If you’re unfamiliar with how a turkey mouth call works, or are new to the sport, this blog post will teach you how to use a turkey mouth call. You’ll also learn about some different sounds that can be made using a mouth call to hunt turkey.
How to Use a Turkey Mouth Call On the Hunt
There’s no one definitive way to use a turkey mouth call. Different hunters will have different techniques and sounds that they prefer. However, there are some basics that all hunters should know to produce the various sounds of a turkey’s mating call.
Parts of a Turkey Mouth Call and How to Different Calls are Made
The first thing you need to know about using a turkey mouth call is that there are different parts to it.
The main part of the mouth call is the reed, which you hold between your lips. There’s also a striker, which you use to make noise by rubbing it against the reed. Finally, there’s the tone board, which helps change the pitch of the sound that you’re making.
To Make a Yelp Call
The first sound you’ll learn how to make is the yelp. To make these raspy yelps, start by using your tongue and teeth to scrape across the reed while simultaneously blowing into it.
You can use either an inhale or exhale sound for this call or soft yelp, just be consistent with which one you choose so that other hunters don’t hear two different kinds of noises coming from your direction!
To Make a Purr Call
For the next type of turkey mouth call, hold onto both sides of the tone board with your lips and push out air rapidly through your throat as if you were gargling water to create vibrations on the reed. This will result in a high-pitched, raspy purr sound.
To Make a Cluck Call
Another type of turkey mouth call is the cluck, which you’ll create by opening your throat and pushing out air through it rapidly to vibrate the reed. This results in a short, low-pitched noise that sounds almost like the word, “cluck”.
To Make a Cutt Call
When making specific calls with a turkey mouth call, such as a cutt, keep your tongue between your teeth while blowing into the mouthpiece until finished or else risk biting down onto your tongue! To howl at higher pitches, use nothing but air forced from deep within the lungs.
To Make a Kee-Kee Call
This is a distress call that can be used when you feel like you’re in danger or if you’ve lost the bird. To howl, start by making a deep “kee” sound and then transition into a high-pitched “kee-kee.” Be sure to practice howling in different pitches so that you can create different sounding alarms when needed.
The Gag Reflex and How to Overcome it
A gag reflex is when your soft palate (the back of the roof of your mouth) and throat spasms. When it does this, you feel like gagging or vomiting. This can be a big problem when calling turkeys because hunters need to make realistic turkey sounds without letting the turkeys know of their presence!
Many hunters have trouble overcoming their gag reflex when using a turkey mouth call. This is caused by the reed’s vibration in your mouth and the inflated cheeks. To overcome this, try sucking on hard candy or using a lip balm containing menthol.
There are a couple of ways hunters can overcome the gag reflex in turkey calling. One way is to try and relax when you call, which may take away your urge to gag or vomit. Another technique hunters use is to have something smooth on their tongues, so it doesn’t furl up.
What is a Box Call and How to Use it?
The box call is a popular turkey hunting tool because it can create a wide range of different sounds. The sound you produce with the box call depends on how you hold the call and which end you blow into.
There are three basic ways to hold the box call: horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. When blowing into the call, use short puffs instead of long blasts. This will help keep you from overworking your gag reflex! Experiment with each position to see what type of sound it produces.
You can also try cupping your hand around the call to create a more focused sound.
The box call is a great tool to help you bring in gobbling turkeys, but it takes practice to perfect the sound. Start by using short bursts of air and experiment with different positions until you find one that gives you the desired results. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to use the box call like a pro and bring those gobblers running!
Conclusion
One of the most challenging aspects of learning how to use a turkey mouth call is mastering the different sounds. However, once you’ve mastered these calls, wild turkeys will come right to you! With a bit of patience and practice, you can become an expert at calling wild turkeys with just one or two short turkey mouth calls.
You may not be able to do it on your first try, so don’t worry if you need some time before getting everything down pat. The best way to master this is by practicing every day using real-life scenarios like when there are actually birds nearby that might respond.
