Imagine this: You’re deep in the woods, the sun just starting to peek over the trees. You hear that unmistakable gobble, and your heart starts to pound. You reach for your calls, hoping to answer that magnificent tom. But what if your call doesn’t sound quite right? What if it doesn’t bring that turkey any closer?
Choosing the perfect slate turkey call can feel like a guessing game. There are so many different types, and figuring out which one will actually work can be confusing. Many hunters get frustrated because they spend money on calls that don’t produce the realistic sounds needed to fool a wary gobbler. This can lead to missed opportunities and a less enjoyable hunting experience.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand exactly what makes a great slate call. We’ll break down the key features, explain how different materials affect sound, and give you the knowledge to pick a call that will help you connect with those elusive birds. Get ready to improve your turkey hunting game!
Our Top 5 Slate Turkey Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Slate Turkey Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in yellow is a game-changer for turkey hunters. It takes the guesswork out of making realistic turkey sounds. This call is built with premium quality materials to last for many hunting seasons.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The removable cap has clear arrows and slots that guide you to make perfect yelps, clucks, and purrs. It’s great for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Consistent Sounds: The smart design ensures you produce consistent turkey calls every time you use it. You just insert the striker and follow the arrows.
- Versatile: The cap helps you master basic calls, and once you’re comfortable, you can remove it for more advanced, unrestricted calling on the slate surface.
- Durable Construction: Made with a strong injection-molded pot and a slate striking surface, this call is built to last for decades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Sounds: While the cap makes basic calls easy, mastering more complex purrs and clucks might still require practice beyond the guide.
- Yellow Color: While it’s a bright color, some hunters prefer more muted or natural colors for their gear to blend in better.
This pot call simplifies the process of producing authentic turkey sounds, making it a valuable tool for any hunter. Its thoughtful design ensures you’ll be calling turkeys effectively in no time.
2. Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call is a game-changer for turkey hunters. Its smart design lets you control the exact sounds you make. You can easily adjust your calls to sound like one hen or a whole flock. This helps you get the attention of even the wariest gobblers.
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What We Like:
- You can easily change the tone and volume of your calls. This helps you sound like different hens.
- The Pennsylvania slate surface is very good at making realistic turkey sounds.
- It comes with a one-piece striker for simple use.
- Primos Hunting makes calls designed by hunters for hunters, so you know it’s built for the field.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers tone control, mastering all the different sounds might take some practice.
- The molded design, while functional, might not appeal to hunters who prefer a more traditional look.
This call gives you the power to mimic various hen sounds, making you a more effective turkey hunter. It’s a solid tool for anyone looking to improve their calling success.
3. Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call – Realistic Turkey Vocals Pot Game Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call is designed to help you sound just like a real turkey. Its realistic calls can attract gobblers. The camo pattern helps you stay hidden in the woods.
What We Like:
- The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern is great for hiding in the woods. It helps you stay unseen by turkeys.
- You can choose between a slate surface for softer sounds or a glass surface for louder calls. This lets you make different turkey sounds.
- It comes with special strikers. The hickory striker makes classic turkey sounds. The carbon striker makes sharp calls to reach far-away turkeys.
- You can make all sorts of turkey sounds, like soft clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts. You can change your calls based on what the turkeys are doing.
- There’s a loop to attach a lanyard. This means you can keep the call handy and ready to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the choice between slate and glass is good, some hunters might wish for more material options.
- The effectiveness of the “cutting” calls might vary depending on the striker and the user’s skill level.
This pot call offers excellent concealment and a versatile range of sounds. It’s a solid tool for any turkey hunter looking to improve their success.
4. Duck Commander Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit Turkey Calls
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to hit the woods and bag a turkey? The Duck Commander Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit is your all-in-one ticket to successful turkey hunting. This combo pack is designed to give you everything you need, whether you’re a brand-new hunter or have been calling turkeys for years. It’s packed with calls to help you fill your tag and your dinner plate.
What We Like:
- This kit includes two diaphragm calls, an owl locator call, and a poly/slate pot call, covering all your calling needs.
- The “Cut ‘Em” diaphragm call is user-friendly with three reeds, making it perfect for beginners to produce clear turkey sounds.
- The “Bearded Hen” diaphragm call also has three reeds and offers versatile volume options for different hunting scenarios.
- The “Ole Scratch” Slate/Poly Pot Call is durable and makes excellent yelps, purrs, and clucks, helping you improve your skills.
- The “Hootie Owl” Locator Call effectively mimics a barred owl, a simple yet effective way to get a reaction from turkeys.
- The kit is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring reliability for all skill levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the starter kit is great, seasoned hunters might want more advanced call options beyond the included set.
- The “Ole Scratch” pot call is described as “moderately easy to use,” suggesting a slight learning curve for absolute beginners compared to the diaphragm calls.
This starter kit provides a fantastic foundation for any turkey hunter. It’s a well-rounded package that empowers you to learn and succeed in the field.
5. Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 9.0/10
The Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call is a tool designed to help hunters attract turkeys with realistic sounds. It’s built with quality materials to produce a range of turkey vocalizations.
What We Like:
- The wood cup and sound board create authentic turkey sounds.
- It comes with a one-piece striker for easy handling.
- You can make high-pitched yelps, cuts, and clucks using the outer edges of the call.
- The middle of the call produces deeper, lower tones, giving you more sound options.
- It’s designed for unisex adult use, making it versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- The unique sound production might take some practice to master.
- Availability can sometimes be limited due to its specialized nature.
This call offers a great way to improve your turkey hunting success. It’s a solid option for hunters looking to add a versatile call to their gear.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Slate Turkey Call Companion
Why Choose a Slate Turkey Call?
Slate turkey calls are a favorite for many hunters. They make a realistic sound that can fool even the wariest gobbler. These calls are known for their versatility. You can make a wide range of sounds with them. This guide will help you pick the best slate call for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. Listen to the call. Does it sound like a real hen turkey? It should make soft clucks, loud yelps, and sharp cutts.
- Ease of Use: A good call is easy to hold and use. You shouldn’t have to struggle to make the right sounds.
- Durability: Turkey hunting can be tough. Your call needs to be built to last.
- Striker Quality: The striker is what you use to make the sound. A good striker is made of the right wood and has a good tip.
Important Materials
Slate calls are usually made of slate. The slate itself is important. It needs to be the right thickness and texture. The striker is often made of wood. Different types of wood make different sounds. Some popular woods include hickory, maple, and carbon. The striker tip might be made of carbon or a hard plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Slate Thickness: Thicker slate can make deeper sounds. Thinner slate might be better for higher-pitched calls.
- Slate Texture: A smooth, even surface on the slate helps make clear sounds.
- Striker Fit: The striker needs to fit snugly on the slate. A loose fit can make the sound muffled.
- Wood Type (Striker): Different woods have different densities. This affects the sound the striker makes.
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is made matters. A well-made call will sound better and last longer. Poorly made calls might have rough edges or inconsistent surfaces.
User Experience and Use Cases
Slate calls are great for all levels of hunters. Beginners can learn to make basic sounds easily. Experienced hunters can use them to mimic complex turkey talk. You can use a slate call in many situations. It’s good for calling in turkeys from a distance. It’s also effective for close-range calling when a gobbler is hesitant. The soft sounds are perfect for when turkeys are roosting or feeding quietly. The louder sounds work well for cutting through wind or attracting attention.
When you use a slate call, remember to practice. Experiment with different pressure and speed. This will help you make the most realistic turkey sounds. A good slate call can be the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a slate turkey call sound good?
A: A good slate call makes realistic hen turkey sounds. It should be easy to make clucks, yelps, and cutts.
Q: What is the best material for a slate call?
A: Slate is the main material. The striker is often made of wood like hickory or maple.
Q: How does the thickness of the slate affect the sound?
A: Thicker slate can make deeper sounds. Thinner slate might make higher-pitched sounds.
Q: What is important about the striker?
A: The striker needs to be the right wood and have a good tip. It should fit well on the slate.
Q: Can beginners use slate turkey calls?
A: Yes, beginners can learn to use slate calls easily. They are very versatile.
Q: What are some common sounds a slate call can make?
A: Slate calls can make clucks, yelps, and cutts, which are common turkey sounds.
Q: How does the striker’s wood type affect the sound?
A: Different woods have different densities, which changes the sound the striker makes on the slate.
Q: Is a smooth surface on the slate important?
A: Yes, a smooth and even surface on the slate helps make clear, realistic sounds.
Q: When is a slate call most useful?
A: Slate calls are useful for calling turkeys from far away or up close, especially when they are quiet.
Q: How can I improve my slate call technique?
A: Practice is key. Try different pressure and speeds to make realistic turkey sounds.
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.