Imagine the thrill of hearing a gobble echo through the woods, a sound that promises an exciting hunt. But how do you answer that call? Picking your first turkey call can feel like trying to speak a secret language without a translator. There are so many different types, and it’s easy to get confused about which one will actually help you sound like a real turkey.
Many beginners feel overwhelmed, unsure if they’re spending their money on something that works or just collecting dust. You want to be prepared for your hunt, not frustrated by your gear. This guide is here to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect turkey call to get you started. We’ll break down the basics so you can confidently choose a call that will bring you closer to that exciting gobble.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the different kinds of calls, what makes them work, and how to pick one that’s easy for you to learn. Get ready to learn how to make those convincing turkey sounds and start your journey into the world of turkey hunting with the right tools in hand.
Our Top 5 Turkey Call For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Call For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Realistic Sounds Easy-to-Use Premium Flex Frame Strut Tone Trough Raspy Old Hen Mouth Turkey Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Hunters Specialties Tone Trough Raspy Old Hen Mouth Turkey Call is a game-changer for turkey hunters. It helps you make realistic turkey sounds easily. This call is designed to help you bag more gobblers.
What We Like:
- It makes realistic turkey sounds, from loud yelps to soft hen calls.
- The unique design makes it easy to place the call and create perfect sounds.
- It’s great for beginners because it’s easy to use and has a comfortable frame.
- The Premium Flex frame keeps its shape, so you get the right sound every time.
- It’s a must-have for any turkey hunter’s vest.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the “raspy” sound a bit too much for certain situations, though it’s designed for that.
This call will help you sound like a pro and increase your success in the turkey woods. It’s a smart addition to your hunting gear.
2. Primos Hunting Crow Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Primos Hunting Crow Call is a versatile tool for hunters. It helps you locate turkeys by mimicking crow sounds. This call also works great for attracting crows themselves. Primos Hunting is known for making quality game calls for various animals.
What We Like:
- It makes realistic crow sounds.
- It’s excellent for locating turkeys in the spring.
- It’s also effective for calling crows.
- The call has a super raspy sound that works well.
- Primos Hunting builds products for hunters, by hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective, the sound might take some practice to master for beginners.
This crow call is a solid addition to any hunter’s gear. It offers dual benefits for both turkey and crow hunting.
3. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Pot Call in yellow is designed to make turkey calling easier for hunters of all levels. This friction call aims to remove the guesswork from producing realistic turkey sounds. It’s built for durability and consistent performance.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The removable cap has clear guides for clucks, yelps, and purrs. This makes it simple for beginners to learn and for experienced hunters to quickly get the right sounds.
- Smart Design: The lid’s slots guide the striker, ensuring consistent calls every time. You just insert the striker and follow the arrows.
- Versatile Sounds: The cap allows for basic calls, and once you’re comfortable, you can remove it for more advanced techniques on the slate surface.
- Premium Quality: It’s made with a durable injection-molded pot and a slate striking surface, built to last for many hunting seasons.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Sounds: While the cap simplifies basic calls, mastering all the nuances of turkey language on the slate surface might still require practice for some.
- Striker Not Included: The product description doesn’t mention if a striker is included, which is a necessary component to use the call.
This pot call offers a straightforward approach to turkey calling. It’s a good tool for hunters looking for reliable sounds and an easier learning experience.
4. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Turkey Sounds
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit is your all-in-one solution for calling in turkeys. This pack gives you three different calls designed to mimic a hen turkey’s voice. You get a box call, a glass friction call, and a diaphragm call. They are all built tough and can handle the elements, so you can hunt in any weather. This kit helps you make a variety of turkey sounds to attract those gobblers.
What We Like:
- The handmade box call is made from cherry and maple and is waterproof. It makes clear, high yelps and raspy cuts.
- The glass pan call can make many sounds, from soft yelps to loud cuts. It comes with a carbon striker for sharp sounds.
- The diaphragm call uses durable Infinity Latex and a double-split reed for realistic, raspy sounds.
- All the calls are water-resistant and built to last through hunting season.
- The box call has a strap to keep it quiet when you move.
- This combo pack offers great value for the money.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some beginners might find mastering all three calls takes practice.
This kit is a fantastic choice for hunters looking to add variety and realism to their turkey calling. It’s a reliable set that will serve you well in the field.
5. ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack – Realistic Diaphragm Turkey Calls for Hunting – High-Volume 3-Reed Turkey Mouth Calls for Beginners and Pros
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to bring in those gobblers with the ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack. This set gives you three different calls, each designed to sound like a real hen turkey. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been hunting for years, these calls will help you make realistic sounds like yelps, clucks, and purrs. They are made to be easy to use, so you can focus on your hunt.
What We Like:
- Comprehensive 3-Pack: You get three distinct calls – True Hype, React, and Long Spur – offering a variety of realistic turkey sounds.
- User-Friendly Design: These calls are easy to blow, even for beginners, producing hen sounds with little air.
- Expertly Crafted: Made by ESH Custom Calls, these calls are hand-assembled and tested to sound authentic.
- Efficient Airflow: The 3-reed design makes it easier to produce different turkey sounds.
- Made in the USA: Constructed with quality materials for reliable performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While designed for ease, mastering mouth calls can still take practice for some users.
- Volume Control: Achieving nuanced volume control might require dedicated practice for advanced hunters.
These ESH Turkey Mouth Calls are a solid choice for any turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game. Their realistic sounds and user-friendly design make them a valuable addition to your hunting gear.
Your First Turkey Call: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re ready to try your hand at calling turkeys? That’s fantastic! Learning to call turkeys is a rewarding part of hunting. It connects you to nature and can lead to some truly memorable experiences. But with so many calls out there, where do you even begin? This guide will help you choose your first turkey call.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re just starting, you want a call that’s easy to use and makes realistic turkey sounds.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are simpler to master than others. Look for calls that don’t require a lot of complicated techniques.
- Realistic Sounds: The goal is to sound like a real turkey. Good beginner calls produce clear clucks, yelps, and other common turkey vocalizations.
- Durability: You’ll be taking this call out in the woods, so it needs to be tough and able to withstand different weather conditions.
- Portability: You’ll want a call that’s easy to carry in your pocket or vest without being bulky.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a turkey call greatly affect its sound quality and how easy it is to use.
- Slate Calls: These are very popular for beginners. They usually have a slate surface with a wooden peg (striker).
- Slate: The surface that makes the sound. Different types of slate can produce slightly different tones.
- Wood: Used for the striker (the stick you rub on the slate) and sometimes the pot (the base of the call). Different woods have different densities, which can affect the sound.
- Box Calls: These are made of wood and have a lid that you run across the side.
- Wood: The type of wood used for the box and lid is crucial. Cedar and poplar are common choices.
- Mouth Calls (Diaphragm Calls): These are small, thin diaphragms that you place in your mouth to create sounds.
- Latex: The thin material that vibrates to make the sound. The number of latex layers can change the sound.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A well-made call will sound better and be easier to use.
- Craftsmanship: A call that is carefully made with smooth surfaces and a good fit between parts will produce clearer sounds.
- Improved Quality: Smooth slate surfaces, well-fitted box call lids, and carefully cut diaphragm reeds make a big difference.
- Reduced Quality: Rough spots, loose lids, or poorly made reeds can make the call sound unnatural or difficult to use.
- Tuning/Seasoning: Some calls, especially slate calls, might need a little “seasoning” or conditioning to work their best. This often involves lightly sanding the surface.
- Improved Quality: Proper seasoning helps the striker glide smoothly and produce the best sounds.
- Reduced Quality: A call that hasn’t been seasoned or has been over-seasoned might not produce the right sounds.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How does the call feel and sound when you use it? What kind of situations is it best for?
- Ease of Learning: A beginner-friendly call should be intuitive. You should be able to make basic turkey sounds with a little practice.
- Good User Experience: A slate call that responds well to gentle scratching and a box call with a smooth lid are great for beginners.
- Challenging User Experience: Mouth calls can be tricky to master at first, as they require precise tongue and lip movements.
- Sound Versatility: Can the call make a variety of sounds?
- Use Cases: You can use calls in different situations. A simple cluck can attract a curious turkey, while a series of yelps might make a hen think another hen is nearby.
- Weather Effects: Some calls perform better in wet conditions than others.
- Wet Weather: Slate calls can sometimes be tricky to use when wet. Box calls might also be affected. Mouth calls can sometimes be more reliable in damp conditions because they are protected inside your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest type of turkey call for beginners?
A: Slate calls are generally considered the easiest for beginners. They are straightforward to use and can produce many common turkey sounds with practice.
Q: Do I need to buy multiple types of turkey calls?
A: Not at first! Start with one easy-to-use call. As you learn and gain experience, you might want to try different types to see what you prefer and what works best in different situations.
Q: How do I practice using a turkey call?
A: Practice in a quiet place at home. Listen to recordings of real turkey sounds to get an idea of how they should sound. Focus on making clear clucks and yelps.
Q: Can I use my turkey call in the rain?
A: Some calls work better in the rain than others. Slate calls can be harder to use when wet. Box calls might also be affected. Mouth calls are often more reliable in wet weather.
Q: What sounds should I try to make first?
A: Start with basic sounds like the “cluck” (a short, sharp sound) and the “yelp” (a longer, more drawn-out sound). These are fundamental turkey vocalizations.
Q: How can I make my turkey call sound more realistic?
A: Listen to actual turkeys. Pay attention to the rhythm and tone of their calls. Practice making your calls sound natural and not too loud or sharp.
Q: What is a “striker” for a turkey call?
A: A striker is the stick you use to rub against the surface of a slate call to create sound.
Q: Should I get a box call or a slate call?
A: Both are good for beginners. Box calls are often louder and can be easier to get a consistent sound from. Slate calls offer a wide range of sounds and are very versatile.
Q: How important is the wood type for a box call?
A: The wood type is very important. Different woods have different densities and will create different sounds. Cedar is popular for its clear, sharp tones.
Q: What are mouth calls and why are they sometimes harder for beginners?
A: Mouth calls are diaphragms you place in your mouth. They are harder for beginners because they require precise control of your tongue, lips, and breath to make sounds.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.