That first crisp morning in the turkey woods is something special. You’re set up before dawn, dew still heavy on the ground, and the silence is broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. Calling in a big gobbler can be one of the most rewarding hunting experiences out there, and a good slate call is key. I’ve used a bunch over the years, some great, some not so much. So, I wanted to share what I’ve learned and give you my take on some of the best slate turkey calls you can buy right now.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate: Produces realistic, high-frequency yelps. Great all-around call for any turkey hunter.
- Primos Heart Breaker Slate Call: Easy to use, even for beginners. Delivers consistent and quality sounds.
- Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Slate Over Glass Pot Call: Offers versatility with both slate and glass surfaces. Perfect for changing up your calling strategy.
- Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call: Weather-resistant design ensures reliable performance in all conditions. Ideal for hunts in unpredictable weather.
- H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call: Compact size makes it easy to carry. Excellent for close-range calling and run-and-gun hunting.
Top 5 Best Slate Call Turkey Reviews
1. WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate call is a premium option known for its ability to produce incredibly realistic turkey sounds. It’s crafted with a cherry wood pot and a crystal surface, giving it a unique sound quality that turkeys can’t resist. This call is a favorite among experienced hunters who demand the best in realism and performance.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces incredibly realistic, high-frequency yelps and cutts.
- ✅ Cherry wood pot enhances the sound quality.
- ✅ Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit more expensive than other slate calls.
- ❌ Crystal surface requires occasional cleaning.
- ❌ May be too high-pitched for some hunters’ preferences.
Verdict: The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate is a top-tier call for hunters who demand the most realistic sounds and are willing to invest in quality. It’s perfect for experienced callers who want to take their turkey hunting to the next level.
2. Primos Heart Breaker Slate Call
The Primos Heart Breaker Slate Call is designed for ease of use without sacrificing sound quality. Its slate surface and custom striker create a range of realistic turkey sounds that are perfect for attracting gobblers. This call is a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters looking for a reliable and effective slate call.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to use, even for beginners.
- ✅ Produces consistent and quality sounds.
- ✅ Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons:
- ❌ May not have the same high-end sound quality as more expensive calls.
- ❌ Striker material could be improved for better grip.
- ❌ Can be a little quiet in windy conditions.
Verdict: The Primos Heart Breaker Slate Call is a solid choice for any turkey hunter who wants a reliable, easy-to-use call that delivers consistent results. It’s especially good for beginners who are just learning to use slate calls.
3. Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Slate Over Glass Pot Call
The Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Slate Over Glass Pot Call offers versatility with its dual-surface design. It features a slate surface on one side and a glass surface on the other, allowing you to produce a wide range of turkey sounds. This call is perfect for hunters who like to switch up their calling strategy and adapt to different hunting conditions.
Pros:
- ✅ Versatile design with both slate and glass surfaces.
- ✅ Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- ✅ Durable pot construction.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit tricky to master both surfaces.
- ❌ Glass side may require more maintenance.
- ❌ The sound is not as loud as other calls.
Verdict: The Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Slate Over Glass Pot Call is a great option for hunters who want versatility and the ability to produce a variety of turkey sounds. It’s a good choice for those who like to experiment and adapt their calling to the situation.
4. Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call
The Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call is designed to perform reliably in all weather conditions. Its weather-resistant construction ensures that moisture won’t affect the sound quality, making it a dependable choice for hunts in unpredictable weather. This call is a must-have for hunters who don’t want to let a little rain ruin their hunt.
Pros:
- ✅ Weather-resistant design for reliable performance.
- ✅ Produces clear and realistic turkey sounds.
- ✅ Easy to use in various weather conditions.
Cons:
- ❌ May not have the same high-end sound quality as some premium calls.
- ❌ Striker may need to be seasoned for optimal performance.
- ❌ The surface can get sticky in high humidity.
Verdict: The Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call is an excellent choice for hunters who need a reliable call that can perform in any weather. It’s perfect for hunts where you can’t predict what Mother Nature will throw at you.
5. H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call
The H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call is a compact and lightweight option that’s perfect for run-and-gun hunting. Its small size makes it easy to carry in your pocket or vest, and it produces surprisingly loud and realistic turkey sounds. This call is ideal for hunters who like to stay mobile and cover a lot of ground.
Pros:
- ✅ Compact size for easy portability.
- ✅ Produces loud and realistic turkey sounds.
- ✅ Great for close-range calling.
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller surface area may be more difficult for beginners.
- ❌ Not ideal for long-distance calling.
- ❌ Striker is a bit short.
Verdict: The H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call is a great choice for hunters who need a compact and portable call for run-and-gun hunting. It’s perfect for close-range calling and staying mobile in the woods.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right slate call can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Material: Slate, glass, crystal, and ceramic are common surface materials. Slate offers a mellow, realistic sound, while glass and crystal tend to be louder and higher-pitched.
- Pot Material: The pot material (wood, plastic, or metal) can also affect the sound. Wood pots often produce warmer tones.
- Striker: The striker material (wood, carbon, or acrylic) impacts the sound and ease of use. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and produces the sounds you want.
- Ease of Use: If you’re a beginner, look for a call that’s known for being easy to use. Some calls require more finesse to produce realistic sounds.
- Weather Resistance: If you hunt in wet conditions, consider a call with weather-resistant features.
- Sound Quality: Listen to sound samples online or, if possible, try the call in person to assess its sound quality.
- Price: Slate calls range in price, so set a budget and find a call that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
FAQs
What’s the best way to hold a slate call?
Hold the pot in your non-dominant hand, using your fingertips to apply light pressure. This allows the pot to vibrate freely and produce the best sound.
How do I condition a slate call?
Use sandpaper or a conditioning stone to lightly scuff the surface of the slate. This creates friction and improves the sound quality. Do the same for the tip of your striker.
How do I make different turkey sounds with a slate call?
Vary the pressure and speed of the striker to produce different sounds like yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts. Practice makes perfect!
Can I use a slate call in wet weather?
Some slate calls are designed to be weather-resistant, but moisture can still affect the sound. Keep a conditioning stone handy to roughen the surface if it gets wet.
How often should I condition my slate call?
Condition your slate call whenever the sound quality diminishes, or before each hunt to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best slate call turkey really comes down to personal preference and hunting style. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a call on this list that will help you bring home that big gobbler. Consider the type of terrain you hunt, the weather conditions you typically face, and the sounds you want to produce. Get out there, practice, and good luck this season!
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