As a seasoned hunter and outdoor writer, I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, and one thing I’ve learned is that a skilled turkey hunter isn’t just about patience and camouflage – it’s about communication. And the most effective way to communicate with a tom is through realistic turkey calls. While you can buy pre-made calls, there’s a unique satisfaction, and often a performance advantage, in learning how to make turkey calls yourself. This guide will walk you through several methods, from simple pill bottle turkey calls to more advanced slate turkey calls and even a look at replicating the sound of a Primos Wingbone Yelper. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including materials, techniques, and even troubleshooting tips.
Why Make Your Own Turkey Calls?
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s discuss the “why.” Beyond the inherent satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands, making your own calls offers several benefits. First, it’s cost-effective. High-quality manufactured calls can be expensive. Second, you can customize the sound to your liking. Each piece of slate, glass, or wood has unique tonal qualities. Finally, understanding the construction of a call helps you understand how it works, making you a more effective caller. As the National Park Service emphasizes, responsible hunting includes understanding your tools and practicing safe usage.
The Simplest Start: The Pill Bottle Turkey Call
If you’re new to call making, the pill bottle turkey call is an excellent starting point. It’s incredibly simple, inexpensive, and a great way to learn the basics of sound production.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Empty plastic pill bottle (with a snap-top lid)
- Thin latex glove or balloon
- Scissors
- Tape (electrical tape works well)
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of the latex glove or balloon slightly larger than the opening of the pill bottle.
- Stretch the latex tightly over the opening of the bottle and secure it with tape. Ensure it’s airtight.
- Experiment with different tensions on the latex. Tighter latex generally produces higher-pitched sounds.
- To use, hold the bottle firmly and blow across the latex opening, similar to how you’d play a harmonica.
This call won’t sound like a championship-level yelper, but it’s a fantastic introduction to the principles of creating sound with a diaphragm and resonating chamber. For more on basic hunting techniques, check out Leave No Trace’s guidelines for ethical hunting.
Stepping Up: Making a Trumpet Turkey Call
The trumpet turkey call, also known as a box call, is another relatively easy build that produces a more realistic sound. It requires a bit more precision but is still achievable for beginners.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Two pieces of wood (pine, cedar, or walnut work well) approximately 6” x 2” x ¾”
- A piece of thin plywood or acrylic for the striker (approximately 4” x ¾” x ¼”)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Clamps
Instructions:
- Cut one piece of wood at a slight angle to create the “trumpet” shape. This will be the lid.
- The other piece of wood will be the base.
- Glue the angled piece to the base, creating a hinged box. Use clamps to hold it securely while the glue dries.
- Shape the striker with sandpaper, rounding the edges for smooth operation.
- To use, hold the base firmly and run the striker along the angled lid, varying the pressure and speed to create different calls.
The Art of the Slate Call: Making Slate Turkey Calls
Now we’re getting into more serious territory. Making slate turkey calls requires more skill and precision, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. A well-made slate call can produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. Understanding what grit sandpaper for glass turkey call surfaces is crucial for achieving the right friction and tone.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Slate surface (approximately 2” x 1”)
- Acrylic or glass sounding board (approximately 2” x 1”)
- Wooden pot (typically made from walnut, maple, or cherry)
- Striker (acrylic, glass, or wood)
- Epoxy resin
- Sandpaper (various grits, including 400, 600, 800, and 1200 grit)
- Lathe (optional, but highly recommended for shaping the pot)
Instructions:
- Shape the wooden pot using a lathe or hand tools. The pot should be comfortable to hold and have a smooth, rounded edge.
- Prepare the slate and sounding board. Lightly sand the slate surface with 600-grit sandpaper to create a slightly textured surface. The sounding board should be polished smooth.
- Epoxy the slate and sounding board into the wooden pot. Ensure they are centered and level.
- Once the epoxy is cured, refine the slate surface with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (800, 1200). This is where what grit sandpaper for glass turkey call surfaces really matters – finer grits create smoother sounds, while coarser grits provide more friction.
- Shape and refine the striker. Experiment with different striker materials and shapes to find what works best for you.
According to REI’s expert advice, proper call maintenance is key to consistent performance. Keep your slate call clean and dry, and occasionally re-texture the slate surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
Beyond the Basics: Replicating the Primos Wingbone
The Primos Wingbone yelper is a popular choice among hunters for its compact size and realistic sound. While replicating it exactly is challenging, you can create a similar call using readily available materials.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Small piece of bone or hard plastic (approximately 3” x 1”)
- Thin latex or rubber membrane
- Small screw or pin
- Sandpaper
Instructions:
- Shape the bone or plastic to resemble a wingbone.
- Cut a small groove along the length of the bone.
- Stretch the latex or rubber membrane over the groove and secure it with the screw or pin.
- Sand the surface of the bone to create a smooth, comfortable grip.
- To use, hold the call between your fingers and blow across the membrane, adjusting the pressure to create different sounds.
Troubleshooting Your Homemade Turkey Calls
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- No Sound: Check for air leaks in the pill bottle call. Ensure the latex is stretched tightly. For slate calls, make sure the striker is making good contact with the slate.
- High-Pitched Sound: Loosen the latex on the pill bottle call. Use a lighter touch with the striker on the slate call.
- Raspy Sound: Add more texture to the slate surface with sandpaper.
- Inconsistent Sound: Practice! Consistency comes with repetition.
Final Thoughts on Making Turkey Calls
Learning how to make turkey calls is a rewarding experience that can significantly enhance your hunting success. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different materials and techniques, and always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices. As the USDA Forest Service reminds us, responsible hunting is crucial for preserving our natural resources. Whether you’re crafting a simple pill bottle call or a sophisticated slate call, the goal is to create sounds that will entice a gobbler into your setup. Happy calling!
Looking for more advanced turkey hunting tips? Check out our article on Advanced Turkey Hunting Strategies or our guide to Choosing the Right Turkey Hunting Camouflage.