Box calls are versatile, sound great, and are relatively easy to use. They are or can be sensitive to humidity and work very well in dry conditions. Box calls bring putts, purrs, clucks and howls to life. Anyone can master the box call with a little practice and time. This call doesn’t take up much space in your pocket and is lightweight. Box calls are one of the calls for that beginning turkey hunter.

The diaphragm or mouth calls are probably the most difficult to master, of all the turkey calls out there. Once you’ve mastered it, this call fills a vital niche. This call is versatile and allows hunters to produce soft, purring noises, but at the same time, the diaphragm or mouth can reach high frequencies and long-range calls. Most hunters will say that the diaphragm or mouth call is the perfect call to lure that monster in those last few yards. They would not be for beginner hunters or if you are just starting out.

Push bottom call is the easiest call to learn, when you use button calls, they make realistic howls, clucks and purrs at the push of a button. They can be manipulated effectively with one hand, so that when that big tom comes in, you can hold your gun in one hand and keep pointing it with the other. This call is perfect for first time turkey hunters as there really is no need to practice as all you are doing is pressing a button.

Friction or slate calls are made from a variety of different materials such as slate, aluminum, titanium, glass (resin), plexiglass, and copper. These calls are the most versatile out there. Friction or slate takes more effort to master than other calls, but serious turkey hunters wouldn’t go to the woods without them. They make more realistic high-pitched sounds that travel distances and are impervious to wet conditions. Once you’ve mastered friction or slate, you can change it up by getting a different firing pin that can create a totally different frequency, sound, and volume. Strikers come in Carbon, Walnut, Purple Heart, Plexiglass, Wire, and Aluminum. Having one or more strikers can be beneficial to your hunt.

Last but not least is the pager call. This call does exactly what its name suggests, it locates the devourers. Loud, high-pitched calls often work well for locating hot birds, but be sure to use soft, natural-sounding calls as well. Hunters say this is the most effective way to locate nearby toms. It’s a great call to use when you’re not sure where to sit or where the birds are heading.

Successful turkey hunters will make several different calls to make sure they have all situations covered. There would be nothing worse than being in your prime with a devourer and not being able to lure him in. Remember to always be safe and good luck in your turkey hunt.