calls. I would suggest trying each one to find what works for you..Remember,, When you hear him comming closer "if he's gobbling" put the call down and let him come in . Don't over call when he's close and hang him up bud.  The blind will depend on the bird in your area but just try and put it by some brush or in a small outcropping of trees.

And here is a website that has soooo many different bird tones it'll make your head spin,, but stick with the basics and you'll be fine bud,,Go slow and have fun,,
  http://www.nwtf.org/calling_tips.html

[woodchucker]

Push-pin calls are practicaly "dummy-proof" they would be my #1 choice for a beginner. A box call is also very easy to master with a little practice,that would be my second choice. A diaphram mouth call is weatherproof and "hands free" they take alittle practice but I tell everyone "pop one in your mouth and walk around with it for a few days" you'll be making noises with it within a week,Turkey noises shortly after,and you'll probly be pretty good within a month.

I would practice a 3-5 yelp series.if you call,and a Gobbler answers,he knows where you are,he could walk up and put his head in your pocket if he wanted to. you could litteraly stop calling and he would still find you.

The other call I would recommend is a soft,clear,single yelp. It says "Hello,where are you?????" when a Gobbler is coming in quiet and usualy will make him gobble and reveal his position.

Good Luck!!!!!

[whitebuffalo]

I'll remeber that single yelp  woodchucker,,Good tip..J

[Stone Knife]

I would not recommend limiting yourself to two calls, I would not go into the turkey woods without a box call, a slate type call that has a peg that is waterproof, and a mouth call, find one that you can use even if all you can do with it is purr and cluck, that is all I use mine for any more. If you can cluck real soft with the mouth call use that to seal the deal after the bird is committed, try to get good with the slate type, the range of volume and pitch you can get on the same slate call is IMHO why I think they are the best all around turkey call to be proficient with, the Box is a good all around call but they are real good for long range locating in windy weather. You can set your blind up just about anywhere, I have yet to have a turkey spooked by a blind.

[Peachey]

Your best teacher will be the turkeys them selves, be set up before first light. I like to be there before the first sounds any bird in the woods. Listen to the hens and try to mimic there sounds. Dont overcall and call to loud especially if a gobbler answers you. Turkey hunting is alot of fun, enjoy yourself, you'll learn something new everytime you go if you pay attention.

[1gutpile]

Knight and Hales spitting feathers is the best CD or cassette for listening to all turkey sounds..can't beat it...get a Lynch fool proof box call....name says it all....a Roberts brothers glass call..if you never learned a mouth call..thats about all I use...killed a 3 year old Sunday...gut

[bentstick_55]

If I could use just 1 call it would be a slate. Very versitile.

[BMN]

1) I would start with a box call. I bet that more turkeys have been killed by hunters using a box call than all other calls combined. The ratio of sound quality to ease of use is very high.
2) There are a ton of videos and cd's out there to choose from. I really like the stuff from Primos.
3) Learn to yelp and cluck on your call of choice. When are first start to practice pay more attention to getting the rythymn of the call correct than the actual sound quality of the individual notes.
4) When I first started hunting out of blind I had a hard time realizing I could put it anywhere and the turkeys would care less. I always wanted to put the blind in a group of trees or along the edge of a field. You don't need to do that. If you find a field or open area the turkeys are using on a regular basis go ahead and put your blind right out in the middle of the field if you have to. The turkeys won't mind a bit. Also, if you use decoys (which I highly recommend) put them close to the blind. I set all my decoys less than 10 yards from my blind. I like to get the birds close. The bird in my avatar was shot at 4 yards.

Have fun,
Bill

[ishiwannabe]

If I had to choose two calls to learn, it would be the yelps Chuck said, and the purr... the purr basically says the hen is content and not alarmed by anything, thus making it all clear to come on in for the Tom.
Best thing to do is get a dvd, and some calls, and try to sound like the guys(or hens) on the dvd. Once you get close, you should be good to go.
Another thing to consider is locator calls. Crow for day time, owl for oh dark thirty.

[straitera]

I used a box call until I learned how to call with just my mouth imitation. Box calls are easy to make and use and are dead nuts on anything from "Kyak Kyak" to purrs to putts.

[BaldingEagle]

Thanks to you all.  I am going to try again this spring in both PA and MD with my Double Bull Blind.
John

[Curtis Haden]

If you're hunting from a blind, and have to learn a call or two, I would definitely recommend the venerable box call as a good starting point...  Easy to learn, and as effective as any!  Only downside is the generally two-handed operation and the movement associated with it.

Less is more.   A LOT of beginners, and a LOT turkey hunting veterans "over-call" terribly.  If you have a gobbler headed in, just let him come.  If he hangs up, give a soft yelp or two and shut up.  If he thinks the old girl is playing hard-to-get, he won't be able to resist!  LOL

Good luck!

[Bowman0202]

Check out  www.genesturkeycalls.com  Gene Blackshire, in W. Va. makes fine calls and his teaching tape is the best, especially for beginners.  When I started didn't know anything, now I are one.