When I first got into turkey hunting 6-7 years ago I used a box call because of the ease of use. Since then I feel I've become a competent caller with it, but problems arise in the "end game" I guess I would call it. Any tips for how to call when a tom is in close, or in sight, but not in range yet without spooking him?

My friend who got me into hunting uses mouth calls, and I've tried them, but can't seem to get past the gag reflex. I'm thinking about buying one and just keeping it in every waking hour to get past it. Is that my only option?

That's what I had to do when I first started using mouth calls. Even now, I'm good with them, but at the beginning of the season I have to do a short 'break in' period to get used to it in my mouth. I take one to work with me and keep it in my mouth as long as I can. Also, it's fun to purr on it and see people looking around to figure out what and where that sound came from

rw

I swore off mouth calls because I found it too easy to call too much, especially when they are close. I'll occasionally "cluck" back on my wingbone or a slate if he's clucking to find me. Otherwise I shut up and let him come.

You may want to look at a push pin call (HS Strut makes a Gobbler Grenade) You can make soft, subtle sounds with very minimal movement. I think they even make some that you can mount on your shotgun so you don't have to move your arms or shoulders when a turkey is within view.

I've been working with my mouthcalls every day - I'm really struggling with them too. I just don't have the confidence I need to have with them. Some people will do NO calling, if the turkey is within view. They'll scratch at the leaves if possible.

Mouth calls are the best option when it comes to zero movement - but I am getting to like my Gobbler Grenade.

Kim

Thanks for the tips. I've seen the push pin calls I may look into getting one. I'll try to learn to use mouth calls once again this year too.

My friend once told me you don't even have to be that good with them when turkeys get close. Just good enough to make some noise to get their attention and stick their head up.