For the new turkey hunter, calling can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if they’ve never used turkey calls before. With a variety of options on the market, ranging from box calls to pot calls, or more advanced options like mouth calls, you might be wondering where to start. This guide was put together with the beginner in mind and to help them pick the best turkey call for their first season.
How We Chose the Best Turkey Calls for Beginners
When selecting the the best turkey calls for new hunters we focused on:
Ease of Use: The turkey call had to be simple to use and require a minimal amount of practice to master, allowing a new turkey hunter to feel confident in their turkey calling .
Sound Quality: Call needed to be able to produce realistic hen turkey sounds.
Versatility: The turkey call needed to be versatile, allowing turkey hunters to make both loud and soft hen calls.
Durability: The calls had to be able to withstand regular use and exposure to elements.
Beginner Friendly Turkey Calls
In our experience, the most beginner friendly turkey calls are:
Push Button Call
Box Call
Pot Call
These three types of calls are known for being extremely easy to learn and use while still producing extremely realistic hen calls.
Push Button Call: Easiest Turkey Call
Out of all the calls that we’ve tested and come across over the years, the push button turkey call stands out as the easiest turkey call to use. Using the call is simple and only requires the user to push the “push pin” of the call.
By pushing the calls “push pin” at varying speeds and distances you can produce realistic hen yelps, clucks, and purrs. The sounds of the push button call are produced by the friction of the chalked wood block that is attached to the push pin and another piece of wood in the bottom of the box.
Box Call
The box call is another great option for the beginner turkey hunters. Not only are box calls extremely simple to use but can produce some of the most realistic hen turkey yelps once mastered. I can remember when I was just a kid, yapping away on an old Lynch box call that belonged to my dad. I believe I was only seven years old at the time and after a few weeks of practice I was making realistic turkey sounds.
While this call is great for beginner hunters, its also a call that many hunters with more experience keep in their turkey vest. This call really shines on those windy days when you need a high pitched call to cut through the wind. Even though the box call is recognized for its ability to get loud, it also has the ability to produce realistic soft turkey calling.
Pot Call
The pot call is a go to turkey call for both experienced and beginner turkey hunters. They do required a little more practice to master than the box call or push button call but have the potential to be one of the most versatile calls in your vest.
Pot calls are a type of friction call that come in a variety of surfaces like slate, glass, crystal, or aluminum. Each surface has its own set of benefits when it comes to calling turkeys. For example glass and crystal pot calls are known for a clear sharp tone that has the ability to get loud on those windy days.
For the new turkey hunter however, I would recommend starting with the slate call. In my experience, the slate surface tends to be easier for new callers to produce sounds that mimic real turkeys. The slate turkey call also has a large volume range, with the ability to produce the softest clucks and purrs to loud sharp yelps.
Why You Should Learn the Basics of a Mouth Call as a Beginner
The push button, box, or pot call are great options for the beginner looking for a turkey call that is easy to master. However, I would say that its also important to start learning the diaphragm call along with one the the other calls mentioned. The mouth call has the added benefit of being hands free which is great for finishing birds when you need to keep movement to a minimum.
The mouth call does require significantly more practice to master. While practicing, learn to make soft yelps and clucks first. This will give you the ability to stay motionless while the bird is close and make soft calls if necessary.
Final Thoughts
For those new to the sport of turkey hunting, any of the calls mentioned, with a little practice, will have you calling in your first gobbler in no time. Whatever call you decide to start with, make sure its one that you feel confident taking to the woods. Its also important to note, that while calling is what comes to mind for most people when they think about turkey hunting, its not everything. Calling is just one piece of the puzzle along with having an understanding of turkey behavior and good woodsmanship skills.
