Imagine this: you’re out in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear the distant gobble of a wild turkey. You want to call it closer, but you’re not sure how. Picking the right turkey call can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds – box calls, mouth calls, slate calls – it’s enough to make your head spin!
Many new hunters feel overwhelmed by the choices and worry about buying a call that doesn’t work or is too difficult to master. They want to experience the thrill of a successful hunt, but the equipment can be a barrier. This is where understanding the basics of turkey calls comes in.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your first turkey call. We’ll break down the most popular types, explain which ones are easiest for beginners, and give you the confidence to choose one that will help you connect with those gobblers. Let’s dive in and get you ready for your next turkey hunt!
Our Top 5 Turkey Calls For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Calls For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in yellow is designed to make turkey calling simple and effective for hunters of all skill levels. This friction pot call takes the guesswork out of producing realistic turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- The quick-reference cap makes it easy to learn and consistently produce clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- Its smart construction with directional arrows guides the striker for perfect calls every time.
- The premium quality slate striking surface and injection-molded pot ensure durability for many hunting seasons.
- It’s versatile, allowing for both guided calls with the cap and unrestricted use of the slate once you’re comfortable.
- The bright yellow color makes it easy to find in your gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for learning, some experienced hunters might prefer the complete freedom of a call without a guide cap.
- The “tracer” aspect, while helpful, could be seen as limiting for those who want to experiment with every nuance of a slate call.
This call is an excellent tool for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It offers a straightforward path to mastering essential turkey vocalizations.
2. Quaker Boy – The Box Turkey Box Call
Rating: 8.9/10
The Quaker Boy Turkey Box Call is a simple tool for hunters. It helps you make turkey sounds to attract them. This call is made of plastic and is designed for hunting.
What We Like:
- It’s very easy to use, even for beginners.
- The compact size makes it easy to carry in your hunting gear.
- It’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down.
- The plastic construction makes it durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The country of origin is China, which some hunters might prefer to avoid.
- While easy to use, some experienced callers might find the sound quality to be basic.
This box call is a good option for hunters looking for an affordable and straightforward way to call turkeys. Its simplicity makes it a practical choice for many.
3. Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Turkey Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Turkey Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. Whether you’re just starting out or have been hunting for years, this caller makes attracting turkeys simpler. Its compact design and easy-to-use features mean you can focus more on the hunt and less on fumbling with your gear.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use with just one hand. The thumb dial lets you turn it on/off, stop sounds instantly, and change the volume.
- The sounds are really real! It has five proven turkey calls, like Cluck, Yelp, and Purr, that are recorded from actual turkeys.
- It’s loud and you can take it anywhere. The speaker can be heard up to 200 yards away. It’s small and light, so it fits easily in your pocket or clips onto your hunting vest.
- This caller is built tough. It’s made for all kinds of weather and has raised edges to help you grip it better, even when your hands are wet or cold.
- Cass Creek has been making these calls for 30 years, so you know it’s reliable. It runs for hours on three AAA batteries, which you’ll need to buy separately.
What Could Be Improved:
- The batteries are not included, so you need to remember to buy them before your hunt.
This Cass Creek Ergo Electronic Turkey Call is a solid choice for hunters looking for a dependable and easy-to-use calling device. Its realistic sounds and durable design will help you have more successful hunts.
4. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Turkey Sounds
Rating: 8.5/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit is a turkey hunter’s dream. This pack gives you three different calls to mimic a variety of turkey sounds. You can sound like a young hen or a mature gobbler with these calls. They are built to last and work in any weather.
What We Like:
- The handmade box call makes clear, high yelps and raspy cuts. It’s made of cherry and maple and is waterproof.
- The glass friction call makes lots of different sounds, from soft to loud. The carbon striker makes consistent sounds.
- The diaphragm call uses special latex for long-lasting and real turkey sounds. The double reed adds extra rasp.
- All the calls are water-resistant, so you can use them even when it’s wet.
- The box call has a strap to keep it quiet when you move.
- This kit is a great deal for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sounds are realistic, some beginners might need practice to master all the calls.
This kit offers a fantastic way to improve your turkey hunting success. It’s a reliable and versatile set of calls for any hunter.
5. Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo
Rating: 9.0/10
Calling all turkey hunters! The Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo is a must-have for your next hunt. This 4-pack gives you a variety of sounds to mimic different turkey calls. It’s designed to be easy to use, even for beginners, and the calls are made to last. Get ready to bring home that gobbler!
What We Like:
- Easy to blow and use, perfect for all skill levels.
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds for different situations.
- The Premium Flex frame is comfortable and holds its shape well.
- Moisture-resistant construction helps the calls last longer.
- Versatile set covers various calls like cutts, yelps, and kee-kees.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “easy to blow” claim might vary slightly depending on individual skill.
- While durable, extreme weather conditions could still affect performance over time.
This combo set truly equips hunters with the versatility needed to attract any gobbler. Make sure this kit is in your vest for successful turkey hunts.
Your First Turkey Call: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you want to try calling in a turkey? That’s awesome! It’s a thrilling way to connect with nature. But with so many calls out there, how do you pick the right one when you’re just starting? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you find the perfect turkey call for your first hunting adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re a beginner, you want a call that’s easy to use and makes realistic turkey sounds. Here’s what to focus on:
- Ease of Use: Some calls are harder to master than others. Look for calls that are forgiving and don’t require a lot of practice to get a decent sound.
- Sound Quality: Even for beginners, the sound needs to be convincing. A good call will produce clear, natural-sounding clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- Durability: You’ll be taking this call out in the woods, so it needs to be tough. It should withstand a little bumping around.
- Versatility: Ideally, your first call can make a few different turkey sounds. This gives you more options when trying to attract a gobbler.
Important Materials
The materials used in a turkey call greatly affect its sound and how easy it is to use. For beginners, some materials are definitely friendlier.
- Slate: Slate calls are very popular for beginners. They are usually made of a slate surface with a wooden striker. They can make a wide range of sounds, from soft purrs to loud yelps, and they are generally forgiving.
- Glass: Glass calls are similar to slate but often produce a higher-pitched sound. They can be a bit trickier to master than slate but are still a good option for beginners.
- Plastic/Acrylic: These calls often have a built-in striker (like a friction call with a plastic lid). They are very durable and can be quite easy to use, making them a solid choice for your first call.
- Wood: While many calls use wood for strikers or the body of the call, all-wood calls can sometimes be harder for beginners to get the right sound from.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all calls are created equal. Here’s what makes a call great and what can make it frustrating:
- Striker Fit: For friction calls (like slate or glass), the striker needs to fit the call perfectly. A good fit helps you make clear sounds.
- Surface Texture: The surface of a slate or glass call needs to be properly conditioned (roughed up). This helps the striker grip and make sound. Most new calls come ready to go, but if the surface feels too smooth, it might need a little conditioning.
- Craftsmanship: A well-made call will have smooth edges and a solid construction. Poorly made calls can crack or have inconsistent sound.
- “Sweet Spot”: Some calls have a specific spot where they sound best. Beginners might find calls with a larger “sweet spot” easier to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your first turkey call is all about building confidence and learning. Here’s what you can expect:
- Learning Curve: Expect to spend a little time practicing. Listen to recordings of real turkeys to get an idea of the sounds you want to make.
- In the Field: A good beginner call can help you mimic common turkey sounds like yelps (when a turkey is excited), clucks (a short, sharp sound), and purrs (a soft, contented sound). These sounds can get a tom turkey (male turkey) curious and bring him closer.
- Confidence Builder: When you can make a realistic sound, it really boosts your confidence. This makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
- Versatile Use: You can use your call during different times of the hunting season. Early in the morning, loud yelps can attract attention. Later in the day, softer sounds might work better.
Frequently Asked Questions for Turkey Calls For Beginners
Q: What is the easiest type of turkey call for a beginner?
A: Slate calls are generally considered the easiest for beginners. They offer a good balance of sound quality and ease of use.
Q: Do I need to condition my new slate call?
A: Most new slate calls come pre-conditioned. However, if the surface feels very smooth, you might need to rough it up slightly with sandpaper (usually included or recommended by the manufacturer).
Q: What are the most important sounds a beginner should learn to make?
A: The most important sounds are the yelp (a series of calls), the cluck (a single, sharp call), and the purr (a soft, rolling sound).
Q: How much practice does it take to use a turkey call?
A: It varies from person to person, but most beginners can learn to make recognizable sounds with just a few hours of practice. Listening to real turkey sounds will help a lot.
Q: Can I use my beginner call for different types of turkeys?
A: Yes, most beginner calls are designed to mimic the sounds of Eastern and Merriam’s wild turkeys, which are the most common species in North America.
Q: What should I do if my call doesn’t sound right?
A: First, check the striker. Make sure it’s clean and dry. Then, try adjusting your grip and the pressure you’re using. For slate calls, make sure the surface is still conditioned.
Q: Are there any calls I should avoid as a beginner?
A: While you can learn any call, some advanced calls like diaphragm calls (mouth calls) can have a steeper learning curve. It’s often best to start with friction calls like slate or glass.
Q: How important is the striker for a slate call?
A: The striker is very important! It needs to be the right size and shape for the call to produce good sounds. Many beginner calls come with a matched striker.
Q: Can I use my turkey call in wet weather?
A: Yes, you can use them in wet weather, but you’ll need to dry off both the call and the striker thoroughly afterward. Moisture can affect the sound.
Q: Where can I find good beginner turkey calls?
A: You can find good beginner calls at outdoor sporting goods stores, online retailers, and through hunting websites. Look for brands that are known for quality beginner gear.
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.