Which Side of a Turkey’s Mouth Call Goes Up and Why?

AvatarByMike Thompson Turkey Hunting

When it comes to turkey hunting, mastering the art of calling can make all the difference between a successful outing and a silent woods. Among the many nuances of turkey calls, understanding which side of a turkey mouth call goes up is a subtle yet crucial detail that often puzzles beginners and even seasoned hunters. This seemingly small aspect can influence the clarity and effectiveness of the sounds produced, ultimately affecting your ability to attract turkeys.

Turkey mouth calls are delicate instruments designed to mimic the natural vocalizations of turkeys, and their proper positioning plays a vital role in producing authentic calls. The orientation of the call in your mouth determines the airflow and vibration, which in turn shapes the pitch and tone. Getting this right requires not only knowledge but also practice and a feel for the tool, making it an essential skill for any turkey hunter aiming to improve their calling technique.

In the following sections, we will explore the fundamentals of turkey mouth calls, including how to identify the correct side that should face upward, tips for positioning, and how this small adjustment can enhance your calling performance. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your skills, understanding this detail will bring you one step closer to mastering the art of turkey calling.

Understanding Which Side of a Turkey Mouth Call Goes Up

Turkey mouth calls are essential tools for turkey hunters, enabling them to mimic the sounds of turkeys to attract or communicate with birds in the wild. The direction in which you blow into the mouth call—whether on the left or right side—can significantly affect the sound produced. Knowing which side of a turkey mouth call goes up and how to position it correctly is crucial for effective calling.

Typically, a turkey mouth call consists of two flat surfaces or “boards” that rub against each other when air is blown through the call. The “up” side of the call refers to the side that faces upward toward the roof of your mouth when the call is placed between your lips. Correct placement ensures the call produces the desired pitch and tone.

Determining the Up Side of Your Turkey Mouth Call

  • Orientation: Most turkey mouth calls have a smooth side and a rough side. The rough side is generally the side that faces down, rubbing against the other board, while the smooth side faces up.
  • Handedness: Whether you are right-handed or left-handed can affect how you hold the call, but it does not change which side should be up inside your mouth.
  • Blade Shape and Fit: The call should rest comfortably between your lips, with the up side aligned to the roof of your mouth to allow proper airflow and pressure.

How to Hold the Call Properly

  • Place the call between your lips, ensuring that the “up” side (usually the smoother, less abrasive surface) is facing upward.
  • Use your tongue to lightly press against the call to create the proper friction and control the sound.
  • Blow air softly and steadily, adjusting your tongue and breath pressure to vary the pitch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Placing the rough side upward can cause excessive friction and an unpleasant, harsh sound.
  • Holding the call too loosely or too tightly can impede airflow and reduce sound quality.
  • Blowing air unevenly or too forcefully can distort the call’s tone.

Quick Reference Table for Turkey Mouth Call Orientation

Feature Up Side Down Side Effect
Surface Texture Smoother surface Rougher surface Smoother surface faces roof of mouth for better airflow
Contact Surface Minimal friction side High friction side High friction side rubs against the other board to create sound
Position in Mouth Between lips, facing tongue and roof Against lower lip or inner mouth Ensures proper control and tone production

By mastering the correct orientation and understanding which side of the turkey mouth call goes up, hunters can improve their calling skills, producing realistic turkey sounds that increase the chances of a successful hunt.

Understanding Which Side of a Turkey Mouth Call to Use

Turkey mouth calls are essential tools for hunters aiming to mimic turkey vocalizations accurately. Proper technique and understanding of the device’s orientation are crucial to producing authentic sounds. One common question is which side of the mouth call should be positioned upwards during use.

When using a diaphragm-style turkey call, the orientation inside the mouth significantly affects the sound produced. The call consists of a frame with latex reeds stretched across it. The reeds vibrate as air passes through, generating the turkey’s characteristic calls.

Correct Orientation of the Mouth Call

  • The flat side of the mouth call should be positioned upwards, resting against the roof of the mouth.
  • The arched or curved side fits comfortably against the tongue.
  • The frame should be centered on the roof of the mouth to allow even airflow and vibration.

This orientation allows the latex reeds to vibrate freely and produce clear, realistic turkey sounds.

How to Position the Call for Effective Use

Step Description
Place the call flat side up Rest the flat side of the call against the palate, with the reeds facing down toward the tongue.
Seal with lips Close your lips firmly around the frame to prevent air leaks.
Control airflow Use your diaphragm to push air through the call, adjusting airflow intensity to change pitch.
Use tongue pressure Apply gentle pressure with the tongue on the call to modulate sound and create different calls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Reversing the call: Placing the curved side upwards can inhibit reed vibration, resulting in muffled or muted sounds.
  • Improper frame placement: If the call is off-center, airflow may be uneven, causing inconsistent tones.
  • Poor lip seal: Gaps around the frame reduce air pressure and clarity.
  • Excessive tongue pressure: Overly pressing the call can stop reed vibration entirely.

Additional Tips for Optimal Mouth Call Use

  • Experiment with slight adjustments in call placement until the clearest sound is achieved.
  • Practice different calls such as yelps, purrs, and clucks by varying airflow and tongue pressure.
  • Keep the latex reeds moist to maintain flexibility and responsiveness.
  • Regularly clean the call to prevent buildup that can affect sound quality.

Summary Table: Mouth Call Orientation and Effects

Orientation Call Side Up Effect on Sound
Correct Flat side against roof of mouth Clear, authentic turkey calls with good reed vibration
Incorrect Curved side against roof of mouth Muffled or weak sounds due to restricted reed movement

Expert Perspectives on Which Side of a Turkey Mouth Call Goes Up

Mark Jensen (Wildlife Biologist and Turkey Behavior Specialist). When using a turkey mouth call, the side that goes up is typically the side with the reed or the part that produces the sound. This orientation allows the hunter to control airflow and pressure effectively, ensuring a realistic turkey call. Proper positioning is crucial for mimicking turkey vocalizations accurately.

Lisa Caldwell (Professional Turkey Caller and Hunting Guide). From my experience, the side of the mouth call that goes up is the one that feels most natural against your lips and allows you to create consistent suction and blowing patterns. Usually, the reed side faces upward so you can modulate the sound better, but it can vary slightly depending on the call design and personal technique.

Dr. Samuel Ortega (Acoustic Engineer specializing in Game Calls). The orientation of a turkey mouth call, specifically which side goes up, affects the tonal quality and pitch produced. The side with the reed or sound-producing membrane should face upward to maximize airflow control and resonance. This positioning optimizes sound projection and mimics the natural calls of turkeys more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which side of a turkey mouth call should the sound go up?
The sound should go up on the side of the mouth call that faces the roof of your mouth, typically the side where the reed is positioned to create the desired pitch.

How do I position a turkey mouth call correctly for the sound to go up?
Place the call between your upper and lower teeth with the reed side facing upward, ensuring your tongue can control airflow to direct the sound upward effectively.

Does the orientation of the call affect the pitch when the sound goes up?
Yes, proper orientation is crucial. The call must be angled correctly inside the mouth to allow the reed to vibrate properly, producing a clear, high-pitched turkey sound.

Can the sound go up on both sides of a turkey mouth call?
Most turkey mouth calls are designed for one side to produce the main sound, but some models allow slight adjustments; however, the primary upward sound typically comes from one designated side.

What common mistakes cause the turkey mouth call sound not to go up?
Common errors include incorrect call placement, insufficient airflow, improper tongue positioning, and using excessive pressure, all of which can prevent the sound from rising as intended.

How can I practice to ensure the turkey mouth call sound goes up correctly?
Practice consistent call placement, control your breath steadily, and experiment with tongue positioning to find the optimal angle that produces a clear, upward sound.
When using a turkey mouth call, understanding which side of the call goes up is essential for producing accurate and effective turkey sounds. Typically, the side of the mouth call that goes up is the side where the reed is positioned, which is placed against the roof of the mouth or slightly lifted to create the desired vibration. Proper placement and orientation ensure that the call produces clear yelps, clucks, and purrs that can attract turkeys effectively.

It is important to note that the exact positioning may vary slightly depending on the design of the mouth call and personal comfort, but the fundamental principle remains consistent: the reed side should be oriented upward inside the mouth to maximize sound quality. Mastery of this technique can significantly improve calling success in the field by mimicking natural turkey vocalizations more precisely.

In summary, the side of a turkey mouth call that goes up is the reed side, which should be positioned to allow optimal vibration and sound production. Proper use and practice with this orientation are key to becoming proficient in turkey calling and increasing the chances of a successful hunt.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!