Turkey Hunting Tips-Box Calls
The box call is one of the oldest tools used to call in turkeys. They are relatively simple to learn and are very versatile. They can make all sounds in the turkey vocabulary. Box calls are used by both beginners and veteran turkey hunters.
Grains And Sizes
Box calls can come in a variety of wood grains and sizes ranging from small compact to extra large. The grain and size differences impact the volume and pitch of the calls. The tighter the wood grain is the higher pitched the box call will be.
How They Work
Box calls make sounds when the top paddle is moved across the rail sections of the box. Increasing or decreasing the pressure will change what sounds are made. The pressure affects both the volume and the pitch. Less pressure equals lower volumes. More pressure equals higher volumes.
Maintenance
The main thing to remember about maintaining box calls is keeping the friction steady. Repeated use will cause the paddle or rails to wear down. This will reduce the friction between the two resulting in poor sounds. A dry sponge with an abrasive side can be used to lightly sand the underside of the paddle and the rails. This should be done at the beginning of the season and throughout when needed. The box call should also be re-chalked after sanding using chalk made specifically for box calls.
The only other issue to be concerned with is keeping the box call dry. It does not function properly when wet. So it is important to remember this if turkey hunting during wet weather.
Skill And Practice
As with any call, practice makes perfect. The more time spent using the call, the better the skill level will be. Use a video and listen to turkey vocals to learn how each sounds. Then practice until each purr, cluck, yelp, cutt, etc is mastered.
The box call is an excellent tool to use in the field. The key is mastering its use through practice and understanding when to make what sound. Remember that the box call requires two hands to operate. So the hunter should be careful once the gobbler gets close.
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