Turkey Calls

[Broken Arrows]

So I am wanting to hunt Turkeys this spring, first time ever. What do you gurus of turkey calling use most a box call or pot calls? Is there a brand name I should look for? Any information will be a great help.

Thanks,
Dave

[Buckeye1977]

You would be well served to have a variety of calls from pot to box and even a month diaphragm if you are comfortable using them. Never know what that gobbler is gonna want to hear!

[Buckeye1977]

I usually run woodhaven calls but they are on the expensive side but have the best sound in the woods to me. If you've never called before I suggest watching a lot of YouTube videos of real hens and other people calling to understand how to make the calls you need to

[BAK]

Funny thing about calls is they all work, "sometimes".  I prefer the box call, and just learned how to make them.

[Bowguy67]

My advice is a box considering the very short timeframe involved. Imo it’d be about impossible to learn other calls, pots you may get some sounds but talk about dexterity under pressure w no experience? A box call would yelp very easily.
You tube David Halloran and Marlin Watkins running boxes they can show lots of tricks.
Lots of guys will tell you start out w store bought stuff. If you were my brother I’d tell you other boxes (custom) are normally much better sounding and easier to run. Try Halloran purpleheart/cedar short box and you’ll see what I mean. Actually any of David’s boxes.
You may decide in time to use longboxes but first steps first.
Pots, you’re asking a very generic question. There’s many type surfaces and they all have pros cons. Many recommend slate. A decent one rolls over nicely, runs well but most lack real snap. Worst part is one single rain drop, dew drop on a striker or surface and you have zero call or at best one very squeaky call that runs inconsistent. Enticer Silver Thunder Extreme runs directly under a running faucet. If you want reg pots in slate or glass try Cody. They aren’t too bad and sound decent.
The box can be inserted inside a bread bag n run inside on even wet days.
For mouth call which would be a good option I’d recommend Hooks. They are real easy to run and the price is right.
Dr Lovett Williams was a turkey biologist. He made “Real Turkey” CDs. They’re actual turkeys vocalizing and his thoughts as to why. I’d bet they help you understand some behavior. At 10 bucks a piece it’s the best money you might spend. Hope this helps

[Bowguy67]

Dave if I can? Something I wanna impress on you. Many beginning turkey hunters think calls are the answer. I recommended decent calls but they’re not magic right? They don’t automatically work. You need to be near enough the birds they can hear you and hopefully where they’re looking to go. Sounds like you don’t need a call? I’d say not but you gotta be in the right area for the calls to work.
As you’re figuring calls out, look for birds to hunt. The more places you find the better. You may need em

[KSdan]

Ditto bowguy. . . There's as much to woodmanship, location, strategy- and luck.  Turkeys are fickle. If you learn a basic yelp, cluck, and purr you'll have about all you need for 95%. 

Dan in KS

[Gdpolk]

I will only use a pot call from Wendell Rye.  He is a first class craftsman, gentleman, and Christian man.  He donates calls to cheritable causes throughout the year.  His calls have impecable fit/finish and a most unique and quality sound possible.  He can make calls/strikers to sound certain ways or be used in certain situations upon request.  He stocks loads of gorgeous woods to choose from and his calls are quite affordable.  Also, he has won 1st place several times at the National Wild Turkey Federation for pot call makers.

What more can a fellow ask for?

[kevsuperg]

I like. My hands free so I use either my own vocalizations when they get close or use a diaphragm call. I think turkeys ain't dat smart.
 I called a flock in from across a field to a pickup truck. Just buy yelping with my mouth.
 Usually buy the 3 packs from promos or the like.
 Keep them in mouthwash in the fridge. Should last a few seasons.

[Broken Arrows]

Thanks guys!!
 I do have my work cut out for me but it sounds like a great adventure. I will purchase a call just to start trying to sound like a turkey so when the time comes and I do find them I will at lest have some calls down.

Thanks again!!

[kevsuperg]

Just don't put too much pressure on yourself.
 Calls don't have to be perfect. Just sound something like a turkey and you should be alright.
 Good luck

[Bowguy67]

Just don't put too much pressure on yourself.
 Calls don't have to be perfect. Just sound something like a turkey and you should be alright.
 Good luck

I agree but for the most part the cadence should be decent. Some of the worst callers you’ll hear are real hens. Realize too dif subspecies act much dif. A high pressured eastern and merriam all by its lonesome are dif creatures.

[Don Stokes]

I mostly use a classic M. L. Lynch box call or the scratch box that Joebuck made for me, but I always have a diaphragm call in my mouth for close work. No movement with the mouth call.

[BrianC]

I use a Primos Spring hen for up close work and a box call when the birds are farther away or it's windy out.  I've also used a Primos shaker gobble call with success, mainly to see if any toms are around but I had it bring in a tom that was fired up and about 500 yds out.  I've also started using a Flextone Thunder Chicken.

I always use a ground blind, so getting away w/ the movement of using these calls isn't an issue.

Brian

[southernarcher]

Bowguy has given you most everything you need to know to get it done.

[Mike Mongelli]

John Sinclair makes some awesome pot calls.  I also like Hooks diaphrams.  Just remember less is more.

[gobbler10ga]

More patience than anything Dont over call

[TattooDave]

I use nothin but pot calls. You can get almost every call sound you need out of a pot call with various strikers and enough practice.

Tattoo Dave