Calling in a wild turkey requires skill, patience, and—most importantly—a reliable call. While store-bought calls are readily available, crafting your own homemade turkey call offers a unique sense of accomplishment and can even lead to a more personalized hunting experience. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating several popular types of turkey calls, catering to various skill levels and material preferences.
Choosing Your Homemade Turkey Call Type
Before diving into the construction process, consider the type of turkey call you want to make. Each type produces a distinct sound, mimicking different turkey vocalizations:
1. Box Call: The Classic Choice
Box calls are known for their versatility, capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from soft yelps to aggressive clucks and purrs. They're relatively easy to make, requiring basic woodworking skills.
2. Pot Call: Deep and Resonant
Pot calls deliver a deep, resonant sound ideal for mimicking the gobbles of a mature tom. They require slightly more precision in construction but are rewarding for their powerful sound.
3. Slate Call: A Versatile Option
Slate calls offer a range of sounds depending on the striker used and the pressure applied. They're more challenging to master but offer a realistic and nuanced calling experience.
Materials You'll Need (Varying by Call Type)
The materials required will depend on the type of call you're making. Here's a general list:
- Box Call: Two pieces of wood (preferably hardwood like walnut or cherry), sandpaper, wood glue, hinges (optional), finishing oil or wax.
- Pot Call: A small ceramic pot or bowl (unglazed is best), a striker made from a piece of wood, glass, or even a smooth stone, sandpaper (for the striker).
- Slate Call: A piece of slate (or other smooth, flat stone), a striker (usually made of wood, bone, or antler), sandpaper.
Remember to prioritize materials that are smooth and non-porous to ensure optimal sound quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making a Box Call
This guide focuses on creating a simple box call. Other call types follow similar principles but with variations in construction.
1. Preparing the Wood
Select two pieces of hardwood, approximately 3" x 4" and ¼" thick. Sand both pieces smooth, paying attention to the surfaces that will create the calling sound.
2. Applying Glue and Hinges (Optional)
Apply a thin, even layer of wood glue to one surface of each piece of wood. Carefully align the pieces, ensuring the surfaces are flush. If using hinges, attach them before the glue dries. Allow the glue to set completely.
3. Finishing Touches
Once the glue is dry, sand any excess glue or rough edges. Apply a thin layer of finishing oil or wax to protect the wood and enhance its sound.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making a Pot Call
While the materials and construction differ, the principle remains similar to the box call: find smooth, non-porous material, and assemble carefully.
1. Preparing the Pot and Striker
Select an unglazed ceramic pot or bowl with a relatively shallow, flat bottom. For the striker, choose a piece of wood, glass, or smooth stone. Sand the striker until it is perfectly smooth.
2. Testing and Refinement
Place the striker against the pot and experiment with different techniques to produce sound. You can adjust the striker’s shape and the pressure applied to fine-tune the sound.
Mastering Your Homemade Turkey Call
Creating a homemade turkey call is only half the battle. Practicing different calling techniques is crucial for achieving realistic sounds that attract turkeys. Listen to recordings of real turkey calls and try to mimic their variations in pitch, rhythm, and volume.
Conclusion: The Rewards of Handmade Hunting
Making your own turkey call is a rewarding experience that connects you more deeply with the art of hunting. While it requires time, patience, and practice, the satisfaction of calling in a wild turkey using a call you made yourself is unparalleled. Start with one of the simpler call types, practice consistently, and enjoy the unique sounds your handcrafted call produces!
