box call is probably the easiest to make realistic sounding, then a slate
id try both

I would try a slate first, as well.Try a couple different strikers until you find one you like.

My first call was a box call. If I were you, I would start out with a quaker boy box call, or maybe a primos freak.

From my experience knowing the travel patterns and routines of your local turkeys is more important than what call to use. I killed birds before without having to make a single call. But having a push button call handy just in case you need to bring closer would be a definite plus. Also, the suggestion of scratching the leaves is a great tip.

PS Can you believe the Giants just scored!!!

Trying not to change the subject here... but I just busted out laughing when the Giants scored. Who would've thought... the Giants just won the Super Bowl 42!

Anyways, I pretty much use my glass for everything. Sometimes when I run and gun I'll bring my Hute Tube and a crow call.

I would start with a push-button call, then keep adding different calls as you get more experienced at calling. Pesonally, I carry 10 mouth calls, 2 slates, 3 strikers, a gobble tube, an owl hoot and a coyote howl. I use all different kids of calls throughout the day, depending on how the birds respond.

I think most people can become reasonably proficient on a box, push button and slate in fairly short order. Once you have them down I would find a couple different strikers that sound good on the slate, each one with a slightly different sound. Now with a box, push button, and a slate with say 3 strikers, you can in theory sound like 5 different hens. From one day to the next one sound might work better then an other so I like to have a lot of options. I would also get at least one locator call (crow, owl, peacock, etc). Once you have those friction calls down pat I would give mouth calls a try. Some people really take to them and are really good at them. They have a much steeper learning curve and I still kinda stink on them, but if you can learn to just do a simple series of clucks you will be sitting pretty. You can use the friction calls to that tom headed your way, and once he is committed you probably wont have to call much more. If he does hang up, or you need to get him to put his head up you can give him a couple clucks on that mouth call. That way you wont have to move and you can have both hands on your gun or bow.

Thanks!!!!!!! Lots of great info. Even a 44 yr old has lots to learn and my boys thank you also! We will keep watching and reading thru the site.

I would practice on onecall. A slate call would be my advice.

Push Button Call for the begginer is great but the slate tp friction is very easy to learn an will produce most the calls you need to hunt a turkey with