Imagine this: You’re deep in the woods, the sun is just peeking over the trees, and you hear it – the unmistakable gobble of a tom turkey. You raise your call, ready to answer. But which one do you choose? For many hunters, picking the perfect mouth turkey call feels like a puzzle with missing pieces. There are so many different kinds, and knowing what makes one better than another can be confusing.
This confusion can lead to missed opportunities and frustration in the field. You want to sound like a real hen, but sometimes your calls just don’t cut it. That’s where understanding mouth calls really matters. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about making the right noise to bring those gobblers within range.
In this post, we’ll break down the world of mouth turkey calls. We’ll look at what makes them special and how you can use them to sound like a pro. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about choosing and using the right call to make your next turkey hunt a success. Get ready to learn how to speak turkey!
Our Top 5 Mouth Turkey Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mouth Turkey Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo is a must-have for any turkey hunter. This 4-pack of mouth calls is designed to make calling gobblers easier than ever. Each call uses ultra-thin reeds to create a variety of realistic turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- Easy to blow, even for beginners.
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, from loud cuts to soft tree yelps.
- The Premium Flex frame is comfortable and holds its shape for consistent calling.
- Moisture-resistant construction means these calls last longer.
- The combo includes four different calls: Li’l Strut, Sickle Cutter, Deuce Cutter, and Smokin’ Gun, offering great versatility for different hunting situations.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some hunters might find the “Sickle Cutter” and “Deuce Cutter” calls to have a very broad, raspy range, which might take a little practice to master.
This combo kit truly equips hunters with the tools they need to bring home their next gobbler. With its ease of use and realistic sound production, it’s a solid addition to any turkey hunter’s vest.
2. Primos Hunting Primos The Lucy Hen House Series Turkey Mouth Call
Rating: 8.9/10
The Primos Hunting Primos The Lucy Hen House Series Turkey Mouth Call in green (PS1267) is designed to help hunters connect with longbeard turkeys. Primos Hunting is a top company that makes calls for many types of animals, including elk, deer, turkey, and waterfowl. They build great products for hunters, made by hunters. This turkey call features a 3-reed bat cut design. It’s perfect for getting a turkey’s attention.
What We Like:
- Versatile sound: It can make soft tree yelps and loud, aggressive cutting sounds.
- Great fit: The call has a strong but bendable plastic frame for a comfortable mouth fit.
- Good memory: It bounces back to its original shape after each use.
- Variety of sounds: “There is a lady in the Hen House that fits the calling,” meaning it can produce different hen turkey sounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve: Like all mouth calls, it might take some practice to master its full range of sounds.
- Specific sound preference: While versatile, some hunters might have very specific sound preferences that this particular call might not perfectly match.
The Lucy Hen House call offers a wide range of sounds to fool even wary gobblers. This call is a solid choice for turkey hunters looking to improve their calling game.
3. ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack – Realistic Diaphragm Turkey Calls for Hunting – High-Volume 3-Reed Turkey Mouth Calls for Beginners and Pros
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to sound like a real turkey and bring home your next harvest? The ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 3-Pack offers a fantastic set of tools for any hunter. These diaphragm calls are designed to create a variety of realistic turkey sounds, from soft purrs to excited yelps. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been hunting for years, these calls can help you connect with those wary gobblers.
What We Like:
- Comes with three different calls: True Hype, React, and Long Spur.
- Each call is designed to make realistic turkey sounds like yelps, kee-kees, clucks, cutts, and purrs.
- They are easy to use and don’t require a lot of air to make good sounds.
- These calls are handcrafted in the USA with good materials.
- The 3-reed design makes them efficient for both beginners and experienced hunters.
- They are built to last and help hunters get more successful hunts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for minimal air pressure, mastering any mouth call takes practice.
- The effectiveness of any call can depend on the specific turkey and hunting conditions.
This 3-pack provides a versatile and well-crafted option for turkey hunters. With these calls, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a convincing hen.
4. Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Red Wasp Mouth WH013
Rating: 8.6/10
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Red Wasp Mouth WH013 is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. This call is designed to sound like a mature hen, helping you attract those elusive gobblers. Its unique design creates a variety of realistic turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- Produces very raspy and bold sounds, just like an old hen.
- Excellent for making sharp, crisp cutts and cackles.
- Great at producing raspy yelps, which are key to calling in gobblers.
- Helps you call in those big tom turkeys.
- Perfect for creating those desired raspy cutts and yelps.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a bit of practice to master all the different sounds.
- The “Red Wasp” color might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.
This call really brings the woods to life with its authentic sounds. If you want to improve your turkey hunting success, the Stinger Pro Series is a solid choice.
5. Quaker Boy – The Full Flock Turkey Mouth Call 4 Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Calling in turkeys can be exciting, and the Quaker Boy – The Full Flock Turkey Mouth Call 4 Pack is designed to help hunters of all levels do just that. This pack includes four different mouth calls, each with a unique sound to mimic various turkey vocalizations. They come in white and green colors. A handy call case is also included to keep your calls organized and protected.
What We Like:
- This pack offers a variety of calls for different turkey sounds.
- The calls are designed to be user-friendly, making them good for beginners.
- It comes with a case, which is convenient for storage and transport.
- The different calls can help you communicate with turkeys more effectively in the field.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it takes practice to master all the different calls.
- The instructions for each specific call could be a bit clearer for absolute beginners.
This Quaker Boy mouth call pack provides a solid starting point for anyone looking to improve their turkey calling skills. With four distinct options, you’re well-equipped to try and bring in that gobbler.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Mouth Turkey Call
Why Mouth Calls?
Mouth turkey calls, also known as diaphragm calls, are a popular choice for turkey hunters. They fit in your mouth and let you make realistic turkey sounds. They are hands-free, so you can keep your gun ready. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Reed Configuration
The reeds are thin pieces of latex that vibrate to make sound. The number and cut of the reeds matter a lot. More reeds can make louder or different sounds. Different cuts change the pitch and tone. A common setup is a double-reed call. It’s good for beginners. A triple-reed call can offer more volume and higher pitches. Some calls have special cuts like a “Ghost Cut” or “V-Cut.” These cuts help make specific sounds like yelps or clucks.
2. Reed Material
Most mouth calls use latex for the reeds. High-quality latex is important. It makes better sounds. Sometimes manufacturers mix latex with other materials. This can change the sound. Look for calls with consistent, thin reeds. They vibrate easily and create clear turkey sounds.
3. Frame Material
The frame holds the reeds in place. It’s usually made of plastic. A good frame fits comfortably in your mouth. It should be sturdy. It should not have sharp edges. Some frames are softer than others. This can affect how well you can seal the call against your palate. This sealing is important for making good sounds.
4. Thickness
The thickness of the call can affect the sound and comfort. Thicker calls might be easier to control for beginners. They can also produce a deeper sound. Thinner calls can be harder to master but might offer more control for advanced sounds.
Important Materials
The main material you’ll find is latex. It’s flexible and thin. It vibrates well to create realistic turkey sounds. The frame is usually made of plastic. Some plastics are more durable than others. The tape that holds the reeds is typically waterproof. This helps the call last longer in wet conditions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Call Great
- Precise Reed Cuts: Expertly cut reeds make a big difference. They help you create a wider range of turkey sounds.
- High-Quality Latex: Thin, consistent latex reeds produce clearer, more realistic sounds.
- Comfortable Frame: A frame that fits your mouth well makes it easier to use and control.
- Good Seal: A call that seals well against your palate allows for better air control and sound production.
What Can Make a Call Less Good
- Inconsistent Reeds: Thick or uneven reeds make it hard to get a good sound.
- Poorly Made Frame: A frame that is too stiff or has rough edges can be uncomfortable and difficult to use.
- Cheap Materials: Low-quality latex can crack or become stiff, affecting the sound.
- Bad Design: A call that doesn’t allow for proper air pressure and sealing will not produce good turkey sounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Beginners
If you’re new to mouth calls, start with a double-reed call. They are generally easier to learn. Look for a call with a comfortable frame. Practice making basic sounds like clucks and yelps. You can find many online videos to help you learn.
For Experienced Hunters
More experienced hunters might want to try triple-reed calls. These offer more versatility. They can produce louder calls or mimic specific hen sounds. Experiment with different reed cuts. This helps you find a call that matches your hunting style and the sounds of the turkeys in your area.
Use Cases
- Calling in Toms: Use yelps and clucks to attract male turkeys.
- Mimicking Hens: Create softer sounds to locate or draw in hens.
- Cutting and Cackling: These loud sounds can get a gobbler’s attention from far away.
- Distress Calls: Some calls can make sounds that mimic a wounded bird, which can be very effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest mouth turkey call to learn?
A: Double-reed mouth calls are usually the easiest for beginners. They offer good control and are forgiving.
Q: How do I clean my mouth turkey call?
A: You can rinse it with lukewarm water. Gently pat it dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or letting it get too wet.
Q: How long do mouth turkey calls last?
A: With proper care, a good mouth call can last a hunting season or even longer. Latex can wear out over time.
Q: Can I use a mouth call in the rain?
A: Yes, most mouth calls are designed to work in wet conditions. The tape is usually waterproof.
Q: What does a “cut” on a reed mean?
A: A “cut” is a specific shape or notch made in the latex reeds. Different cuts help create different turkey sounds and tones.
Q: How do I practice using a mouth call?
A: Start by practicing basic sounds like clucks and yelps at home. Watch tutorial videos online to learn proper tongue and air placement.
Q: Can I use the same call for all types of turkeys?
A: While many calls are versatile, some might be better suited for specific species or regions. Experienced hunters often have a few favorites.
Q: What is the difference between a yelp and a cluck?
A: A yelp is a longer, more drawn-out sound. A cluck is a short, sharp sound. Both are common turkey vocalizations.
Q: Should I buy a call with more reeds?
A: More reeds can mean more volume and versatility, but they can also be harder to control. Beginners should start with fewer reeds.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a mouth turkey call?
A: You can find them at sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and online. Reading reviews can help you choose.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.