I was wondering what calls you all use and what seems to work best? I use a slatecall (not sure of what make) and its what I get the most action out of. I tried the mouth calls a couple years ago and it seemed like I was spending more time trying to get the right sound then trying to actually call in a turkey.
I purchased the primos 3 pack mouth calls this year along with a double pack with a crow and owl as my locator. Will the throw the coyote howl in for a locator also. Will pickup a slate call next month was lookingat the "Freak" that has the strap to attach to your leg so it won't fall.
When you're turkey hunting, never take just one call. Use a varitey of different calls, no one type of call is better than the other. I get results from every type of call. Here is a list of the calls I carry in my vest every time I turkey hunt. Hs Field Champion Natural Box call Hs Ole mama Hen box call Hs Ring Zone Ceramic friction call Hs Slate Witch friction call 3 diff. types of strikers Mouth calls Quaker boy Tube call Push Button call Owl call crow call Gobble shaker (Tube call can also be used to produce a gobble) Wingbone call (yelps and clucks only) Do I need all these calls to call in a gobbler yes and no, the problem is finding which call he will respond to and which call he won't. It's impossible to know before you go into the woods which call he's going to like so you need them all untill you find the one he likes.
I have a primos one side box call and a small primos box... I have a few glass over slate and glass over wood pot calls that get more use as I learn to use them. Collection of mouth calls that I use when I get them in close. I am also feeding a new lathe addiction by looking at this site http://www.customcalls.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl and learning to turn my own pot calls... I have some slate, glass, aluminum and ceramic to turn my own, just need the time to get some done. There is some serious artistry on that site - amazing calls.
i asked this question on a different forum. lots of people say to use the primos mouth calls. so i got the a-frame trio pack with case. about $15
I use a Primos box call, I cant remember what it is called exactly (just bought it last year). I cant use mouth calls due to my ridiculous gag reflex
you should check out the Derby City Calls from Louisville KY. They are new to the calling market, and they are taking it by storm.
Add the Primos Freak Frictionite Call Primos Lil' Hot Box and just for giggles Primos Gobbler "Shaker Call" I don't know how I ended up with all primos as I didn't look at brands when I placed the orders.
Primos Straightline Frictionite has always produced for me. I carry a Quaker Boy Bullseye slate also, with 2 different wood strikers. Mouth calls are great for yelps and clucks, but I can't get a good purr out of them...keep the slates close by for that. I carry about 5 different mouth calls though. Rarely use my HS Double sided box call...it's loud, and that's it. Broke my K&H push button last year and I probably won't replace it because it is a pain to use with a bow. Locator calls I use a Primos Power Crow and a Hoot Tube. I like plastic locators best because they work wet or dry, but they don't sound quite as good as wood calls. If you're trying to go with minimum gear, I'd say get a few tried and true mouth calls (with a DVD or CD to practice to) for yelps and cutts, a slate with a dark wood striker for the soft and sweet tones, and a good crow locator.
Use a variety of calls!!!! Gobblers can be picky and sometimes it takes a different tone or rhythm to fire the birds up. My best advice is to have more than one and dont be afraid to use them!! Good luck.
I use a slate sometimes, but for the most part I use reed calls. The rio birds I hunt never seem to be to picky, as long as they are not with a hen!
Exactly my thought Grant... I remember one particular day when I couldn't strike up a gobble with slates, boxes, diaphragm, etc. The only call that day was a wingbone call and it worked well! Some work better on different days, different conditions, humidity, wind, etc. Know how to use them all and keep the all with you!
You should stick with the slate and a box call, the box is best for getting them headed in the right direction from medium to far distances but the slate is great for medium to close distances.
Variety is the best. Learn to use them all. I sure like a mouth call when I'm the shooter (keeps your hands free). When you're the caller it's easier to use a box or slate. For mouth calls, I like the Dimond Cutter.
By far the best slate call I think is Primos Freak with frictionite - same as cowboy says. It's the easiest slate to produce a nice raspy yelp and it purrs and cuts real nice.
Anyone check out the HS Squealing hen. Just picked one up this weekend. Seems pretty promising from the hunts I've been watching. I know a few people locally that are pretty high on them.
I use the IPS (Interchangeable Paddle System) Call by Extreme Outdoors. It is a box call with interchangeable paddles/strikers. You can change paddles in a second. There are several paddles made from different woods available and each has a unique tone/pitch to it. Gives you flexibility with one box-call. Plus you can take the paddle(s) off the box when you are walking around in the woods soit doesn't make the unwanted "chirp" sound. The website is reengineeringthehunt.com There is also a nice holster available to hold the paddles.
