Wisconsin Turkey Hunting: How to Use Turkey Calls

Welcome to Find A Hunt, your ultimate guide to hunting in Wisconsin! If you're a passionate turkey hunter or a beginner looking to dive into this thrilling sport, mastering the art of turkey calls is essential for a successful hunt. In this article, we'll explore the various types of turkey calls and provide you with expert tips to effectively use them during your Wisconsin turkey hunting expeditions.

Understanding Turkey Calls

Turkey calls are essential tools used by hunters to mimic the sounds turkeys make to communicate with each other. By imitating these vocalizations, hunters can lure turkeys within shooting range. There are four primary types of turkey calls, each serving a specific purpose:

Box Calls: Box calls consist of a rectangular-shaped wooden box with a lid. By moving the lid across the surface of the box's walls, you can create realistic turkey sounds. These calls are versatile and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Friction Calls: Friction calls, also known as slate or pot calls, are made up of a pot (usually made of slate, glass, or aluminum) and a striker (a wooden or plastic stick). By rubbing the striker against the pot's surface, you can produce various turkey sounds. These calls require some practice but are effective for producing soft purrs and clucks.

Mouth Calls: Mouth calls, or diaphragm calls, are placed inside the hunter's mouth. They require the most practice to master but offer hands-free operation, allowing hunters to keep their hands on their weapons. Once perfected, mouth calls can produce a wide range of turkey sounds, from yelps and cackles to cutting and kee-kees.

Locator Calls: Locator calls, such as owl hooters or crow calls, are not meant to imitate turkey sounds but rather to locate their presence. By using these calls, hunters can elicit a response from nearby turkeys, revealing their location.

Mastering Turkey Calling Techniques

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient with turkey calls. Dedicate time to practice different calls, paying attention to pitch, tone, and cadence. Start practicing before the hunting season to refine your skills.

Mimic Realistic Sounds: Observe live turkeys or listen to recorded turkey calls to understand their unique vocalizations. Aim to replicate their sounds as closely as possible when using your turkey calls in the field.

Control Your Volume: Adjust the volume of your calls based on the distance to the turkeys. Soft, subtle calls work best when birds are nearby, while louder calls are effective for grabbing their attention from a distance.

Be Patient: Turkey hunting requires patience. Once you make a call, give the turkeys ample time to respond. Avoid overcalling, as this may make turkeys wary and less likely to approach your position.

Use Calls Sparingly: Employ locator calls to locate turkeys before using turkey calls to attract them. Overusing turkey calls may alert birds to your presence, making them more challenging to approach.

Camouflage and Concealment: Blend into your surroundings by wearing appropriate camouflage clothing and setting up against natural cover. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and can detect movement easily.

Conclusion

Wisconsin offers fantastic opportunities for turkey hunting, and mastering turkey calls can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember to practice regularly with different types of calls and mimic realistic turkey sounds. Exercise patience and use calls sparingly, and always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices.

So gear up, get out there, and may you have a thrilling and rewarding turkey hunting experience in the beautiful Wisconsin wilderness. Happy hunting from Find A Hunt!