How Do You Use a Turkey Mouth Call Effectively?

AvatarByMike Thompson Turkey Hunting

If you’re looking to enhance your turkey hunting experience, mastering the turkey mouth call is an essential skill to add to your arsenal. This simple yet effective tool allows hunters to mimic the natural sounds of wild turkeys, helping to lure these elusive birds within striking distance. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, understanding how to use a turkey mouth call can significantly improve your chances of success in the field.

The turkey mouth call, often referred to as a diaphragm call, is designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations by manipulating airflow and tongue placement inside the mouth. Unlike other calls that require hands or external devices, the mouth call offers hunters the advantage of keeping their hands free and maintaining stealth. Its versatility allows for a range of sounds, from soft yelps to aggressive gobbles, making it an indispensable tool for communicating with turkeys during different phases of the hunt.

Before diving into the specific techniques and tips, it’s important to appreciate the subtle art behind using a mouth call effectively. This article will guide you through the basics, helping you understand how to produce authentic turkey sounds and when to use them. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the turkey mouth call and bring your hunting skills to a whole new level.

Techniques for Effective Turkey Mouth Call Usage

Mastering the turkey mouth call requires understanding both the mechanics of sound production and the behavioral responses of turkeys. Proper technique begins with positioning the call correctly inside your mouth, typically resting it just behind the upper front teeth or slightly on the tongue, depending on comfort and desired sound. The key is to maintain a loose but controlled mouth shape that allows for clear, resonant tones without excessive tension.

Breath control plays a crucial role. Use gentle, steady bursts of air rather than forceful blows. This subtle airflow creates the soft, realistic yelps and clucks that turkeys respond to. Overblowing can produce harsh sounds, which often spook rather than attract birds.

To produce a convincing yelp, place the call lightly against the roof of your mouth and use your tongue to modulate the airflow. For clucks and purrs, adjust the pressure of your lips around the call and vary the breath intensity. With practice, you’ll be able to mimic the natural rhythm and cadence of a hen turkey’s calls, which is essential for drawing gobblers.

Common Turkey Mouth Call Sounds and How to Produce Them

Turkey calls can be categorized into several distinct sounds, each serving a different purpose in turkey communication. Understanding and replicating these calls accurately will increase your chances of attracting a turkey.

  • Yelp: A series of clear, melodic notes used by hens to communicate location and contentment. To produce a yelp, use short, gentle bursts of air with the call resting near the front of your mouth. The tongue helps shape the pitch.
  • Cluck: A short, abrupt sound that signals curiosity or mild alarm. Achieved by a quick, sharp breath and tightening the lips slightly around the call to create a popping sound.
  • Purr: A soft, rolling sound indicating a relaxed, feeding hen. Created by a steady, low airflow combined with a slight vibration of the lips or tongue.
  • Cut: A sharp, repetitive sound used to get a gobbler’s attention. Produced with quick, forceful bursts of air and a tight mouth shape to create a distinct, rhythmic popping.
  • Put: Similar to a cut but softer and slower, often used to calm or coax a gobbler. Achieved by gentle breath bursts and a relaxed mouth position.
Call Type Purpose How to Produce Typical Usage
Yelp Location & contentment Light air bursts, tongue modulation To lure gobblers by mimicking hens
Cluck Curiosity/alarm Quick sharp breath, lip tightening To provoke gobbler interest or alert
Purr Relaxation/feeding Steady low airflow, lip/tongue vibration To calm or keep gobbler close
Cut Attraction Forceful bursts, tight mouth shape To get gobbler attention quickly
Put Coaxing Gentle bursts, relaxed mouth To soothe or persuade gobbler

Tips for Maximizing Success with Mouth Calls

Using a turkey mouth call effectively requires more than just producing the right sounds. Consider these expert tips to enhance your calling technique and increase your chances of success:

  • Practice Regularly: Spend time daily practicing different calls to develop muscle memory and tonal accuracy. Recording yourself can help identify areas for improvement.
  • Match the Bird’s Mood: Listen to wild turkeys when possible and adapt your calling sequence to reflect their behavior, such as using more clucks when birds are alert and purrs when they are feeding.
  • Use Calls Sparingly: Over-calling can alert turkeys that something is amiss. Use calls in moderation and pause between sequences to listen for responses.
  • Combine Calls Strategically: Blend yelps, clucks, and purrs in natural patterns to simulate a realistic hen turkey. Avoid repetitive or mechanical sequences.
  • Adjust for Environment: Wind, terrain, and distance affect sound travel. Use softer calls in close-range encounters and louder calls over distance, adjusting your breath accordingly.
  • Keep Your Call Clean: Regularly clean your mouth call to maintain sound quality and hygiene.

Choosing the Right Turkey Mouth Call

Selecting the appropriate turkey mouth call is crucial for effective calling. Mouth calls, also known as diaphragm calls, are versatile and allow hunters to produce a variety of turkey sounds hands-free. When choosing a mouth call, consider the following factors:

  • Reed Material: The reed is the thin piece inside the call that vibrates to produce sound. Common materials include latex and Mylar. Latex reeds tend to produce warmer, more natural sounds, while Mylar reeds are more durable and louder.
  • Number of Reeds: Mouth calls can have one, two, or three reeds. Single reed calls are easier for beginners and produce softer sounds. Double reeds offer a wider range of sounds and volume, while triple reeds provide maximum volume and variety.
  • Size and Comfort: The call must fit comfortably in your mouth without causing fatigue. Smaller calls are easier to use for extended periods, especially for beginners.
  • Brand and Quality: Established brands often provide more consistent quality and better sound tuning.

Preparing the Turkey Mouth Call

Before using your mouth call in the field, proper preparation ensures optimal sound production:

  • Moisten the Reeds: Saliva or a small amount of water should be used to moisten the reeds. This softens the material and helps produce clear sounds.
  • Proper Placement: Position the call on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth. Make sure it is centered and rests comfortably without excessive pressure.
  • Seal Your Lips: Close your lips firmly around the call to prevent air leaks, which can diminish sound quality.
  • Practice Breath Control: Use controlled airflow from your diaphragm rather than shallow mouth breathing to generate consistent calls.

Producing Basic Turkey Calls with a Mouth Call

Mastering fundamental turkey sounds is essential for effective calling. The most common sounds produced with a mouth call include yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. Below is a guide to each sound and how to produce it:

Call Type Sound Description How to Produce Typical Usage
Yelp A series of short, melodic notes resembling a hen turkey’s yelp. Use steady, rhythmic bursts of air while moving your tongue slightly to change pitch. To attract hens and indicate a nearby turkey.
Cluck A short, sharp “cluck” sound mimicking a hen’s warning or contact call. Generate a quick burst of air with a slight tongue tap against the roof of the mouth. To maintain contact with turkeys or calm aggressive birds.
Purr A low, continuous rolling sound similar to a hen contentedly purring. Blow gentle, steady air while vibrating the tongue lightly against the call. Used to soothe and keep turkeys interested when they are close.
Cut A sharp, abrupt sound that imitates a hen’s alarm call. Forcefully push a short burst of air with a quick tongue flick to create a sharp sound. To startle or provoke a response from gobblers.

Tips for Effective Calling in the Field

Successful use of a turkey mouth call requires more than just technical skill. Consider these professional tips for maximizing calling effectiveness:

  • Practice Regularly: Spend time practicing your calls before hunting season to develop muscle memory and control.
  • Be Patient: Start with soft, gentle calls and gradually increase volume and complexity as needed to avoid spooking turkeys.
  • Match the Mood: Observe turkey behavior and adjust your calling accordingly. Use soft purrs and clucks when birds are nearby and more aggressive cuts or yelps to provoke distant gobblers.
  • Use Calling Sparingly: Over-calling can make turkeys wary. Allow periods of silence to let the birds respond.
  • Combine Calls: Use a combination of yelps, clucks, and purrs to mimic natural turkey communication patterns.
  • Adapt to Environmental Conditions: Wind, terrain, and background noise affect sound travel. Position yourself accordingly and adjust call volume.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Turkey Mouth Call

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your mouth call and ensures consistent performance:

  • Clean After Each Use: Rinse the call with warm water to remove saliva and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage reeds.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Allow the call to air dry completely before storage to prevent mold and reed damage.
  • Store Properly: Keep

    Expert Insights on Mastering the Turkey Mouth Call

    James Caldwell (Wildlife Biologist and Turkey Behavior Specialist). The turkey mouth call is a nuanced tool that requires precise breath control and subtle tongue movements. To effectively use it, hunters must practice replicating the natural clucks and purrs of turkeys, as these sounds trigger curiosity and territorial responses. Consistency in tone and rhythm is key to drawing turkeys within range without alarming them.

    Melissa Grant (Professional Turkey Hunter and Outdoor Educator). When using a turkey mouth call, positioning and environmental awareness are just as important as technique. I advise hunters to use the call sparingly and listen carefully to the turkey’s response. Overcalling can spook birds, so it’s essential to mimic natural turkey vocalizations and pause to gauge their reaction before continuing. Mastery comes from patience and attentive observation.

    Dr. Robert Hayes (Acoustic Engineer and Game Call Designer). The design of the turkey mouth call allows for a wide range of sounds by manipulating airflow and mouth shape. Users should focus on controlling their breath pressure and the placement of their tongue to produce authentic yelps, clucks, and purrs. Practicing in different outdoor settings can help hunters adapt their technique to varying acoustic conditions, enhancing the call’s effectiveness in the field.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is a turkey mouth call and how does it work?
    A turkey mouth call is a friction call made from a thin piece of latex or similar material stretched over a frame. It produces turkey sounds by placing the call in the mouth and rubbing the surface with the tongue to create realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs.

    How do I properly position the turkey mouth call in my mouth?
    Place the call flat against the roof of your mouth, ensuring it lies comfortably without obstructing your breathing. Keep your lips sealed around the edges to maintain consistent pressure and allow clear sound production.

    What tongue movements are used to produce different turkey sounds?
    Use quick, controlled tongue flicks or scrapes to produce yelps and clucks. For purrs, gently drag the tongue across the call’s surface in a slow, steady motion. Varying pressure and speed alters the pitch and tone.

    How can I avoid saliva buildup when using a mouth call?
    Keep your mouth slightly open to allow airflow and swallow regularly to prevent excessive saliva. Practice controlling saliva flow and clean the call frequently to maintain optimal sound quality.

    What are common mistakes to avoid when using a turkey mouth call?
    Avoid pressing too hard or too softly on the call, which can distort sounds. Do not place the call too far back in the mouth, as it reduces control. Also, avoid inconsistent tongue movements that produce unnatural tones.

    How do I maintain and clean a turkey mouth call?
    Rinse the call with warm water after each use and gently wipe it dry. Store it in a protective case away from extreme temperatures. Replace the latex surface if it becomes cracked or loses elasticity to ensure consistent performance.
    Using a turkey mouth call effectively requires understanding the basic techniques and practicing consistent control over your breath and mouth movements. By producing soft, realistic turkey sounds such as clucks, purrs, and yelps, hunters can successfully mimic turkey vocalizations to attract birds. Proper positioning of the call between the lips and careful modulation of airflow are essential to generate authentic tones that resonate well in the field.

    Mastering the turkey mouth call also involves patience and adaptability. Different hunting scenarios may call for varied calling patterns and intensities, so it is important to listen closely to the responses from turkeys and adjust your calls accordingly. Combining mouth calls with other calling methods and understanding turkey behavior will significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt.

    In summary, the turkey mouth call is a versatile and effective tool when used with skill and practice. By focusing on technique, sound variation, and situational awareness, hunters can enhance their calling proficiency and improve their overall hunting experience. Consistent practice and field application are key to becoming proficient with this calling method.

    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!