what are the better calls to use, I am finding that Ithe lesser exspensive calls just do not seem to work, I can call them into about 70 yards or so and then I cannot get them any closer, any and all ideas would be great.
Thanks

In all honesty my friend, I think that you are using those cheap calls too much.

If the bird is responding, and more to the point COMING IN to those calls, but then hanging up at 70 (or more likely 80 as thats the magic number) then it is likely because you are over calling. The gobbler wants YOU to come the rest of the way. Remember, hens go to the gobbler's 9 out of 10 times in the wild, so over-playing your hand, or being a little too aggressive on the calls can hurt you.

Try soft purrs and scratching the leaves! Nothing works like a little leaf sratching.

If you want some higher end friction calls though. Look at Bud and Betty's or Woodhaven's! Hard to beat either one.

Good luck.

Going to have to agree. That sounds more like a calling technique problem than a call "sound" problem. Custom calls are nice, I own MANY. However, truth be told if made to I am fairly well certain I could kill turkeys per normal using calls from Wal Mart. Yes there is more variety and even more relistic sound available in some custom calls, but that really isnt what makes that call bring em in or not. Might be the spark that lights their flame but if you got em gobbling and coming, its what youre saying to them or your set ups that is making them stop.

Id be inclined to gamble that its a little of both. If you keep seeing them hang up at 70-80 yards take a look around. Why did they stop? Are you 100 yards across an opening? Were you 80 yards out from a tangle of brush or blowdown? How bout his callign to you? Did he go silent at 150 yard gobble once at 80 and then you never see him again? Did you panic and start making alot of calls and in the process alot of movement? You do know a bird at 100 yards can see you blink.

Go out and get yourself some custom calls. They sound great, look great, and are a pleasure to carry. However I dont think thats what hurting your chances today. I second the leaf scratrching, its absolutely deadly. Combine it with a cluck and its almost a sure bet for any bird thats gobbled all the way to 100 yards. From that point its all about set up. Look at your set ups and give yourself the best chance of intercepting that bird. Be able to shoot where he will be able to see the hen!Thats where he stops.

Thanks for the info, I'll try the leaf scratching , I tried thesoft purrs but my call sqeaks when I do that, also I noticed a Tom strutting on a ladies front lawn with the hen bedded down in the grass on the way home is that a good sign or bad sign? Thanks

I agree with the leaf scaratching and soft purring when they are in close.I doubt if that hen is nesting out in the open on the lawn. I like it better when I see no hens.

Thnaks for the replies I will work on the soft purring and leaf scratching, How long do the hens stay by the toms before they split off ? She wasn't her actuall Nest she was just laying there in the grass as if she was on a nest and he was strutting around her about 8-10 ft or so and she just sat there in the grass all passive like, ? is that like turkey foreplay? LOL

Exactly what I was thinking.

I dont think the price of a call has anything to do with how close the turkeys are coming in. Every call i use is somewhat cheaper, and they work JUST as good as those expensive ones. Dont think by any means the more expensive calls will help you more, its how you use them. I'll tell ya one of my favorite calls that really isnt too pricey, the Lohman Thunderdome....calls loud and soft and has the most realistic sounding yelp ive ever heard.

If your call is squeaky, take a brillo pad or some real fine (like 400 grit) sand paper to it and roughen it up....


KDSBERMAN...they still make the thunderdome??? I bought one from cabelas 3-4 years ago, LOVED it, ended up sitting on it in my pack and well...you know the rest!!

Im not sure if they still make it or not, but i got it as a gift like 3 or 4 years ago...and like you...i LOVE IT. Great call.