The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Turkey Call

Have you ever been in the turkey woods, maybe hiding in a pop-up blind or nestled against a big oak, and you hear that thunderous gobble? Your heart starts to pound, not from adrenaline yet, but from a quiet, building anticipation. You've been scouting, practicing your calls, and now it's up to your calling to seal the deal. You let out a soft yelp, then a string of cutting, and he gobbles back, a little closer this time. He's coming in, and you're feeling that rush of pure, unadulterated excitement. But then, he hangs up at sixty yards, just out of range. He’s heard your calls, he’s seen your decoys, but something just isn't right. It's a frustrating, hunt-ending moment that every hunter dreads. You’ve put in all the work, but you can’t get him to come those last crucial thirty yards.

The truth is, a turkey’s vocabulary is vast and complex, and a single, one-note call isn't going to get the job done. A turkey call isn't just a piece of plastic or wood that makes noise; it's an instrument, an extension of your voice, and a direct line of communication with the birds you're after. A well-blown call can turn a seemingly impossible situation into a flurry of feathered wings and a successful harvest. It can turn a tom that was headed for the next county into one that’s strutting right in front of your blind. But if you’ve ever walked into a sporting goods store or browsed online, you know the feeling of being completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Box calls, pot calls, diaphragm calls, push-button calls, locators—the list is dizzying. How do you even begin to sort through the noise and find the call that’s right for you and your hunting style?

In this comprehensive guide, we're going to pull back the curtain on what makes a turkey call truly effective. We'll explore the key factors you need to consider, from sound and tone to the specific situations where each call shines. We’ll also talk about the crucial role of different calls in telling a believable story to a wary tom. To top it all off, I’ll share some of my favorite real-world product reviews to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect call to help you turn those hung-up toms into a successful hunt. So, let’s get you ready to not just call them in, but to lure them in like a pro.

The Three Pillars of a Great Turkey Call

Before we dive into the specific products, let's lay the groundwork. There are three core principles that should guide your selection, acting like a compass in a sea of options. These aren't just features; they're the very essence of what makes a call effective.

1. Versatility and Realism: The most effective turkey calls are those that can produce a full range of realistic turkey sounds. A single-note yelp isn't going to cut it. A great call will be able to produce a variety of sounds, from a soft, subtle purr to a loud, aggressive cutting. It should also be able to produce a variety of tones, pitches, and volumes that mimic the subtle nuances of a real turkey. The more realistic and versatile your call is, the more likely you are to be able to tell a compelling story that a gobbler can't resist.
   
   

2. Ease of Use: This is a crucial consideration for every hunter, especially beginners. A call that is difficult to blow, requires a lot of air, or gets stuck easily is a call that will be left at home. A good call should be responsive, forgiving, and easy to manipulate to produce a variety of sounds without a lot of effort. The goal is to be able to make a variety of realistic sounds with minimal effort, so you can focus on the hunt and not on your calling.
   
   

3. Durability and Material: Your turkey call is going to be out in the elements. It’s going to be exposed to rain, mud, cold, and a fair amount of abuse. The material it's made from—whether it's wood, slate, acrylic, or polycarbonate—determines its durability, its sound, and how it holds up over time. A call is an investment, and a well-made one will last you for many seasons.

Beyond the Basics:
Unpacking Key Call Types and Features

Now that we have our core principles, let's drill down into the details. When you're standing in front of a wall of calls, what should you be looking for?

• Friction Calls:
  These are the most common and versatile type of turkey call. They are easy to use and can produce a wide variety of sounds, from a soft, subtle purr to a loud, aggressive cutting. The two main types of friction calls are:
  
  

  • Pot Calls: These are a round call with a calling surface (slate, glass, or aluminum) and a striker. A pot call is great for producing a wide variety of sounds, and they are perfect for a variety of hunting applications, from a long-distance locating call to a soft, subtle finishing call.

  • Box Calls: These are a simple, two-piece call with a box and a paddle. A box call is incredibly easy to use, and they can produce a fantastic, loud yelp that is perfect for locating a gobbler from a long distance.
    
    

• Diaphragm Calls (Mouth Calls):
  This is the most versatile and, in my opinion, the most effective type of turkey call. It’s a small, latex-reed call that is held in your mouth. The main advantage is that it is a hands-free call, which is a huge advantage for a hunter who is trying to draw a bow or raise a shotgun. A diaphragm call can produce a wide variety of sounds, from a soft, subtle purr to a loud, aggressive cutting. The downside is that they have a steep learning curve and take a lot of practice to master.
  
  

• Push-Button Calls:
  This is the perfect call for a beginner. It's a simple, easy-to-use call that can be used to produce a variety of sounds with a simple push of a button. They are a great, no-frills option for a hunter who is just getting into the sport, but they do not offer the same level of realism and versatility as a friction or diaphragm call.
  
  

• Locator Calls:
  These calls are not designed to sound like a turkey. They are designed to sound like another animal, like a crow, an owl, or a hawk. The goal is to get a gobbler to "shock gobble," which is a vocalization that a gobbler makes in response to a loud, jarring sound. A locator call is a fantastic tool for locating a gobbler from a long distance and for a variety of hunting applications.
  

The Hunter's Arsenal:
Seven Standout Turkey Calls

After years of selling and using these products, I've curated a list of seven of my favorite turkey calls. Each one offers something a little different, catering to various hunting styles and budgets.

Woodhaven Custom Calls Ninja Ghost Mouth Call

Price Range: $$15 - $25

• Review: Woodhaven Custom Calls is a name synonymous with high-end, custom-made turkey calls, and their Ninja Ghost is a fantastic, no-frills mouth call that is perfect for a variety of hunting applications. It’s a three-reed call with a "ghost cut" that provides a fantastic, soft, and subtle yelp that is perfect for finishing a wary tom. It also has a great high-end for a locating call. The call is incredibly easy to use and is a great option for a hunter who is looking to master the art of mouth calling. For the hunter who wants a high-end, no-compromise mouth call, the Woodhaven Ninja Ghost is a top-notch choice.
  
  
  
  

Zink Calls Power Hen Thunder Ridge Series Pot Call

Price Range: $$40 - $50

• Review: Zink Calls is a brand that has earned a reputation for providing high-quality, high-performance turkey calls, and their Power Hen Thunder Ridge Series Pot Call is a fantastic example of their philosophy. It’s a pot call with a state-of-the-art injection molded pot that is designed to provide a fantastic range of sound. The call also has a built-in conditioning area for the striker, which is a huge bonus for a hunter who is in the field. For the hunter who wants a reliable, no-fuss, and incredibly effective pot call, the Zink Power Hen Thunder Ridge Series is an excellent choice.
  
  
  
  

Primos Hook Hunter Series Turkey Box Call

Price Range: $$30 - $40

• Review: The Primos Hook Hunter Series Turkey Box Call is a fantastic, no-frills, and incredibly effective box call. It's a simple, two-piece call that is built with a durable wood that is designed to produce a loud, aggressive yelp that is perfect for locating a gobbler from a long distance. The call is also incredibly easy to use and is a great option for a beginner. For the hunter who wants a simple, no-fuss, and incredibly effective box call, the Primos Hook Hunter is a top-notch choice.
  
  
  
  
  

Flextone Thunder Series Shaker Gobbler

Price Range: $$25 - $35

• Review: The Flextone Thunder Series Shaker Gobbler is a fantastic, no-frills, and incredibly effective gobble call. It’s a simple, easy-to-use call that can be used to produce a variety of realistic gobble sounds with a simple shake of a bellows. The call is a great option for a hunter who wants to get a gobbler to "shock gobble," which is a vocalization that a gobbler makes in response to a loud, jarring sound. It's a fantastic tool for locating a gobbler from a long distance and for a variety of hunting applications.
  
  
  
  

Hunter's Specialties H.S. Strut Premium Flex Mouth Call Kit

Price Range: $$15 - $25

• Review: Hunter's Specialties is a name synonymous with hunting accessories, and their H.S. Strut Premium Flex Mouth Call Kit is a fantastic, no-frills option for a hunter who is just getting into mouth calling. It’s a combo pack that comes with a variety of mouth calls, from a simple double-reed to a more advanced ghost cut call. The calls are all made with a high-quality, durable latex and are incredibly easy to use. The combo pack is a great way for a hunter to experiment with a variety of calls and find the one that works best for them.
  
  
  
  

Zink Calls Wicked Series Box Call

Price Range: $$50 - $60

• Review: Zink Calls is a brand that has earned a reputation for providing high-quality, high-performance turkey calls, and their Wicked Series Box Call is a fantastic example of their philosophy. It’s a box call that is built with a durable poplar and a dense bloodwood that is designed to produce a fantastic range of sound. The call is also incredibly easy to use and is a great option for a variety of hunting applications, from a long-distance locating call to a soft, subtle finishing call. For the hunter who wants a reliable, no-fuss, and incredibly effective box call, the Zink Wicked Series is an excellent choice.
  
  

Final Thoughts:
Your Voice, Your Success

Choosing the right turkey call is a critical decision that every serious hunter must make. It's about finding the right balance between realism, versatility, and a sound that can tell a compelling story to a wary gobbler. Don't be afraid to experiment with different calls and different methods of application. Remember that the key to success is a holistic approach that combines a good spread, a good call, and a great strategy for blending into your environment.

A turkey call is more than just a piece of gear; it's a way of telling a compelling story that a gobbler can't resist. It’s a silent conversation that can be used to lure a wary gobbler into your sights, to tell a story of a safe, inviting environment, and to ultimately, to help you achieve your hunting goals. So, go out there, find the call that's right for you, and get ready to experience a new level of confidence and success in the field. Your call is a serious responsibility, and with the right one, you can ensure it's a silent partner that is always ready for anything. Happy hunting!