How often should You call when turkey hunting?

How Often Should You Call When Turkey Hunting?

Calling is a crucial aspect of turkey hunting, as it helps to attract and entice birds to your location. However, calling too much or too little can be detrimental to your chances of success. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of turkey calling and provide you with valuable insights on how often you should call when turkey hunting.

Understanding Turkey Communication

Before we dive into the frequency of calling, it’s essential to understand turkey communication. Turkeys use a variety of calls to convey different messages, including:

• Yelps: A loud, sharp call used to signal alarm or warning to other turkeys.
• Gobbles: A low-pitched call used by males to advertise their presence and attract hens.
• Purrs: A soft, raspy call used by females to communicate with each other.
• Clucks: A gentle, chattering call used by females to communicate with each other and their young.

When to Call

So, when should you call when turkey hunting? The answer depends on the situation and the birds you’re hunting. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Early Morning: In the early morning hours, when turkeys are still waking up and getting their daily routine started, calling is essential. Use low-volume, soft calls to simulate the sound of a hen turkey.
• Mid-Morning to Mid-Day: As the morning wears on and the sun rises higher in the sky, turkeys become more active and alert. Use medium-volume, moderate calls to mimic the sound of a turkey making its way to a food source.
• Late Afternoon: In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, turkeys often start to get restless and look for a place to roost. Use high-volume, loud calls to simulate the sound of a turkey making its way to a roosting spot.

Frequency of Calling

So, how often should you call when turkey hunting? Here are some general guidelines:

• Start with Soft Calls: Begin with soft, low-volume calls every 5-10 minutes to simulate the sound of a hen turkey.
• Increase Volume and Frequency: As the morning wears on, increase the volume and frequency of your calls to simulate the sound of multiple turkeys making their way to a food source.
• Back Off and Wait: After 10-15 minutes of calling, back off and wait for 10-15 minutes before calling again. This allows the birds to respond to your calls and gives you a chance to observe their behavior.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind when calling turkeys:

• Use Different Calls: Use different calls to simulate the sound of different turkeys, such as a hen, jake, or gobbler.
• Vary Your Pitch: Vary the pitch of your calls to simulate the sound of different turkeys.
• Pay Attention to Response: Pay attention to the response you get from your calls. If you get a response, continue to call and try to draw the bird closer. If you don’t get a response, back off and try a different approach.
• Be Patient: Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away. Calling turkeys can be a waiting game, and it’s essential to be patient and persistent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calling is a crucial aspect of turkey hunting, and it’s essential to understand turkey communication and when to call. By following the guidelines outlined above and using different calls, pitches, and volumes, you can increase your chances of success and attract those birds to your location. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away. With practice and experience, you’ll become a pro at calling turkeys and will be well on your way to a successful hunting trip.

Table: Calling Frequency and Volume

Bullets: Tips and Tricks

• Use different calls to simulate the sound of different turkeys
• Vary the pitch of your calls to simulate the sound of different turkeys
• Pay attention to the response you get from your calls
• Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away
• Practice and experience will help you become a pro at calling turkeys