Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

An important skill involved in turkey hunting is the ability of the hunter to learn the wild turkey vocabulary. This knowledge allows the hunter to imitate the turkey sounds in an attempt at luring in a gobbler.

Turkey vocabulary from a hunting point of view revolves around each sound that the turkey makes, understanding what the sounds mean, and how to use this information in the field.

Although there are many turkey sounds, the below list is the most commonly heard. Some of the sounds, such as the yelp, have different variations.

Turkey Sounds

• cluck                                     
• purr                                 
• yelp
• cutt
• cackle
• putt
• gobble

To listen to how these sounds are made by real turkeys, live wild turkey sounds at the NWTF.org.

Understanding Turkey Sounds

Turkeys, for the most part, make noise almost constantly under relaxed conditions. The purr and cluck are used to show contentment.

The yelp is used in different situations such as while on the roost, when attempting to locate other turkeys, during the breeding season as an attractant for gobblers, or while tending to daily activities.

The cutt is a more explosive and excited sound. Although not exclusive to the breeding period, it is used by hens during this time to draw attention from gobblers.

The cackle is used as the hens fly up to and down from their roosting tree.

The putt is used as an alarm call to acknowledge some form of danger.

The gobble is often heard during the spring in response to sounds made by the hen.

How To Use Turkey Sounds

Turkey calls can be used to make the sounds of a turkey. This requires the hunter to become proficient with the call.

In most cases, learning when to call and what sound to make is more important than sounding perfect.

This knowledge will allow the turkey hunter an increased chance at being successful in the hunting field.