Looking for the best turkey call to enhance your hunting experience? You are in the right place. This guide explores the best turkey calls available on the market.
For hunting enthusiasts, few experiences rival the excitement and challenge of turkey hunting. Central to a successful hunt is the ability to effectively communicate with these sharp-eyed and sharp-eared birds. This is where turkey calls come into play.
What is a Turkey Call?
A turkey call is a tool that produces sound used by hunters or wildlife enthusiasts to mimic the vocalizations of wild turkeys, usually to attract them. These calls can imitate different turkey sounds like yelps, clucks, purrs, or gobbles.
They are made using tools such as box calls, slate calls, diaphragm calls, or even by mouth. Each type of call serves a different purpose, from luring in curious hens to challenging dominant toms.
Types of Turkey Calls
There are several types of turkey calls each with its own strengths, learning curve, and situational advantages. These include box calls, slate or pot calls, diaphragm (mouth) calls, and locator calls.
- Box Calls. Box turkey calls are user-friendly and produce loud, realistic yelps that can carry over long distances. This makes them ideal for locating birds.
- Slate Calls. Slate calls offer a range of tones and are excellent for soft clucks and purrs during close encounters.
- Diaphragm Calls. While most diaphragm calls requiring more practice, they allow hands-free operation and versatility in sound production.
- Locator Call. Locator calls like owl hoots or crow calls, are used to provoke a shock gobble from turkeys, revealing their location without alerting them to the hunter’s presence.
Best Turkey Calls
In this guide, we’ll explore the best turkey calls on the market highlighting their pros, cons, and what makes each one stand out. Let’s dive right in.
1. Woodhaven Custom Calls Carbon Crystal
The Woodhaven Custom Calls Carbon Crystal is the best turkey call. It is a premium slate-style turkey call that truly lives up to the company’s reputation for high-end, hand-crafted hunting gear.
The selling point of this turkey call is its construction quality. The carbon crystal surface paired with the walnut and cherry wood pot creates a durable, elegant design that feels balanced and comfortable in the hand.
Furthermore, the calling surface produces sharp, clean yelps and cuts with a remarkable amount of volume and rasp, even with minimal effort. Whether you’re reaching out across a windy field or coaxing a wary tom into range, the call offers impressive versatility and realism. It also pairs well with a variety of strikers.
In the field, the Carbon Crystal excels in sound performance. The surface remains consistent in varying weather conditions, unlike traditional slate, which can be temperamental when wet. Additionally, it shines in the subtle side of calling, capable of delicate purrs and soft clucks that sound incredibly lifelike.
Pros
- Top-notch craftsmanship
- Outstanding tone quality
- Dependable performance
- Ease of use
Cons
- The price is on the higher end
2. ESH Turkey Pot Calls – Turkey Glass Calls & Slate Calls with Strikers
The ESH Turkey Pot Calls – Turkey Glass Calls & Slate Calls with Strikers offer a well-crafted, high-performance solution for turkey hunters who demand precision and realism in their calls.
The build quality of these turkey calls is impressive. The pot is solid and balanced, giving a premium feel that translates into reliable field use. Besides, the glass call delivers sharp, high-pitched yelps and cuts that carry exceptionally well through thick woods and open fields, while the slate call produces a deeper, more mellow tone ideal for close encounters and subtle calling sequences.
Both surfaces respond effortlessly to the included strikers, which are thoughtfully designed for comfort and grip during extended calling sessions.
Another feature that sets the ESH Turkey Pot Calls apart is their versatility and ease of use. They are suitable for both seasoned hunters and beginners alike. Furthermore, switching between the slate and glass calls provides a full range of turkey vocalization so users can adjust their tactics depending on hunting conditions.
Pros
- Dependable and highly effective calling system
- Excellent sound realism with both glass and slate surfaces
- Unmatched versatility
- High build quality with attractive and durable wooden pots
- Good value for a dual-call combo
Cons
- Requires occasional conditioning to maintain sound clarity
3. Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call
As one of the best turkey calls, the Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call stands out as a top-tier option for turkey hunters looking to take their hunting a notch higher.
Crafted with a CNC-milled wood pot and soundboard, it offers a comfortable, rounded cup design that fits naturally in the hand, enhancing control and ease of use. The call’s design allows for a range of tones suitable for various calling scenarios, from soft purrs to more aggressive calls.
In the field, the Rare Breed Slate Call is renowned for its sound quality and build. It produces realistic, raspy tones and ease of volume control, for close to medium-range calling. Besides, its reliable performance makes it outperform other competitors in its price range.
Pros
- Exceptional value
- Quality craftsmanship
- Effective performance
- Comfortable, rounded cup design
Cons
- It is not the loudest call available
4. STRUT Commander Turkey Box Call
When it comes to versatility, the Dugout Pallbearer Box is hard to beat. It is a versatile turkey call that can help you bring those birds from field to table, whether you prefer using a turkey mouth call or a box call.
The highlight of this turkey call is its durable design. Made from durable, affordable poplar wood, this pre-chalked call is great for hunters of all levels looking for turkey hunting gear. Even after repeated use in various environments, it shows minimal wear and continues to sound great. Besides, it is hand-built and tuned in the USA by craftsmen who have a passion for turkeys.
This call is easy to use, even for beginners and a valuable addition to your turkey calling arsenal. It also features a dual-sided design that provides great rollover, producing realistic yelps, cutts, clucks, and purrs.
Pros
- Versatile and realistic design
- Affordable
- Durable construction
- Hand-built and tuned in the USA
Cons
- Requires consistent maintenance to keep it performing at its best,
5. Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call
The Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call is a game-changer for turkey hunters looking to improve their chances of success during the spring hunting season.
Designed with ease of use in mind, this compact, easy-to-use call mimics the sound of an owl hooting to locate turkeys. Besides, its versatility allows hunters to produce loud, clear hoots with minimal effort, and the adjustable volume and tone controls help mimic different owl sounds to suit various hunting situations.
Regarding construction, the call is made from durable plastic. It is rigid enough to withstand the elements and rough conditions often encountered in the field. Furthermore, the ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand, and the simple design ensures that even novice hunters can use it without much practice.
The other standout feature of the Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call is its ability to cover large areas. The call’s sound carries well, making it an excellent choice for hunters who need to locate turkeys across expansive terrain.
Pros
- Unmatched reliability in both early morning and late evening hunts
- Lightweight and durable design
- Ease of use
- Great value and functionality
Cons
- Takes time to adjust the correct pressure and volume needed for optimal use
6. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer is an innovative turkey call designed for novice and seasoned hunters looking to improve their mouth calling skills.
Its standout feature is the unique plastic frame, which acts as a guide for perfect mouth placement and consistent air flow. This design makes it easier to produce clear, realistic turkey sounds.
Furthermore, the call comes with a premium latex reed that produces crisp yelps, cuts, and clucks, simulating natural hen vocalizations.
In the field, the Tracer performs well, offering a high-pitched tone that’s ideal for reaching distant gobblers in the early morning or late afternoon. The built-in Cutt’R frame allows for quick learning and reliable repetition, which is crucial during the heat of a hunt when time is short and precision is key.
Pros
- User-friendly design ideal for beginners
- Durable construction with quality materials
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight
Cons
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Limited to basic call types
7. Flextone Thunder Shaker Gobble Hybrid Turkey Call
Flextone Thunder Shaker Gobbler Hybrid turkey call is our last recommendation for the best turkey calls. It features a one-of-a-kind designs that help callers of all skill levels, producing accurate, natural turkey sounds.
This turkey call is a great alternative for hunters tired of conventional models that take years to master. It is an easy-to-use solution to draw in toms as you simply grab the call and shake it to emit realistic gobble sounds that will help attract your target.
The Thunder Shaker Gobble makes gobbling easier than ever with a user-friendly handheld design. No need to waste time practicing with difficult mouth and diaphragm calls. Besides, anyone can master this call in mere seconds.
Another impressive feature is the realistic gobble sounds it produces. Simply shake the bellows for instant, realistic gobbles.
Above all, this turkey call features a compact size that stows easily and a lightweight design that keeps it ready to bust out gobbling action at any moment.
Pros
- Easy to operate handheld design
- Compact and lightweight
- Suitable for hunters of all levels
- Realistic gobble sounds
Cons
- Lacks the versatility to mimic the full range of turkey vocalizations
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Turkey Calls
When selecting the best turkey calls, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, consider the following factors to make an effective and efficient choice.
Sound Quality and Realism
Turkeys are naturally cautious animals, and they can quickly detect unnatural or off-pitch sounds. The call you choose should produce a realistic tone that closely mimics the vocalizations of a wild turkey, such as yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
Not all calls are equally user-friendly. Diaphragm calls, while versatile and stealthy, can take considerable time and practice to master. On the other hand, box calls and push-button calls are generally much easier for beginners to use effectively.
It’s therefore important to consider how much time you’re willing to invest in practicing. For a novice, starting with a call that offers quick success and positive reinforcement may be more motivating and productive than struggling with a more complex option.
Durability and Build Quality
Hunting often involves exposure to tough weather conditions and rugged terrain, so the best turkey calls should be built to withstand the elements. A well-constructed call not only lasts longer but also maintains sound quality over time.
Look for calls made with high-quality materials such as waterproof woods, corrosion-resistant metals, or durable plastics. Some calls are even designed to be fully weather-resistant, which can be crucial if you’re hunting in rainy or damp environments
Volume and Range Control
Different hunting environments require different volume levels. In open fields, louder calls like box calls will help reach distant turkeys, while in dense woods, softer calls might be more effective and less likely to scare game away. Some calls offer better volume control and can produce a variety of sound intensities.
Sound Flexibility
The best turkey calls offer flexible sounds. Being able to switch between soft purrs and loud yelps gives you flexibility in your calling strategy, making it easier to adapt to changing conditions in the field.
Portability and Convenience
When you’re trekking through the woods or covering long distances, the weight and size of your gear matter. Some calls are bulkier and require two-handed operation, while others are compact and can be used with one hand. Choose a call that matches your mobility needs and won’t hinder your movement during the hunt.
Read Also
How to Care and Maintain Turkey Calls
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Keep it dry and clean after use
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For slate calls, lightly sand the surface
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For box calls, use chalk to keep the lid sliding smoothly. DON’T use oil
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Diaphragm calls should be rinsed and stored in a ventilated case
Best Turkey Calls FAQs
- Which turkey call is best for beginners?
A push-button call or a box call is often recommended for beginners because they are simple to use and produce realistic sounds with little practice.
- What is the most versatile turkey call?
Versatility in turkey calls varies from one type to the other other. Once mastered, the mouth call (diaphragm call) is the most versatile type as it allows allowing hands-free calling and a wide range of sounds.
- What sounds should a good turkey call make?
A good turkey call should be able to mimic clucks, purrs, yelps, cutts, and gobbles realistically.
- Do different seasons require different calls?
Yes. In early spring, soft yelps and clucks work best. On the other hand, more aggressive calling like cutts and excited yelps are be more effective during the peak breeding season
Final Words
Ultimately, the best turkey call is the one that suits your personal hunting style and preferences. Some hunters prefer the tactile feedback and traditional feel of a slate call, while others value the stealth and flexibility of diaphragm calls. Hopefully, this buying guide has steered you in the right direction and you are now able to find a turkey call to enhance your hunting experience.