Turkey hunting is an exhilarating activity but not an easy one.
If you go out into the wild with the aim of catching yourself a plump gobbler, you need more than your rifle or crossbow.
You need a decoy. And that decoy is a turkey call.
Turkey calls are helpful when you are hunting for turkey in large wooded areas.
In fact, they are the most efficient way to hunt turkey. They are designed to mimic varying turkey sounds and the aim is to get that gobbler to come to you.
They vary in design and it’s the number reeds in the call that makes all the difference.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Standard turkey calls have 2 reeds and produce a limited number of turkey sounds. Calls with more reeds produce many varying sounds, but they are harder to master.
[/wpsm_box]
So when shopping for a turkey call, get one that has two reeds if you are a novice. It is easier to use and you won’t need much practice to master the sounds.
There are many types of turkey calls and choosing one that works for you can be quite a task.
So we have reduced the workload for you by outlining and reviewing some of the best turkey calls based on a number of categories including cost and hunting expertise.
Turkey Calls Comparison Chart
| Model | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Type | Magnetic Box Call | Mouth Call | Electronic Game Call | Friction Call | Locator Call | Box Call | Slate Call | Box Call | Mouth Call | Electronic Game Call |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 0.96 oz | 2.01 oz | 8 oz | 1.6 oz | 4.8 oz | 5.6 oz | 6.4 oz | 0.96 oz | 4 oz |
10 Best Turkey Calls (as of December, 2024):
1. Primos Hunting 259 – Best Budget Box Turkey Call Review
Turkey calls vary in price. Some are more affordable than others. So if price is at the top of your priority list when shopping for a turkey call, consider getting the Primos Hunting 259 magnetic box call. It is easy to use.
So if you are a beginner this would be an ideal choice. It produces incredibly realistic gobbler sounds and this because of the magnetic design.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The Primos turkey call has a magnetic hinge design to help produce realistic purrs, yelps, and cuts.
[/wpsm_box]
Not much expertise is needed to produce the sounds. The box has a lid that is attached to the box using a magnet. So you can easily attach and detach it.
And to product sounds, you just need to move the lid against the box or tap on it to produce sounds. The sounds are high-pitched and sound pretty much like real turkey sounds.
Via: @dezi_minnesota
A key problem with this turkey call is that if you are left-handed you might find it a challenge to use. So in such cases, we recommend trying a different type of call.
Main Features
- Most Innovative Design
- Magnetic Lid Automatically Applies Correct Pressure
- Patented Magnetic Hinge Design
- Realistic Cuts, Purrs & Yelps
- Includes Gobble Band for Realistic Gobbles
- Super Strong, Rare-Earth Magnet Holds Paddle Perfectly In Place
- Awesome Gobbles With Included Gobble Strap
- Removable Paddle For Quiet Carry
- No Need for Tuning or Adjustment
2. Primos Hunting PS1252 – Best Mouth Turkey Call For Beginners Review
The Primos Hunting PS1252 hook mouth call is one of the best turkey calls for beginners. It is extremely easy to use because it is made of premium reeds that are hand cut with great precision to produce natural key sounds.
And the way it is designed, you don’t need a lot of practice to know how to produce varying turkey sounds. You can control the pitch with ease to produce realistic purr and kee-kee sounds.
The Prinos comes with two cuts, each of which produces different turkey sounds. They are comfortable and fit almost any mouth size.
[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
But one thing you shouldn’t do is place them in a place where young kids can reach them. If a child puts the call in their mouth, they may choke. So put them in place kids cannot reach them.
[/wpsm_box]
Main Features
- Hook Hunter 2″ with Ghost Cut
- Sharp Hook with Spike Cut
- Uses Little Air & Great for Kee Kee & Purrs
- Premium Gauge Reeds & Precision Hand Made Cuts
- Custom Designed by the Pros at Primos
- Real & Unique Pitches
- Easy to Use
- Includes Pin Box
Primos hook hunter ghost cut mouth call:
3. FOXPRO Turkey Pro – Best Electronic Game Call For Turkey Hunting Review
If mouth turkey calls are not your thing, and you prefer electronic turkey calls, consider getting the Foxpro Turkey Pro electronic call. It is one of the best turkey calls out there based on user feedback and ratings.
It features an LED display, Mylar cone speaker and housing straps. It has an auxiliary port in case you want to add another speaker. And there is also a charging port to charge the batteries.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
It comes with 16 pre-installed turkey sounds, and you can download up to 300 sounds, which is quite impressive.
[/wpsm_box]
You can download the sounds from Foxpro’s official website or any other site of your choice. It also comes with pre-installed predator sounds.
The call comes with a remote control. So you don’t have to have the call on you during the hunt. You can strap it to a tree near or behind you and change the sounds using the remote control to get that gobbler close enough for an accurate shot.
But you cannot be more than 100 yards from the device if the remote control is to work. Other than that, it is a durable and robust device that can make your turkey hunting adventure easy and fun.
Main Features
- Full-Function Remote
- LED Display
- 16 Pre-Installed Turkey Sounds
- 19 Predator Sounds
- Capacity of up to 300 Turkey Sounds
- Realistic Turkey Sounds
- Rugged Housing Straps
- Single, High-Efficiency, Mylar Cone Speaker
- USB Port to Reprogram Sounds
- Easy to Use
- Operates on 8 ‘AA’ Batteries
4. Primos Hunting 272 – Best Turkey Call Starter Pack for Beginners Review
The Primos Hunting 272 turkey call starter pack is great for beginners. It comes with three different calls: a box call and two mouth calls.
Each call has a different design and produces different sounds. The great thing about the different calls is that you can use all of them during a hunt by interchanging them.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
You could use the box call to attract the gobbler to your direction if it’s far away. And the mouth calls to draw it closer to where you for an accurate shot.
[/wpsm_box]
This is why this starter value pack is great for beginners because not only does it come with a good choice of calls, it is also extremely affordable.
Main Features
- Double Sided Box Call
- Sonic Dome Mouth Call
- Sonic Dome Slate Call
- Slim Striker
- Great for Beginners & Advanced Hunters
- Storage Case
How To Purr On A Slate Call:
5. Hunters Specialties HS-STR-06964 Turkey Call Review
The turkey locator call by Hunters Specialities HS-STR-06964 is a waterproof turkey call made of superior plastic materials for longevity and durability. And that’s one of the great things about this call.
You can go out hunting in the rain without worrying that the rain water will damage the call.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Another great feature is the wide range of turkey sounds it produces. You can produce realistic yelps, cuts and other sounds by blowing through the device.
[/wpsm_box]
It is especially great for long-range calling and you can use it in the morning or evening.
It is easy to use but you need to put in some practice to produce certain sounds.
Main Features
- Waterproof Turkey Call
- Raspier Sounding Reed
- Superior Plastic Material
- Great for Long Range Calling
- Proven in the Field
- Easy to Use & Carry
- Great for Beginners & Experts
6. Hunters Specialties 021291070091 – Best Waterproof Box Call Review
The Hunters Specialties 021291070091 Smokin’ gun turkey box call is made of walnut, which is coated with a special coating to protect it from water damage.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
It produces varying clear and raspy yelps. It also produces other turkey sounds like cow calls and bugles.
[/wpsm_box]
This call is ideal for short-range calling. And it’s not hard to use.
But if you are a beginner, you may need to do a bit of practice to produce the sounds, which is not difficult or time consuming.
Via: @prairiestorm_ks
Main Features
- All Weather
- Box & Paddle
- Made from Select one Piece Walnut
- Dark Stain Finish
- Each Side Produces Variety of Clear to Raspy Yelps
7. Primos Hunting 224 Ol’ Betsy – Best Slate Call Review
This Primos Hunting 224 Ol’ Betsy turkey call is a bit different from the one we have reviewed above. To operate it, you need to use both your hands, which is what makes this call ideal for long-range calling.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Ol’ Betsy comes with a hardwood striker to help you create turkey sounds which range from high-pitched clucks and purrs to soft yelps.
[/wpsm_box]
You can also produce predator sounds with this call.
It is easy to use. But if you have never used a slate call before, you will need to do some practice to know how to produce varying sounds.
Main Features
- For Toughest Situations & Environments
- For All Types of People
- Made from Finest Pennsylvania Slate
- Produces Purest Turkey Sounds
- Perfect Finishing Call with its Soft Yelps, Clucks & Purrs
- Includes Conditioning Pad & Hardwood Striker
- Easiest to Use
- Most Forgiving Friction Call
8. Lynch Since 1940 101F – Best Box Call Review
The Lynch Since 1940 101F Fool Proof is one of the best box calls available. And it is made of mahogany wood and walnut, which are durable and long-lasting.
The box call is easy to use and it produces authentic hen yelps. And unlike mouth calls, this call is ideal for beginners.
[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
One major setback is the weight of the call.
[/wpsm_box]
Most turkey calls are lightweight and that it is to make it easy for the hunter to carry it around during their hunt. But this particular one is a bit heavy and cumbersome.
Via: @sw0lly
Main Features
- Easy to Use
- Offset Pivoting Lid
- Automatic Lid Stop to Ensure Perfect Notes
- Solid Straight-Grain Mahogany Base & Walnut Lid
- For Both Beginners & Experienced Hunters
- Hand Made in the USA
9. Primos Hunting 1246 Review
This Primos Hunting 1246 turkey call is a little more costly than other similar products, but it brings a lot to the table.
It is a versatile call that uses premium reeds that are hand cut to produce amazing and authentic raspy yelps, purrs and other turkey sounds.
It is easy to use and it doesn’t take long to master how to produce different sounds.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
It is ideal for both long and short-range calling, which makes it great for hunting in any season.
[/wpsm_box]
The only setback is the price. Not many novice or expert hunters want to buy an expensive mouth call. But it is worth the investment.
Main Features
- Hook Hunter Long with Upper Cut
- Perfect for Raspy Yelps
- Premium Gauge Reeds
- Precision Hand Made Cuts
- Custom Designed by Combining over 100 Years of Experience
- Real & Unique Pitches
10. Cass Creek CC041 Review
Electronic calls are quite expensive. But you can find some which are more affordable than others. The Cass Creek CC041 electronic call falls in the budget-friendly category.
It has a compact design, which makes it easy to carry. You can throw it in your trouser pocket and you are good to go. The ergonomic design of the call makes it easy to use.
You only need one hand to operate the device like when you want to change sounds or adjust the volume. It doesn’t have a remote control, but that is not a problem.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The call has 5 pre-installed sounds and it has a speaker that carries the sounds to 200 yards in almost any weather condition.
[/wpsm_box]
So this gives you the flexibility to go turkey hunting in any weather condition.
Main Features
- 5 Pre-Installed Sounds
- Ergonomic Design
- Pocket Size
- EZ Thumb Dial Allows for On/Off Sound
- Authentic Animal Recordings
- Simple to Use
Buyers Guide
Types of Turkey Call
Box Call
The box call has been used since the 1800s. And it works by moving the lid against the box or tapping the box to produce different sounds. Most box calls are made of wood, so they are not weatherproof.
Via: @rambling_angler_outdoors
Although some modern ones are coated with a special coating to make them water resistant. You need both your hands to produce the desired turkey sound, which can be a problem when you suddenly need to take a shot.
Push-Pull Call
The Push-pull calls like the box calls are mainly made of wood. And it works by pushing and pulling a fixer striker attached to the box to produce varying turkey sounds.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
It is dubbed the “idiot box” and this could possibly be because it is the easiest to use. They are also cheaper than most turkey calls.
[/wpsm_box]
Pot Call
A pot call is easy to use and it works by rubbing the striker on the pot’s surface to produce sounds. It is not difficult to learn but you need some practice to know how to produce the different sounds.
You need to condition a pot call to be able to produce realistic purrs and yelps. And you can do that using a conditioning stone. The pot has a ceramic surface, so using sandpaper to condition it does not work.
Diaphragm Call
Diaphragm turkey calls are commonly referred to as mouth calls. They are easy to use and they are capable of producing varying animal sound including turkey sounds if you know how to do it.
Via: @ridgerockerturkeycalls
To produce sounds, you have to place the call on the roof of your mouth and then blow air into it. Not much air is needed for them to produce sound, so you don’t need to blow hard.
They are hard to learn and master, but they are quite effective. Plus they are affordable. If you break one by accident, you can easily afford another one.
Hook Hunter Series:
Locator Call
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The locator call is not used for producing turkey sounds but an owl hoot, crow sound or other animal sound to get a gobbler to respond to the sound. And this is to help the hunter identify the gobbler’s location.
[/wpsm_box]
You simply blow through the call to produce the sound and that’s it. Locator calls are great for long-range calling.
Electronic Calls
Electronic calls are the most expensive of all turkey calls. Some are operated using a remote control to change sounds or adjust volumes. They are battery charged and they come with already pre-installed turkey sounds.
One major advantage with electronic calls is that they are capable of producing a large variety of sounds. Some can store up to 300 different turkey sounds.
Another advantage is that they require no training to use. They are compact and portable. And they are quite effective.
Via: @cuchillostorres
A big disadvantage with electronic calls other than the price is that they are prohibited in certain states in the United States. So before you buy one, you need to ensure that you can use it in your state or the state you intend to go turkey hunting.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Turkey Call
Turkey hunting is a fun and thrilling activity, but turkey hunters will also tell you that it is not easy. Without the right tools, you have a ghost of a chance of bagging a gobbler.
So when hunting for a turkey call, here are some key factors you need to consider.
Learning Curve
Every turkey call requires some practice. Even with electronic calls, you need to know how to work the device and the remote control.
For beginners, electronic calls, box calls and push-pull calls are the easiest to learn and use. Many expert turkey hunters use mouth calls, which require practice.
Via: @hunterboy2007
But if you are not interested in learning how to produce sounds using your mouth or hands, then you have the option of buying an electronic call, although they are quite expensive.
Season
There are certain seasons when turkeys are most abundant. And when you account for wind, snow and other factors, you need to get a call that works well in such a season The same applies for all other seasons. Some calls work better in certain seasons.
Also, there are turkey calls that work better in the morning and others in the evening. So test different calls and see which work best at what day of the time and in which season.
Sound
Turkeys can make up to 30 different, which is rather impressive. And what you need to know about them is that they all respond to different sounds differently. This is why it advisable to use more than one turkey call.
Since different calls produce different sounds, you may find the one that gets you the gobbler.
Learn How to Cluck, Purr, and Cut on a Box Call:
Learn How to Gobble on a Box Call:
Ask an expert
If you don’t know anything about buying turkey calls, you can go online and do some research. There are websites, blogs, and forums that are dedicated to turkey hunting and turkey gear.
You can go to the forums and get information by posting questions to the communities.
Alternatively, find a local expert turkey hunter and ask them about their experience with different turkey calls. You may also find one online, you just need to know where to look.
Turkey hunting laws and regulations
[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
In some States in the US where people go turkey hunting, there are certain restrictions when it comes to the methods of hunting. In certain states, electronic turkey calls are prohibited.
[/wpsm_box]
So if you plan on going turkey hunting in a different state other than the one you reside in, check to see what their laws say about turkey hunting.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of going turkey hunting, but you have never done it before, it’s one of the most exciting and thrilling outdoor activities. And if you intend on bagging a turkey, the easiest way to do it is with the help of a turkey call.
We have reviewed several different turkey calls based on cost and design. We recommend you do more research before you purchase one.
Also, make sure to take into consideration the factors discussed in this article as they can help make an informed decision.
