Gearing up for the ultimate turkey hunting escapade in 2024? You’re in luck! We’ve scoured the market to uncover the crème de la crème of turkey calls, each tailored to cater to a specific set of needs. From beginner-friendly options to advanced, customizable calls, this exhaustive guide will have you well on your way to securing that once-in-a-lifetime trophy. Ready to elevate your hunting prowess and bag that elusive tom? Plunge into discovering the 5 best turkey calls that’ll make your 2024 hunt an unforgettable success.
Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call, Turkey, Starter Pack, one Size
The Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call, Turkey Starter Pack is an ideal choice for beginner turkey hunters. This thorough kit includes a range of calls designed by turkey-calling experts to produce realistic, intense sounds. You’ll find a double-sided box call, a Sonic Dome slate pot with a slim striker, a Sonic Dome double with a bat, a cut diaphragm mouth call, and a conditioning kit, all housed in a convenient carrying case. With this starter pack, you’ll have the tools you need to master the art of turkey calling and increase your chances of a successful hunt. Customers praise the product’s durability and ease of use, making it a great value for those new to the sport.
Best For: Beginner turkey hunters looking for a comprehensive and affordable kit to start their turkey calling journey.
Pros:
Designed by turkey-calling experts for realistic and intense sounds
Includes a variety of calls (box call, slate pot, diaphragm mouth call) for versatility
Comes with a convenient carrying case to keep everything organized
Cons:
Some customers found the diaphragm mouth call challenging to use
May not be suitable for experienced hunters who require more advanced calls
Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call, Black
For hunters seeking a reliable and easy-to-use turkey call, the Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call, Black stands out as an exceptional choice. Featuring a patented silencer cap, this call allows for one-handed jake calling and two-handed adult gobbling without untimely sounds. Primos, a brand trusted by hunters for decades, has designed this product with quality materials to withstand the toughest conditions. With a super-loud volume and a cylindrical shape, the Gobbler Shaker Call delivers an authentic turkey vocalisation that’s sure to captivate your prey. Weighing just 0.3 pounds, it’s lightweight and convenient, making it a must-have for your turkey hunting arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this Primos call will elevate your hunting experience and bring you closer to that elusive trophy.
Best For: The Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call is best for seasoned turkey hunters and beginners alike who are seeking a reliable and easy-to-use turkey call for their hunting excursions.
Pros:
Patented silencer cap eliminates untimely sounds for quiet movement
Allows for one-handed jake calling and two-handed adult gobbling
Produces a super-loud, authentic turkey vocalisation
Cons:
May be too loud for some hunting situations
Requires practice to master the various calling techniques
Some users may prefer a more compact or lightweight design
If you’re a turkey hunter seeking a foolproof, deep-rich, and seductive call, the ESH Turkey Mouth Calls are the perfect choice. These 3-reed calls deliver excellent volume with minimal effort, thanks to their custom design. The Esh Custom Calls team, experienced in hunting wild turkeys across many states, has crafted these high-end mouth calls to mimic the sounds of real hens. With a variety of options like the Tru-Hype, React, and Long Spur, you can easily find the call that suits your preferences. Customers praise the great tone quality and the good value for the price. Though it may take some time to get the fit just right, once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a hunting call that sounds like the real thing. Elevate your turkey hunting experience with the ESH Turkey Mouth Calls.
Best For: Turkey hunters looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use mouth call that delivers excellent volume and a realistic hen sound.
Pros:
Excellent volume with minimal effort due to custom 3-reed design
Variety of call options to suit different preferences
Competitive pricing for the quality of the product
Cons:
May take some time to get the fit and positioning right for optimal sound
Limited color/style options compared to some other turkey call brands
Not suitable for complete beginners due to the more advanced nature of mouth calls
Icotec GEN2 GC350 Programmable Game Call – 24 Call Capacity OPEN BOX
With a 24-call capacity and the ability to download sounds from Icotec’s extensive library, the Icotec GEN2 GC350 Programmable Game Call is an ideal choice for those seeking to lure in a wide variety of game. Boasting a compact size and loud, clear calls, this programmable call delivers impressive range of up to 300 yards. While some users experienced issues with battery life and remote control, the majority praised its sound quality, volume, and ease of use. Whether you’re hunting varmints, coyotes, or crows, this versatile call can help you achieve an epic hunt. With the option to report lower prices and provide feedback, you can confirm you get the best deal and enhance your hunting experience.
Best For: Hunters seeking a versatile, programmable game call with extensive sound options for luring in a variety of game.
The Lynch 101F Foolproof One Sided Box Call is the ideal choice for beginner turkey hunters seeking a reliable and easy-to-use option. This box call’s one-sided design with a ridge prevents it from traveling too far past the box, making it simple to operate even for those new to turkey hunting. Imitating the natural sounds of a hen, the Lynch 101F produces loud and authentic vocalizations that can effectively lure in wary toms. Customers praise its ease of use, ability to cluck and cut with precision, and excellent chalk retention. While a few users reported a metallic sound after extended use, the call’s overall performance and effectiveness in the field remain uncompromised. Priced affordably, the Lynch 101F is an excellent value proposition for turkey hunters looking to elevate their hunting experience.
Best For: Beginner turkey hunters seeking a reliable and easy-to-use box call that can effectively mimic hen sounds and attract wary toms.
Pros:
Easy to use, even for beginners
Produces loud and natural-sounding hen vocalizations
Holds chalk well and allows for precise clucking and cutting
Cons:
Some users reported a metallic sound after extended use
May not be suitable for experienced hunters seeking more advanced call features
Limited durability compared to more premium box call options
Mastering your calling technique is key. Opt for calls with ample volume and versatility. Guarantee your calls are durable, reliable, and deliver acoustic realism, all while being portable and accessible.
Calling Technique Proficiency
Developing a hunter’s calling technique proficiency is paramount when it comes to choosing the right turkey calls. Mastering a variety of calling techniques, including clucking, purring, and yelping, can help you adapt to different hunting situations and increase your chances of success. Practicing with different types of turkey calls, such as diaphragm, box, and slate calls, can help you develop your calling technique proficiency and find what works best for you.
Understanding the sounds and vocalizations of wild turkeys, including their tone, pitch, and cadence, is vital for effective calling and can be achieved through observation and practice. Developing a consistent and natural-sounding call can be achieved through repetition and practice, allowing you to build confidence and improve your calling technique. Learning to control volume, tone, and pitch when calling can help you better mimic the sounds of wild turkeys and increase your effectiveness in the field.
Volume and Versatility
Versatility in a turkey call is paramount, as it allows you to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances and behaviors of your quarry. An ideal call should offer a wide range of volumes, from soft and subtle to loud and attention-grabbing, enabling you to match the appropriate sound to your hunting environment and the turkey’s responsiveness.
A versatile call that can mimic various turkey vocalizations, like clucks, purrs, and gobbles, is more effective than one that produces a single sound. This versatility gives you the flexibility to communicate with the birds more authentically, increasing your chances of luring them within range.
Furthermore, the ability to customize or modify your call can be advantageous, as it permits you to fine-tune the acoustics to your specific needs and preferences. Opt for a call that delivers high-quality, realistic sounds at a reasonable volume, as this can prove more effective than an excessively loud but less authentic option.
Durability and Reliability
While versatility is key in a turkey call, its durability and reliability are equally important factors to ponder when making your choice. A durable turkey call can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring consistent performance throughout the hunting season. You’ll want a reliable call that can produce consistent sounds without malfunctioning or breaking, allowing you to focus on your game rather than the call itself.
The material used to make the call can affect its durability, with high-quality synthetic blends or hardwoods often providing better resistance to wear and tear. The design and construction of the call can also impact its reliability, with well-designed calls featuring ergonomic shapes and secure connections that minimize the risk of damage or malfunction. Finally, a call that’s easy to clean and maintain can contribute to its overall durability and reliability, as you can quickly remove dirt and debris that might affect its performance.
Acoustic Realism
When it comes to turkey calls, acoustic realism is a crucial consideration. The ability of a call to accurately mimic the sounds made by wild turkeys, including pitch, tone, and volume, can profoundly impact the effectiveness of your hunt. A call with high acoustic realism will be more believable to the target turkey, increasing your chances of success.
Realistic calls can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials, precise design, and expert craftsmanship. The most effective calls are those that can produce a range of sounds, from soft, subtle clucks to loud, piercing yelps. This versatility allows you to adapt to the changing moods and behaviors of the turkeys you’re pursuing.
The level of acoustic realism in a turkey call can greatly impact the success of your hunt, as turkeys are highly attuned to the sounds of their peers and can easily detect fake or unnatural calls. Investing in a call with exceptional acoustic realism can give you a substantial advantage in the field.
Portability and Accessibility
Portability and accessibility are crucial factors to ponder when choosing turkey calls. Look for compact designs that can easily fit in a pocket or on a lanyard, like the Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call, weighing only 0.01 ounces. Lighter calls, such as the ESH Turkey Mouth Calls (0.05 kg), are more effortless to carry than heavier options, including the Icotec GEN2 GC350 Programmable Game Call (0.88 kg).
Accessibility features, including easy-to-use designs like the Lynch Fool Proof Turkey Box Call, can make it simpler for beginners to start calling turkeys. One-handed operation, as seen in the Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call, allows you to use the call while moving through the woods. Prioritize durable materials and construction, exemplified by the Primos Hunting 272 Friction Call, to withstand rough handling and harsh outdoor conditions.
Compatibility With Hunting Style
Choosing the right turkey call depends on the type of hunting you plan to do. Box calls and slate calls are ideal for close-quarters hunting, as they produce a subtle, high-pitched sound that can be directed at a specific target. On the other hand, diaphragm calls are better suited for long-distance calling, as they can create a louder, more resonant sound that carries farther. If you’ll be hunting in dense woods or thick cover, a call with a more focused, directional sound may be more effective, while a call with a wider, more dispersed sound may work better in open fields or clearings. Consider the level of realism and authenticity you need in a call, as some are designed to mimic specific turkey sounds or provide a more dynamic calling experience. By choosing the right call for your hunting style, you’ll increase your chances of an epic turkey hunt.
Brand Reputation and Innovation
Reputable brands in the turkey call market, like Primos, offer an exhaustive kit with a range of calls to get you started on your turkey hunting journey. These brands have been trusted by hunters for decades, boasting a proven track record of producing high-quality products that can withstand the toughest conditions. Innovative features, such as patented silencer caps, eliminate untimely sounds while you move through the woods, providing a safety advantage. Brands that invest in quality materials and design can deliver calls that are both durable and easy to use, making them accessible to hunters of all skill levels. What’s more, a brand’s commitment to creating great products built by hunters, for hunters, can result in calls that accurately replicate the sounds of wild turkeys, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.
Value and Budget Considerations
When selecting a turkey call, budget is a crucial consideration. Prices can vary substantially, from affordable mouth calls under $10 to high-end electronic models exceeding $100. While the cost doesn’t always determine effectiveness, investing in a quality call can be worthwhile. More expensive options may offer realistic sounds, enhanced durability, and better performance in diverse hunting conditions.
Your hunting style, personal preferences, and skill level should guide your call selection. A beginner may find an affordable option sufficient, while experienced hunters may benefit from the advanced features of a premium call. Ultimately, it’s about balancing the cost with the call’s features, performance, and overall value to confirm it meets your needs and provides a good return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Improve My Turkey Call Technique?
To improve your turkey call technique, practice regularly with different call styles, master the basic yelps and clucks, and study the call patterns of real turkeys in the wild. Experiment to find the right tone and rhythm that convinces the birds.
What Is the Best Way to Clean and Maintain Turkey Calls?
To clean and maintain your turkey calls, start by disassembling them. Use a mild soap and warm water to gently scrub the components, then dry them thoroughly. Apply a small amount of call conditioner to keep the surfaces supple. Store your calls in a cool, dry place.
How Can I Identify the Different Types of Turkey Vocalizations?
To identify turkey vocalizations, you’ll need to listen closely. “Gobbles” are the familiar deep, throaty sounds. “Yelps” are higher-pitched and rapid-fire. Understand these and you’ll be well on your way to an epic hunt, pardner.
What Are the Most Effective Strategies for Using Multiple Calls?
To effectively use multiple calls, you’ll want to master each call’s unique sound and learn how to blend them seamlessly. Experiment with combining yelps, clucks, and purrs to attract wary toms and draw them in for a successful hunt.
How Can I Incorporate Turkey Calls Into My Hunting Setup?
“The early bird catches the worm.” Incorporate turkey calls into your hunting setup by placing them strategically around your blind or hunting area. This’ll let you create a chorus of sounds, drawing turkeys right to you.
Conclusion
When choosing the best turkey calls for your 2024 hunt, consider your skill level, the call’s volume, durability, and acoustic realism. Invest in a Primos Hunting call for a reliable start, a Lynch Fool Proof for easy operation, or an Icotec GEN2 GC350 for customizable performance. Ultimately, the right call will help you bag that trophy bird and create an unforgettable hunting experience.
