Spring mornings mean one thing for me: turkey hunting. And there’s nothing more essential to a successful hunt than a good turkey call. I’ve tried a bunch over the years – some that sounded like a strangled cat, others that were just right. Figuring out which one works best for you can be tough, so I’ve put together my top picks to help you bag that big gobbler.
Here’s a quick look at some of the top contenders this year.
- Woodhaven Cherry Classic Crystal: Versatile, great sound, easy to use.
- Primos Hook Up With Jake Slate Call: Excellent for close-range calling, compact.
- Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Box Call: Loud, durable, perfect for long distances.
- Flextone Funky Chicken Mouth Call: Affordable, realistic yelps, compact.
- H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Pot Call: User-friendly, consistent tones, good for beginners.
Top 5 Best Turkey Calls
#1 Woodhaven Cherry Classic Crystal
The Woodhaven Cherry Classic Crystal is a real all-rounder. It’s a friction call that uses a crystal surface and a cherry wood striker to produce incredibly realistic turkey sounds. I found it particularly easy to get a good, consistent tone out of it, and the cherry wood gives it a nice, warm sound.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- ✅ Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- ✅ Crystal surface offers excellent clarity and volume.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a slightly more delicate touch than slate calls.
- ❌ Crystal surface can be affected by moisture.
- ❌ Striker needs occasional conditioning.
Verdict: A great choice for hunters who want a versatile call that can produce a wide range of sounds.
#2 Primos Hook Up With Jake Slate Call
Primos makes good calls, and the Hook Up With Jake Slate Call is no exception. This slate call is perfect for those close-range encounters. It’s compact and easy to carry, and the slate surface produces soft, seductive yelps that drive those toms wild. I’ve had gobblers practically run right over me using this call.
Pros:
- ✅ Creates soft, realistic yelps and clucks.
- ✅ Compact and easy to carry in a vest pocket.
- ✅ Durable slate surface holds up well in the field.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as loud as some other call types.
- ❌ Slate surface requires occasional sanding for optimal performance.
- ❌ May not be ideal for windy conditions.
Verdict: Ideal for hunters who prefer close-range calling and want a compact, easy-to-use slate call.
#3 Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Box Call
Need to reach out and touch a tom way off in the distance? The Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Box Call is your answer. This box call is designed for volume and clarity. The hand-tuned construction creates loud, crisp yelps that can cut through wind and distance. It’s a bit bigger than some of my other calls, but it’s worth it when you need that extra reach.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces loud, clear yelps that carry long distances.
- ✅ Durable construction stands up to rugged use.
- ✅ Easy to use and requires minimal practice.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too loud for close-range calling.
- ❌ Larger size may be cumbersome for some hunters.
- ❌ Requires proper chalking to maintain optimal sound.
Verdict: Perfect for hunters who need a loud, reliable call for reaching distant turkeys.
#4 Flextone Funky Chicken Mouth Call
Mouth calls can seem intimidating, but the Flextone Funky Chicken Mouth Call is surprisingly user-friendly. It’s an affordable option that produces realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs. Once you get the hang of it, you can create a wide range of sounds with just your mouth. It’s super compact, too, so you can keep it handy at all times.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces realistic turkey sounds with practice.
- ✅ Hands-free operation allows for greater mobility.
- ✅ Affordable and easy to replace.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires practice to master the technique.
- ❌ Can be difficult to keep clean and sanitary.
- ❌ Some hunters find it uncomfortable to wear.
Verdict: A good choice for experienced hunters who want a hands-free calling option.
#5 H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Pot Call
The H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Pot Call is great for beginners. This pot call is designed to be user-friendly and produce consistent tones. The compact size makes it easy to handle, and the included striker is perfectly matched to the pot for optimal sound. I’ve recommended this call to several new hunters, and they’ve all had success with it.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to use and produces consistent tones.
- ✅ Compact size is comfortable to hold and carry.
- ✅ Great value for the price.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as loud as some other pot calls.
- ❌ May not be as versatile as higher-end options.
- ❌ Striker material could be more durable.
Verdict: A solid choice for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use pot call.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right turkey call can feel overwhelming, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Call Type: Consider the different types of calls – friction (slate, glass, crystal), box, and mouth calls. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Friction calls are great for realistic sounds, box calls are loud, and mouth calls are hands-free.
- Skill Level: If you’re just starting out, a user-friendly pot call or box call might be the best option. More experienced hunters might prefer the versatility of a mouth call or a high-end friction call.
- Sound Quality: Listen to sound samples of different calls before you buy. Pay attention to the tone, pitch, and realism of the sounds. You want a call that sounds as close to a real turkey as possible.
- Hunting Conditions: Think about the terrain and weather conditions where you’ll be hunting. A loud box call might be ideal for windy conditions, while a soft slate call might be better for close-range calling in the woods.
- Budget: Turkey calls range in price from affordable to high-end. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality call.
- Material: The material of the call affects the sound. Slate offers a raspy sound, crystal provides clarity, and wood offers warmth.
FAQs
Q: What’s the easiest type of turkey call to learn?
A: Box calls are generally considered the easiest to learn because they require minimal technique. Just chalk the paddle and run it across the box to produce yelps and clucks.
Q: How do I keep my turkey call sounding its best?
A: Keep your calls clean and dry. For friction calls, use sandpaper or a conditioning stone to maintain the surface. Chalk box calls regularly to prevent slipping.
Q: What’s the best way to practice using a turkey call?
A: Listen to recordings of real turkey sounds and try to mimic them. Practice in a quiet environment where you can focus on your technique. Start slow and gradually increase your speed and complexity.
Q: Can I use multiple turkey calls at once?
A: Absolutely. Many experienced hunters use multiple calls to create a more realistic and varied sound. Try combining a box call with a mouth call or a slate call with a pot call.
Q: How important is it to condition a new turkey call?
A: Conditioning is crucial for friction calls, like slate, glass, or crystal. It creates the necessary friction for consistent sound. Use a conditioning stone or sandpaper to rough up the surface.
Conclusion
Picking the right turkey call is a personal thing, and what works for me might not work for you. But hopefully, this guide gives you a good starting point. Experiment with different types of calls, practice your technique, and most importantly, have fun out there in the woods. Good luck, and happy hunting!
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