Just trying to get a better understanding about Mouth Calls and Box Calls. Which one is the better buy? Which one works better for you? And responsiveness.
All the different calls have a useful application. I use Box calls for long distance calling/alerting them of my presence, slates for actually calling to the bird and conversing with them, and a mouth call when they are up close and i have my gun on the ready. Mouth calls/Slate calls are my go to.
Locate on the roost the night before with hoot owl call, confirm next morning on my way in with the hoot owl. Then set up close and use a mouth call. I haven't had success with a box call. That's just me though. I know many others that have.
Ive had success using multiple call at once also, sounding like multiple hens. Seems to get them fired up!
I've got both mouth and box. I've heard of the owl technique also. These are some great tips fellas. They will be used and I appreciate the feed back, and what is the relationship with the hoot owl and Turkey?
I've got both mouth and box. I've heard of the owl technique also. These are some great tips fellas. They will be used and I appreciate the feed back, and what is the relationship with the hoot owl and Turkey? With bow hunting do the same rules apply as with shotgun?
The owl call works like a crow call during the day and can produce a "shock" gobble...this allows you to know where a bird is without him thinking he has a hen looking for him. (allows you to set up with less risk of spooking the bird.) Other than that, all calls have a time/place in your arsenal, but you have to find what you are most comfortable with and practice, practice, practice. Best of luck out there.
I like to use a hoot owl the night before to locate them after dark on the roost. That's if I am able to. Then I head out real early and confirm location and set up. I like to set up within what sounds like 100yd or so out. I haven't used decoys as of yet. Where I hunt, the turkeys are pretty keen on decoys from what the old timers have said. Once set up, I hit the hoot owl again and wait till day light. Then I hit the diaphragm call. I have been impatient and moved in on one on the roost and every time it hasn't ended well.
I have an owl call and crow call for locating them, but I've never used it. I now use a mouth call 75% of the time because I feel like I have more control over the way it sounds and how much sound I want to pitch out there. I have a box and slate when it gets windy, or in case I happen to lose my mouth call.
I don't call nearly as much as I used to, but I do believe it's good to have a variety of calls with different sounds. Each situation can be different, and once in awhile throwing something different at that old gobbler will do the trick. So even though I say a varienty of different calls is good to have, I do believe in the statement "less is more", as far as how much or how often you call. Make him come looking for you. Good luck this Spring!
