Imagine this: you’re out in the crisp morning air, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon. You hear a gobble in the distance, a sound that sends a thrill through any turkey hunter. But how do you get that gobbler to come closer? That’s where the magic of a locator call comes in. It’s your secret weapon to get a wild turkey to reveal its location, and it can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a quiet morning.
Choosing the right locator call can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different types, and it’s easy to get lost in all the options. Do you go with a mouth call, a box call, or something else? Each one has its own sound and way of working. The wrong call might not sound realistic, or it might be too difficult to use. This can lead to frustration and missed opportunities in the field.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the different kinds of locator calls and what makes them work. You’ll learn how to pick the best one for your needs and how to use it effectively to get those turkeys talking. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to put your new skills to the test on your next hunt.
Top Locator Calls For Turkey Recommendations
- Realistic Crow Sounds: Designed to imitate the raspy, natural sounds of a crow for calling crows and locating spring gobblers.
- Crow Call & Turkey Locator: Produces raspy crow sounds for calling crows and can also be used as a turkey locator—a crow sound may trigger a nearby gobbler to respond, helping hunters identify its location.
- Super Raspy: Produces the subtle, raspy variations associated with crow vocalizations for a more realistic calling experience.
- Versatile Hunting Call: Use as a crow call when hunting crows or as a locator call when scouting and hunting spring turkeys.
- Built for Hunters: Primos Hunting designs game calls for turkey, elk, deer, predator, and waterfowl hunters, with products built by hunters for hunters.
- Turkey call. Great early morning or evening turkey locator call for really zoning in on a gobbler. Realistic tone and volume and invokes shock gobbles every time
- Hoot owl call. Who gives a Hoot? Gobbling turkeys do, that's who. This Hootie turkey call features a great barred owl sound with true hoot tones to lure those gobblers to their final resting place
- Design. Created by those who have a passion for Turkey Hunting and who are eager to help you successfully fill your tag and your dinner serving plate.
- Must have. When it's time to head to the turkey woods make sure you have one of Strut Commander's Hootie Owl Call to help you bag your next gobbler.
- Easy to use. This turkey call can be used by rookies, weekend warriors and seasoned pros alike
- 3-in-1 Locator Call Design - Produces three distinct high frequency sounds including owl screams, hawk screams, and pileated woodpecker calls in one compact turkey locator call
- User-Friendly Operation - Features three grooves for different sounds with simple air pressure techniques: steady airflow for owl, quick bursts for hawk, short fast bursts for woodpecker
- Durable Construction - Built with acrylic body and internal reed system designed to withstand seasons of turkey hunting use while maintaining consistent sound qualit
- Effective Gobbler Location - High frequency sounds trigger responses from wary tight-lipped gobblers during dawn calling sessions and midday hunting scenarios
- Two Construction Options - Standard Triple Locator features acrylic barrel construction, while Triple Locator Composite offers high quality acrylic body with composite materials for enhanced durability
- 100 percent designed and tested for the toughest situations and environments
- oudest locator available
- Can be used as a turkey locator call or a crow hunting call
- The 8-note call of the barred owl has a rasp that is heard only when you are extremely close. This is the sound that we have found turkeys will respond to the best
- We have designed the Power Owl to accurately reproduce this sound with strong volume, to locate even the wariest of gobblers
- Improved design allows for super-loud locating, and keeps reeds from sticking due to over blowing. Plus The use of back pressure lets you vary tones and pitches
- Whether you are a professional, recreational user, or even casual, primos will fit the mold for all types of people
- Design allows for super-loud locating
- EFFECTIVE OWL CALL - It lets you scatter turkey with multiple tones by making the use of two holes with fingers. Turkeys effectively shock gobble by hearing this call as this call hooter is also capable of reproducing lifelike sounds
- EASY TO USE - The Hooter Owl Call by Hunters Specialties - The sun is starting to light the skies - this is the time for an owl hoot locator call. This H.S Strut owl hoot is easy to blow, so there is not fumbling with it in the early morning hours
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - The Hooter barred owl locator call provides exceptional, authentic tones with Dual Tone Ports for high- and low-pitch calling. The Hooter Owl Call's design consistently produces true tones that won't vary from one call to the next
- RUGGED CONSTRUCTION - H.S. Strut provides it with safe and durable material. Moreover, it has a unique design that is user-friendly with a price which fits your budget. It's entirely water resistant and won't crack or expand
- HUNTER'S MUST-HAVE - When it's time to head to the turkey woods make sure you have one of Hunter's Specialties calls in your vest to help you bag your next prey; This HS game call is also an ideal gift for all the turkey hunters in your life.
- EFFECTIVE CROW CALL - The durable call's flexible design gives you great control of volume, tone and back pressure and the soft-bodied call produces a more natural sound than traditional hard calls; This call is the perfect companion for the crow caller
- VERSATILE - The Flextone Crow Call can also be very useful in pursuing turkeys. Hunters use crow calls to help locate longbeards. The call can elicit a shock gobble to help reveal where the nearest tom is, whether the bird is roosted or on the ground
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - This Flextone Crow call forces even the most tight-lipped birds to expose their position. The flexible body also allows the user to manipulate the tone and pitch to sound like multiple crows
- EASY TO MASTER - Whether you're a beginner or a pro hunter, this Flextone call makes deep-rich realistic sounds with excellent volume. Using very little air and expertise, even the new turkey hunter can utilize these expert calls
- TURKEY HUNTER MUST-HAVE - When it's time to head to the turkey woods make sure you have one of Flextone's calls in your vest to help you bag your next gobbler; This Flextone call is also an ideal gift for all the turkey hunters in your life!
- Whether you are a professional, recreational user, or even casual, primos will fit the mold for all types of people
- LOUD!
- Three unique tuning holes for eight different tones and frequencies
- Easily reproduces distinct pitches of the barred owl-Feets and great horned owl-Feets hoots
- Durable and easy to carry
Finding Your Feathered Friends: A Guide to Locator Calls for Turkey
Turkey hunting is an exciting sport, and a good locator call can make all the difference. These calls help you find gobblers by mimicking the sounds of other turkeys. We’ll guide you through what to look for, what materials matter, and how to get the best user experience.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a locator call, a few things really stand out.
- Sound Quality: This is the most important feature. A good call should sound realistic. It needs to mimic the yelp, cluck, or caw of a real turkey. Listen to real turkey sounds online to get an idea of what you’re aiming for.
- Ease of Use: You don’t want to struggle with your call in the woods. It should be simple to operate, even when you’re excited or wearing gloves. Some calls are easier to blow than others.
- Durability: Turkey hunting can be tough on gear. Your call needs to withstand weather, being dropped, and being carried in your hunting vest.
- Versatility: Some calls can make a few different sounds. This can be helpful if you’re trying to attract different kinds of turkeys or react to what you hear.
Important Materials
The stuff your call is made from affects how it sounds and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many excellent locator calls use wood. Different types of wood, like cedar or walnut, give off different tones. Wood calls often have a natural, rich sound.
- Acrylic: Acrylic calls are also popular. They are very durable and can produce loud, clear sounds. They are also easy to clean.
- Plastic: Plastic is a common material for more affordable calls. While some plastic calls sound great, others can sound a bit artificial. They are usually very tough.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a locator call better or worse.
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is made is crucial. A well-crafted call will have smooth edges and precise parts. This leads to better sound and easier use. Poor craftsmanship can mean a call that doesn’t sound right or breaks easily.
- Tuning and Design: The way a call is designed and “tuned” by the maker greatly impacts its sound. A good design allows for a range of tones and volumes. A poorly designed call might only make one or two limited sounds.
- User Skill: Your own ability to use the call is a big factor. Practicing regularly helps you make realistic sounds. Even the best call won’t work well if you can’t use it properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a locator call is all about connecting with turkeys.
- Finding Turkeys in the Morning: The best time to use a locator call is early in the morning, just before or at sunrise. You’re trying to get a gobbler to answer you. If he gobbles back, you know where he is!
- Locating Turkeys During the Day: You can also use locator calls during the day. Sometimes, a turkey might be quiet. A locator call can encourage him to make some noise.
- Calling in Shy Turkeys: If a turkey seems hesitant or won’t come in closer, a locator call can sometimes spark his interest and make him move your way.
- Practice is Key: Spend time practicing at home. Get comfortable with the sounds you can make. This builds your confidence and makes you a more effective hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a locator call for turkeys?
A: A locator call is a hunting tool that makes turkey sounds to help you find wild turkeys by making them gobble back.
Q: What are the most important features of a locator call?
A: The most important features are sound quality, ease of use, durability, and versatility.
Q: What materials are commonly used for turkey locator calls?
A: Common materials include wood, acrylic, and plastic.
Q: Does the material of the call affect its sound?
A: Yes, different materials like wood and acrylic produce different tones and volumes.
Q: What makes a locator call high quality?
A: High quality comes from good craftsmanship, smart design, and the ability to produce realistic sounds.
Q: What can reduce the quality of a locator call?
A: Poor craftsmanship, bad design, and difficulty in making realistic sounds can reduce quality.
Q: When is the best time to use a locator call?
A: The best time is usually early in the morning, just before or at sunrise.
Q: Can I use a locator call at other times of the day?
A: Yes, you can use them during the day to find quiet turkeys or to interest shy ones.
Q: How can I improve my user experience with a locator call?
A: Practice your calls regularly at home to get comfortable and make realistic sounds.
Q: Are locator calls easy for beginners to use?
A: Many locator calls are designed to be easy to use, but practice will always help beginners get better.