RE: calls for turkey?
 

I would suggest getting a instructional video to learn the different calls (turkey sounds), and try to get one that shows how to use the various types of calls. Also I always like to mention its important to listen more then watch when trying to duplicate turkey noises, cadence and tone.

For locater calls,I just use my own voice for owl or at times when I can, I get to the woods when there is an approaching t-storm. Thunder will get them to gobble pretty easily.

RE: calls for turkey?
 

Im the same way.

RE: calls for turkey?
 

that's very good advice. I'll only add if you're huntin' in the spring, get a crow call and an owl hooter.

RE: calls for turkey?
 

absoulete best advice i can give to a first timer is to watch the turkey DVD's or Videos that are out there...i really like Primos, HS Strut, and Realtree.......this is what i used and made notes of what they did, when they did it, how often and why they did things....HS Struts older ones (say 4 years ago and older) worked very well for me as they told why they did things.......just remember not everything is the same twice but this knowledge will be very beneficial, IMO

as for calls.....a good slate, ( i am not a fan of boxes..i have one.. use if rarely but good to have) and a mouth call...a must IMO..keeps hands free and after a while u can actually "talk" to the turkey...which is what you want to accomplish......even beyond that if you can learn to use your natural voice...that is even better sometimes

RE: calls for turkey?
 

so i go out turkey hunting and i do the slate call a little bit if that doesnt work try the box?
is the mouth call only good for close range?

RE: calls for turkey?
 

should i get a locator call for scouting and hunting also?

RE: calls for turkey?
 

so watch the movies.........but u normally would use locator calls AFTER the morning .... turkeys will usually gobble on the roost before the sun comes up...get out there early and you can hear them gobble....to scout i never call to a bird..i will use locators if i have to but after a while they will get locator shy...so i just try to listed to where they gobble and try to watch what they do from a distance so as not to spook them.....when you are ready to hunt u can call lightly while they are on the roost or wait until they fly down (this is when scouting pays off if you know the birds usual route...they will not always do the same thing so keep that in mind too) then call to them some and see if you cannot get a bird your way...if a bird answers, via a gobble, to your call don't change..see what happends...if he doesn't answer that doesn't mean he doesn't like it...so wait a bit and try to call again...if still nothing..try and change it won't hurt anything........but again..watch some videos...honestly that is all i have ever done and it really pays off, IMO

RE: calls for turkey?
 

A box call is nice because it is really loud and can almost be used like a locater call. You can step out in the woods and use the box call in a loud fashion and try and get a gobbler to sound off. Once he does, you now have an idea of which way to start walking. A slate call can be used in the same fashion, however it is easier to use a slate call quietly (if needed). A mouth call is pretty much the most versitile call. It can be used quitely or more loudly and it doesn't require the use of your hands. Since you don't have to use your hands on a mouth call, your hands can then be either on your gun and ready for the shot, or you can even grab another call (such as your slate) and start to mimic two hens grouped together. I would strongly advise getting a mouth call and at least practicing with it enough to be able to do a really nice yelp, which is the most basic of all calls.

I would go ahead and get a locator call and try it out. I have a friend that goes through locator calls like there is no tomorrow. He gets gobbles to a locator call and then starts walking towards them and as soon as he feels he is close enough, he switches to a mouth call and starts working the bird in. He is probably the best turkey hunter that I personally know, and I have never heard anyone use a mouth call as well as he can. I haven't had much luck with locator calls where I hunt, however, my friend who lives several thousand miles away from me swears by them. It is something that you are going to have to try out for yourself and learn firsthand. You can read all the books and watch all the videos possible and know how to make all the calls perfectly, but the only real way you are going to learn to turkey hunt is to go out and expierence it for yourself. You will make several mistakes and will become a more confident turkey hunter over the years.

RE: calls for turkey?
 

I would say to talk to a local "expert" turkey hunter. You can try his calls, and see what you like. For mouth calls, they are cheap enough, you can buy a couple, and try for yourself. Good slate and box is hard to beat. I have a mouth call in my mouth at all times, just in case. No matter how much people think that they want to finish a bird with what you started him with, you can move inside 80 yards, in the woods. Good luck in your search, and if you ever have any questions, let me know, I would be glad to help! This is a great thread for beginners!

Hunt Safe!