Turkey Hunting Tips-A Key To Calling
On any given day in the turkey hunting field one can hear a wide variety of calling techniques. Some hunters are loud and aggressive. Others are soft and infrequent. The key to turkey calling success, for the most part, depends on how the gobbler responds to the calling.
There will be different gobbler responses depending upon many variables. These variables may include the type of call being used, call sequences, volume, time of day, or whether or not the gobbler is with hens. However, the most important factor is the mood that the gobbler is in.
A good hunter is wise to let the gobbler determine how to call to him. This will change from one gobbler to another, as generally no two gobblers will react the same. This can also be different from day to day. A certain calling tactic that worked on one gobbler may not work on another.
There is no perfect way to call a gobbler. Each day in the woods can and often does end with different results. Some days a gobbler may prefer only to respond to a particular calling technique. Then there will be days that a gobbler may respond to a variety of calling styles.
The key to turkey calling is allowing the gobbler to dictate how the hunter calls. Be willing to experiment with different styles until one is found that works on that individual turkey.
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How To Call A Turkey
Turkey Hunting Tips:
The wild turkey has many sounds that are used to communicate. They use these sounds for a variety of reasons such as safety, gathering of the flock, mating rituals, and others. The turkey hunter should learn to understand these calls and when to use these calls in the field. Knowing how to call a turkey will greatly increase the hunters chances for success.
Hen yelp: The hen yelp sound is made to indicate to the male gobbler that the hen is ready for breeding. The yelp is used to notify other turkeys of the hens location. The yelp is also used to gather the flock together. Generally the hen making the most yelping sounds is considered the boss hen which is in charge of the turkey flock.
The hunter can use the hen yelp after daybreak and throughout the day. The hen yelp is used to call an interested gobbler into the hunters set up locations. The logic is to excite the gobbler into thinking there is a hen ready for breeding.
Hen cluck: The hen cluck is used on a regular basis while searching for food and while traveling. The cluck can be used to indicate the hens location. The cluck is used often prior to flying down from a roosting position. The cluck can also be used to let gobblers know that the hen is available for mating.
The hunter can use the hen cluck with the hen yelp. This will provide the gobbler with more indication of the hens location.
Hen cutting: The hen cutting sound is made when the hen is excited and preparing to be bred. The cutting sound lets the gobbler know of the hens mating intentions.
The hunter can use the hen cutting call along with yelps to increase the excitement level. This will fire the gobbler up in anticipation of finding a mate.
Hen cackles: The hen cackle is another sound made when the hen excited. The cackle is also made when flying down from a roosting position.
The hunter can use the hen cackle as another excitement style call and a fly down call.
Roosting tree yelp: The hen makes the roosting tree yelp while on a roosting position. This tree yelp is softer and quieter than a normal yelp. This is a wake up type call preparing the flock for fly down and lets the gobbler know of her location.
The hunter can use the roosting tree call first thing in the morning while turkeys are still in the trees. This will let the gobbler know of the hunters location.
Hen putt: The hen putt is a sound made to indicate danger and to alert other turkeys.
The hunter should not use the hen putt as it is an alarm call.
Hen purr: The hen purr is a sound of contentment and indicates that the hen is relaxed.
The hunter can use the hen purr to indicate all is well to the gobbler. This call can be used on very leery gobblers.
Gobble: The gobble sound is made mostly by the male gobbler. The gobble indicates the gobbler’s location and the desire to breed. Gobble sounds can be used by older male turkeys to indicate their dominance.
The hunter will rarely need to use the gobble call. However, occasionally it may be used as a challenge to other gobblers.
The hunter should become familiar with these calls and learn how each of these sounds are made. There are plenty of DVDs that offer helpful information. Using these turkey hunting tips on how to call a turkey will provide the hunter with valuable tools for a successful hunt.
