Get'n the most from your box call, the Yelp
 

This is the first installment of a series of threads that I will post showing how to get the most from your box call.

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[/align]I know most of this you already know, so bare with me cuz I'm try'n to put this together to be able to help anybody. I'm sure you'll pick up a couple things if not and you know another way, show me. I'm always look'n for a new way to run a call.

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[/align]When running a box call hold the box as if holding the forearm of a rifle. Hold the paddle handle loosely as if an extension of your arm. You want to create a wrist-like point were your fingers connect with the handle.

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This first photo shows a loose hold of thehandle creating a hinge point.

[/align]Don't pinch off the paddle.

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[/align]For a plain Yelp, while holding the box keep your fingers off the box sides. Create a swivel like connection with your hold of the paddle handle.

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Run the call at the closed end, for a yelp use minimal pressure playing the call from about a 5:00 o'clock position to nearly a 6:00 o'clock position on the right side of the box.

[/align]or a 7:00 o'clock to nearly a 6:00 o'clock position on the calls left side.

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The call can also be held paddle away often creating a slightly different Yelp.

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The box up method, running a box call in this mannermay seamsomewhat awkward but will create yet another Wild Turkey voice. Ihave had customers that prefer this method. Thiswill often createthe highest pitch Yelp.

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RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Does it always work that well on cats?:D

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

The best turkey hunter I know and I have ever had the pleasure to turkey hunt with showed me how to hold the box call like you are in the fourth pic. At first, it kinda felt weird because I was so use to holding the traditional way like in the first pic. I now prefer holding it this way as I feel I have more control...

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Thanks for the great post, All of these methods were what I was taught last year,and the upside down one does produce a distinctly different sound.

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

how do you purr or gobble?

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

it's quite obvious that it's a cougar, NOT a housecat...
duh!:D

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Must be a Tom cat.

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

dat dern cat
[/align]Anyway, to get the most from your box call, you should become proficient in all methods.
This will result in varied Wild Turkey voices and thats all good.
[/align]More to follow...
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RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Thanks ShallowRio
I just learned something new , thats pretty cool. :)

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Hey Rio you forgot to mention if you have different wood on opposite sides of the box you'll get a different sound depending on which side you're playing!

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

LOL!!!!!!! Priceless!!!!!:D

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

I don't care what the call is made of, if you hold it and run it in different ways, you're apt to get more out of it.

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Thanks, Rio. I've picked up a couple of pretty good pointers from you already. I began making boxcalls a few years ago, myself, and have picked up a trick or two from watching other people run them. You have demonstrated a method of holding the tang between your 2nd and 3rd fingers. Well, I have about 20 boxcalls in front of me and have found that that method works great on some and not so well on others. These calls are made from different woods, but from the same demensions. Some are walnut over poplar, some spanish cedar, and some red cedar. The differences can be heard even among the calls of common wood.

One thing that I have found is that your grip on the tang can have a lot to do with the sound or tone. I have found that if you grip the tang lightly between the first knuckle of your index finger (the one by your fingernail) and your thumb with your thumb on top of the tang, you will get a slightlly different sound. Also, WHERE you grip the tang will also affect the sound. There will usually be a point of resonance somewhere in the neck of that tang. If I can find that sweet spot, I can get a much richer tone out of it. Gripping the tang in the same manner, but from the sides will also produce a different sound.

Lastly (and I think you covered this somewhat, but please allow me to expound) WHERE you hold the call in your other hand will affect the sound. holding it at one end or the other, or even in the middle will affect the tone. You can even apply pressure to key spots on the sides while you strike the lid to mute the sound for up-close work.

Like you said, treat these things like a musical instrument and learn how to play them. I hope you don't mind me throwing in my 2-cents. Keep these posts comming -- I'm learning stuff!

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

Not a problem barefoot,
I like you interpretation of what I'm say'n. I don't care to over emphasize certain things and allow the reader to think for him/her self. I posted this at another forum and received feed back via PM that I hadn't explained a few things about the hold or lifting the paddle between strokes... I don't lift and hold is usually a matter of comfort. The lift between strokes, well I have met a number of noted call makers, pro staffers and such, and one will lift another will not... I like to chomp off the yelps somewhat quickly and if any noise is produced on the return I figure it to be reach'n for a breath to let another Yelp. Anyway,his interpretation and my leaving a few things to personal preferencewasn't go'n to well.[/align]If you'd care to discuss why some of your calls run better by one hold or another email me direct at [email protected] and give me some specifics about the wood types, I love and hate dig'n at these things. By all rights when everything is perfect and the call is right, a loose hold will allow the radius of the paddleand the arc of the sound board to work together on there own. [/align]I hope you can except my comments as well, it is with an open mind that success is found.[/align][/align]

RE: Get'n the most from your box call
 

This post (and seeing birds on property nearby where i hunt) inspired me to go out and buy a box call. I got a cheapo Quaker Boy "The Box." I'm already yelping well, with the tips I got here. Thanks. Keep 'em coming!
-- Branson