How to Use a Mouth Call for Turkey Hunting
Mouth calls are a crucial tool for turkey hunters, allowing them to mimic the sounds of a turkey’s vocalizations and attract birds within shooting range. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of using a mouth call for turkey hunting, including how to choose the right call, how to make the sounds, and how to use it effectively in the field.
Choosing the Right Mouth Call
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of using a mouth call, it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
- Type of call: There are several types of mouth calls available, including diaphragm calls, panic calls, and yelp calls. Diaphragm calls are the most popular and versatile, allowing you to produce a range of sounds.
- Material: Mouth calls can be made from a variety of materials, including latex, plastic, and wood. Latex calls are the most popular, as they are durable and produce a clear, resonant sound.
- Size: Choose a call that fits comfortably in your mouth and allows you to produce the sounds you want.
Making the Sounds
Once you have your mouth call, it’s time to learn how to make the sounds. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Positioning: Place the call in the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth. This will allow you to produce the sounds more easily.
- Tongue placement: Place the tip of your tongue on the back of the call, just above the rim. This will help you to control the airflow and produce the desired sound.
- Airflow: Blow air through the call to produce the sound. The amount of airflow you use will depend on the type of sound you’re trying to make.
- Tongue movement: Move your tongue back and forth to change the pitch and tone of the sound.
Basic Sounds
Here are a few basic sounds you should learn to make with your mouth call:
- Yelp: A high-pitched, nasal sound that’s used to communicate with hens.
- Gobble: A low-pitched, throaty sound that’s used to communicate with toms.
- Purrs: A soft, rumbling sound that’s used to communicate with both hens and toms.
- Cutts: A sharp, staccato sound that’s used to alert other turkeys to potential danger.
Using Your Mouth Call in the Field
Now that you know how to make the sounds, it’s time to use your mouth call in the field. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start early: Begin calling at dawn, when turkeys are most active.
- Use a variety of sounds: Don’t just stick to one sound – use a variety of sounds to keep the turkeys interested.
- Listen for responses: Pay attention to the sounds you’re making and listen for responses from the turkeys.
- Be patient: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away – keep calling and waiting for the turkeys to respond.
Tips for Success
Here are a few additional tips to help you succeed with your mouth call:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at making the sounds and using your call effectively.
- Pay attention to the weather: Turkeys are more active in certain weather conditions, such as overcast days or during a rainstorm.
- Use the right setup: Make sure you’re using the right setup, including the right shotgun and choke, to increase your chances of success.
- Stay quiet: Try to stay as quiet as possible while you’re calling, as loud noises can scare off the turkeys.
Conclusion
Using a mouth call for turkey hunting requires practice, patience, and persistence. By choosing the right call, learning the basic sounds, and using your call effectively in the field, you can increase your chances of success and bag a gobbler. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to the weather, and stay quiet while you’re calling. With these tips and a little bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful turkey hunter.
