That first gobble of the season is something special. And a good turkey slate call can be the key to hearing it up close. There are tons of options, but finding the right one can be tough. So, I’ve put together a list of some of the best slate calls out there to help you bag that big tom.
Here’s a quick rundown of the top picks:
- WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate: Great all-around sound and super durable.
- Primos The Freak Slate Call: Easy to use and produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call: Compact size with impressive sound, perfect for run-and-gun hunting.
- Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call: Delivers loud, clear calls that cut through wind and distance.
- Fleming Game Calls Cherry Slate Pot Call: Hand-tuned for exceptional clarity and realism.
Top 5 Best Turkey Slate Call Reviews
1. WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate
The WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal Slate is a premium call designed for realistic turkey sounds. Its cherry pot and crystal surface create crisp, clear tones that turkeys can’t resist. I’ve personally had great success with WoodHaven calls; they’re reliable and sound fantastic.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent sound quality with a high-pitched front end.
- ✅ Durable cherry pot construction.
- ✅ Easy to create a variety of turkey vocalizations.
Cons:
- ❌ Crystal surface can be fragile if dropped.
- ❌ Requires a conditioning kit to maintain optimal sound.
- ❌ Higher price point compared to some other slate calls.
Verdict: This is a top-tier call for serious turkey hunters who demand the best sound and are willing to invest in quality.
2. Primos The Freak Slate Call
Primos The Freak Slate Call is designed for ease of use and versatility. Its slate surface allows for a wide range of calls, from soft purrs to loud yelps. You’ll find it to be a very forgiving call, especially if you’re just learning to use slate calls.
Pros:
- ✅ Very user-friendly, even for beginners.
- ✅ Produces a wide variety of realistic turkey sounds.
- ✅ Durable construction for long-lasting use.
Cons:
- ❌ Sound quality may not be as refined as higher-end crystal calls.
- ❌ Striker may require some adjustment to achieve optimal sound.
- ❌ Can be affected by moisture, requiring occasional cleaning.
Verdict: The Freak is a great choice for hunters of all skill levels looking for a versatile and easy-to-use slate call.
3. H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call
The H.S. Strut Lil’ Deuce Slate Call is a compact and powerful call designed for run-and-gun turkey hunting. Its small size makes it easy to carry, while its slate surface produces impressive sound. I’ve used similar compact calls when I need to travel light, and they’re surprisingly effective.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely compact and lightweight.
- ✅ Produces a loud and clear sound despite its size.
- ✅ Affordable price point.
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller surface area can make some calls more difficult to produce.
- ❌ Sound quality may not be as rich as larger slate calls.
- ❌ May not be ideal for calling over long distances.
Verdict: This is a great option for hunters who prioritize portability and need a reliable call for close-range encounters.
4. Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call
Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Turkey Call is designed for loud and clear calls that cut through wind and distance. Its slate surface and pot construction create a powerful sound that turkeys can hear from afar. I’ve used it in windy conditions, and it definitely lives up to its name.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces very loud and clear calls.
- ✅ Excellent for windy conditions and long-distance calling.
- ✅ Durable construction for rugged use.
Cons:
- ❌ May be too loud for close-range calling.
- ❌ Can be challenging to produce subtle calls.
- ❌ Sound quality may not be as refined as some other slate calls.
Verdict: The Hurricane is ideal for hunters who need a call that can reach out and touch turkeys at long distances, especially in challenging weather conditions.
5. Fleming Game Calls Cherry Slate Pot Call
Fleming Game Calls Cherry Slate Pot Call is a hand-tuned call designed for exceptional clarity and realism. Its cherry pot and slate surface create a sweet, natural sound that turkeys love. These are handmade and known for their quality.
Pros:
- ✅ Hand-tuned for exceptional sound quality.
- ✅ Produces a very realistic and natural turkey sound.
- ✅ High-quality materials and construction.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point compared to mass-produced calls.
- ❌ May require some practice to master its unique sound.
- ❌ Limited availability due to being handcrafted.
Verdict: This is a premium call for discerning hunters who appreciate handcrafted quality and demand the most realistic sound possible.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right turkey slate call can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider:
- Material: Slate, crystal, and glass are common surface materials. Slate offers a mellow sound, crystal is crisp and loud, and glass falls somewhere in between. The pot material (wood, plastic, etc.) also affects the sound.
- Sound Quality: Listen to sound samples if possible. Different calls produce different tones, so choose one that sounds realistic and appealing to you.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are more forgiving than others. If you’re a beginner, look for a call that’s known for being easy to use.
- Durability: Consider the materials and construction. If you hunt in rough terrain, you’ll want a call that can withstand some abuse.
- Hunting Style: Are you a run-and-gun hunter or do you prefer to set up and call? Compact calls are great for mobility, while larger calls may offer better sound projection.
- Weather Conditions: Some materials are more affected by moisture than others. Crystal calls, for example, can become slick when wet.
- Price: Slate calls range in price from affordable to high-end. Set a budget and find the best call you can afford within that range.
FAQs
Q: How do I condition my slate call?
A: Use a conditioning stone or sandpaper to create a slightly rough surface on the slate. This will help the striker grip and produce better sound. Clean the surface with a clean cloth or scouring pad after conditioning.
Q: How do I hold a slate call?
A: Hold the pot firmly in your non-dominant hand, with your fingers providing a stable base. Keep your fingers away from the striking surface to avoid muffling the sound.
Q: What is the best way to learn how to use a slate call?
A: Watch online tutorials, practice regularly, and listen to real turkey sounds to mimic their vocalizations. Start with basic calls like clucks and purrs, then gradually work your way up to more complex calls like yelps and cuts.
Q: How do I keep my slate call dry in wet weather?
A: Keep it in a waterproof bag or container when not in use. If it gets wet, wipe it dry with a clean cloth. You can also use a call cover to protect it from the elements.
Q: Can I use different strikers with my slate call?
A: Yes, experimenting with different strikers can produce different sounds. Try strikers made of various materials like wood, carbon, or acrylic to find the one that works best for you and your call.
Conclusion
Choosing a turkey slate call is a personal thing. What sounds good to one hunter might not to another. Consider your hunting style, budget, and the type of sound you’re after. Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of what’s out there and helped you narrow down your choices. Good luck this season!
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