As spring turkey season approaches in Ohio, bowhunters know that mastering the art of calling is essential for bringing wary gobblers into range. Unlike shotgun hunters, bowhunters must draw their bows undetected, making proper call selection and technique crucial.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, understanding different turkey calls and how to use them effectively can significantly improve your success in the field.
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Types of Turkey Calls and Their Uses
Turkey calls come in various forms, each with unique advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective calls for bowhunters:
1. Mouth Calls (Diaphragm Calls)
Mouth calls are a favorite among bowhunters because they allow for hands-free operation. These small, flexible calls sit in the roof of your mouth and produce sound when air is pushed over the reeds.
- Pros: Hands-free, versatile, and capable of producing realistic turkey sounds.
- Cons: Requires practice to master and may be uncomfortable for some users.
- Best For: Bowhunters needing minimal movement when calling a bird into range.
2. Slate Calls (Pot Calls)
Slate calls use a striker and a surface (usually slate, glass, or aluminum) to produce turkey sounds through friction.
- Pros: Versatile, great for soft purrs, clucks, and yelps.
- Cons: Requires hand movement, which can be tricky for bowhunters.
- Best For: Mid- to long-range calling when hands-free calling isn’t necessary.
3. Box Calls
Box calls are among the easiest to use and can produce loud, resonant sounds that carry over long distances.
- Pros: User-friendly, excellent for locating gobblers.
- Cons: Requires two hands and can be loud if not carefully controlled.
- Best For: Early morning calling to locate turkeys from a distance.
4. Push-Pull Calls
These calls work by pressing or pulling a button, making them one of the simplest options.
- Pros: Easy to use, great for soft calling.
- Cons: Limited range of sounds.
- Best For: Beginners looking for an easy way to make soft, subtle calls.
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Choosing the Right Call for Bowhunting
For bowhunters in Ohio, the best call is often a combination of two or more options. A diaphragm call is ideal for final adjustments when a gobbler is closing in, while a box or slate call can be used earlier in the hunt to get a turkey’s attention from afar.
If you’re new to mouth calls, start with a simple two-reed call with no cuts—it’s easier to control and requires less air pressure. As you gain experience, move to three- or four-reed calls to produce more complex sounds.
Mastering Turkey Calling Techniques
1. Start with the Basics
Begin by practicing simple yelps, which consist of two-note calls that mimic a hen looking for company. As you improve, add clucks and purrs to your routine.
2. Control Your Volume
Start with soft calls and gradually increase volume if there’s no response. Loud calling too soon can scare off nearby turkeys.
3. Time Your Calls Strategically
Overcalling can make turkeys suspicious. Instead, call every 10-15 minutes and listen for gobbler responses before calling again.
4. Minimize Movement
As a bowhunter, keeping movement to a minimum is key. Use a mouth call or position yourself where hand-operated calls can be used with minimal motion.
Final Thoughts
Turkey calling is both an art and a science, requiring patience, practice, and the right equipment. By selecting the appropriate call and refining your technique, you can increase your chances of luring gobblers within bow range this season. Whether you prefer the subtlety of a slate call or the hands-free advantage of a mouth call, mastering turkey vocalizations will make your Ohio bowhunting adventures more rewarding.