Calling turkeys effectively is a crucial skill for successful hunting. While specialized calls offer excellent sound replication, creating a DIY call from a simple box is a fantastic way to practice, experiment with sounds, and understand the basics of turkey vocalizations. This guide will walk you through building and using a box call for turkey hunting.
Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather these essential materials:
- A small, sturdy wooden box: A cigar box, a jewelry box, or even a repurposed wooden container will work. The size isn't critical; experiment to find what feels comfortable. Avoid anything too flimsy.
- Sandpaper: You'll need this to smooth the edges of the box and any rough surfaces. Safety first!
- Optional: A thin piece of leather or other smooth material: This can be used as a friction surface to improve the sound quality. Even a thin piece of plastic can work in a pinch.
- Optional: Wood glue or strong tape: If you're using additional materials, this will help secure them.
Building Your Box Call: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparation: Carefully sand all edges and surfaces of the wooden box to remove any splinters or rough patches. A smooth surface is essential for consistent sound production.
- Friction Surface (Optional): If you're using leather or another material, carefully cut a piece slightly smaller than one side of the box's interior. Apply wood glue (if using) to the inside of the box and adhere the material, ensuring it's smooth and taut. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.
- Testing: Once everything is dry (if applicable), try rubbing one surface against the other. Experiment with different pressures and angles to get a feel for the sound. You might need to make slight adjustments to achieve the desired sound.
Making the Sounds: Mastering the Technique
The key to using a box call effectively lies in the technique. Here's how to produce various turkey calls:
The Yelp: A Distinctive Turkey Vocalization
To produce a yelp, hold the box firmly in one hand. Use a quick, slightly upward motion with your other hand to create a series of short, sharp sounds. Vary the speed and pressure to mimic the different yelps of a hen or a jake.
The Cluck: A Common Communication Sound
For a cluck, use a similar technique as the yelp, but employ shorter, more repetitive strokes with less upward motion. Think of a clucking sound a hen might make while feeding.
The Purr: A Soft, Seductive Sound
The purr is best achieved with a slow, gentle rubbing motion. Maintain light pressure and a consistent speed. This sound is typically used to imitate a hen's contentment or to entice a gobbler.
The Gobble (More Challenging):
Replicating a gobble is the most difficult sound to produce with a box call. It usually requires a more forceful, back-and-forth motion, with changes in pressure and rhythm. Practice is key!
Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Success
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different pressures, speeds, and angles to produce different sounds.
- Listen to Recordings: Familiarize yourself with real turkey calls by listening to recordings online or on your phone. This will help you understand the nuances and variations in each sound.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential to master the technique and develop a natural feel for the box call.
- Practice in the Field (Legally): Once you feel comfortable with your homemade call, practice using it in the field, ensuring you're following all local hunting regulations.
Creating a turkey call from a box is a fun and inexpensive way to learn about turkey hunting techniques. While it may not reproduce every sound with the perfection of commercial calls, it's an excellent tool for practicing and understanding the fundamental sounds of turkey vocalizations. Remember, patience and practice are key to mastering the art of box calling.
