What are Turkey Locator Calls?
The crisp air of spring. The first blush of dawn painting the eastern sky. And, in the distance, the unmistakable sound of a wild turkey gobbling, a symphony of the spring woods. For dedicated turkey hunters, this sound is the ultimate siren song. It’s a signal, a challenge, and the promise of a successful hunt. But finding those wary birds and coaxing them within shotgun range can be a challenging pursuit, even for seasoned hunters. That’s where the art of using the best turkey locator calls comes into play.
Turkey hunting, at its core, is a game of strategy and communication. Hunters must understand the behaviors of their quarry, anticipate their movements, and then effectively communicate to bring the birds closer. Locator calls serve as a critical bridge in this communication process. They are the tools that help hunters locate turkeys, determine their presence, and understand the local turkey population. They are the first arrow in the quiver, often setting the stage for success before a hunter even deploys a box call or a diaphragm call.
The purpose of this article is to delve into the world of turkey locator calls, exploring the best options available to help you find, identify, and bring home your spring gobbler. We’ll navigate the different types of calls, discuss the key features to look for, and provide insights into the best practices for their use, all aimed at improving your success rate in the turkey woods.
A turkey locator call is any device used to stimulate a response from a wild turkey, specifically the dominant male, or “tom.” The goal isn’t necessarily to lure the bird in immediately (though it sometimes happens!), but rather to elicit a response from a gobbler. The turkey’s response, a “gobble” of its own, reveals its location, the number of birds in the area, and often, the general mood of the population.
These calls take advantage of the territorial nature of the tom turkey. When they hear sounds, they will gobble back to show that they’re the dominant turkey in the area. This vocal response allows hunters to pinpoint the bird’s exact location, and gives a clear sense of the land’s turkey population. This is a huge advantage, as the hunter has a much better chance to set up in a strategic location.
There is a wide variety of different calls that are used to locate turkeys. These are generally calls that imitate something the bird is familiar with.
Types of Turkey Calls to Use as Locators
There are different types of locator calls that are used to generate a response from turkeys. The type of call that you select is important to think about, as this can determine the response that is heard from the target birds.
Owl Hooters: A Classic in the Turkey Woods
The owl hooter is one of the most popular and consistently effective turkey locator calls. Owls are natural predators of turkeys, and a loud hoot can often trigger a strong reaction. The advantage of using an owl hooter is that the sound carries well through the woods, and is usually not seen as a threat by the turkeys.
Many owl hooters on the market range in price, and are easy to use. It’s also possible to hoot with your own voice; however, this is harder to control and maintain consistency. A quality owl hooter will generate a realistic sound that is loud, clear, and capable of traveling long distances. Some offer multiple chambers to produce a wider range of tones, mimicking the varied vocalizations of different owl species.
The key to using an owl hooter effectively is consistency. Give a series of three to five hoots at intervals, and listen intently for a response. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, when owls are most active.
Crow Calls: The All-Season Locator
The crow call is another excellent option, especially for locating turkeys. Turkeys and crows often inhabit the same areas, and crows can trigger reactions in turkeys.
Good crow calls should be relatively easy to learn and can vary in price. Look for calls that produce sharp, realistic cawing sounds, and that are durable enough to withstand regular use.
As with the owl hooter, consistency is important. Give a series of quick caws or longer, drawn-out squawks and listen for a gobble. Crows are very active year round, so a crow call is very versatile and can be used in any season.
Coyote Howlers: A Powerful Tool
Coyote howlers can be extremely effective, particularly in areas where coyotes are common. Turkeys are wary of predators, and the sound of a coyote can elicit a reaction from gobblers.
Good coyote howlers produce realistic howls and yips. They will be typically small, easy to hold, and easy to blow. Consistency of tone is very important with these locator calls, as the sound needs to be consistent, so it sounds realistic to the target bird.
When using a coyote howler, a hunter needs to be extremely careful. Howling can attract other predators, so it is important to be vigilant of the surroundings.
Other Locator Calls: Expanding Your Arsenal
Beyond the mainstays, there are other locator calls that can be effective, depending on the specific location and hunting conditions. Hawk calls, often used to simulate the sounds of a hawk hunting, and woodpecker calls are great options to consider. Other options include goose calls, which can create a similar effect to a crow call.
Each of these offers unique advantages. Hawk calls can be particularly effective during the day, while a woodpecker call can work when the turkeys are in the feeding grounds.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Locator Call
Choosing the right locator call can be an important part of any hunt. There are multiple factors to consider, to help improve your chances of a successful hunt.
Sound Quality: The Foundation of a Good Call
The realism and clarity of the sound are critical. A call that sounds artificial or out of tune may scare off turkeys rather than attract them. Look for calls that produce sounds that accurately mimic the natural vocalizations of the target species. High-quality calls will also project the sound well over distance.
Ease of Use: Making it Easier
The call should be easy to learn and operate. While some calls require more practice, a call that is too complex or cumbersome can be a distraction in the field. Choose a call that you can easily produce the desired sounds.
Durability: Built to Last
The locator call will be exposed to the elements, so it needs to be built with durable materials that can withstand regular use and the rigors of the hunting season. Consider the materials used in the construction of the call, and how well they hold up to the elements.
Price: Considering Value
Locator calls come in a wide range of prices. It’s a good idea to research the cost and find a call that offers the best value.
Personal Preference: Finding the Right Fit
Ultimately, the best locator call is the one that works best for you. Experiment with different types of calls and find what works for you.
Tips for Using Locator Calls Effectively
Using locator calls effectively requires a strategic approach. Here’s some things that you should keep in mind.
When and Where to Use: The Best Times and Locations
The best times to use locator calls are early mornings and late evenings, as this is when birds are most vocal. However, don’t hesitate to use them throughout the day. Look for high vantage points and open areas where sound travels well.
How to Call: The Art of the Call
Keep the rhythm in mind; use short bursts and then listen carefully for a response. Remember to vary the sounds and the intervals between calls. Don’t call incessantly; a few well-placed calls are often more effective.
Listening for a Response: Reading the Gobble
The key to success is to listen carefully. A gobble tells you a bird is in the area, the direction it is coming from, and potentially, how far away the bird is. Pay close attention to how close the gobble sounds, and use this to make your next move.
Adjusting Your Strategy: Responding to the Response
Adjust your hunting strategy based on the response you get. If a bird gobbles close by, prepare for a setup. If the response is distant, adjust your approach and move closer to the bird’s location.
Call Selection and Hunting Strategy
The best calls on the market will offer the highest chance of success. While it’s good to have the best calls, that is only the first step. Proper planning, practice, and strategy is key to improving any turkey hunt.
Matching the Call to Your Property
Think about the call and the environment that the call is in. The type of call you use can influence the outcome. Match the sound with what is natural to the area you hunt in.
Experimenting
When using the calls, be prepared to change the type of calls that are used, and the timing of the calls.
Scouting
Prior to hunting, research the area and learn where the birds are most active, and the potential challenges that may be present.
Conclusion
Finding your target wild turkey is the ultimate goal of any turkey hunter. Employing the best turkey locator calls is an effective method that can dramatically increase your success. By understanding the different types of calls, the factors to consider when choosing one, and how to use them effectively, you can be well on your way to a successful turkey hunt.
So, select your call, get out into the woods, and prepare for the thrilling experience of calling in a big tom.
