4 Important Turkey Hunting Calls and How to Use Them

Turkeys are very vocal animals, so it only makes sense that one of the best ways to hunt them is to use turkey calls. Not only is it effective at convincing a turkey to come your way, but it is extremely fun and exciting. Here are a few “need to know” turkey calls and how to properly use them! 

Basic Yelp

A yelp is the most simple and basic sound that turkeys use, and they will make this sound throughout the entire year in order to communicate locations. This is the most common sound that a turkey hunter will hear, and it will vary a little depending on the bird’s age and intention. Yelps are great sounds to learn and can be used in just about any situation. They are perfect for starting the conversation with a curious gobbler. Start off soft and increase volume, pitch, and speed depending on how the birds are reacting. 

Assembly Yelp

An assembly yelp is also used year-round and is mostly used by hens calling out to poults and their flocks. Many fall turkey hunters will use this call in conjunction with the method of scattering birds on purpose. They will then use an assembly yelp to call the birds back into them, right into their laps. 

Purr

Purrs are sounds used when turkeys are in close range to each other and tell each other that everything is ok. A call of contentment, you will only hear this sound from happy and unbothered birds. It is a soft, rolling sound that can be reproduced with many different types of calls. It is best used when hunting when you are close to birds and are worried they might be spooking. It can help to calm and soothe a wary bird that is cautious while coming to a call. 

Basic Cluck

Basic clucks are subtle calls that are usually done in short succession. It is used year-round by both hens and gobblers when birds are at ease. It helps them to communicate their location and tell other turkeys to come closer. In hunting situations, this call is best used to maintain a tom’s interest as he is making his way to you. Just don’t overuse it, as it could alert him to your presence.