Imagine this: you’re out in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear that magical gobble. But then, you reach for your turkey call, and it just doesn’t sound right. Frustrating, isn’t it? Choosing the perfect slate call can feel like a puzzle. There are so many shapes, sizes, and materials, and it’s tough to know which one will bring that big tom right to your setup.
That’s where we come in! We know how important it is to have a call that sounds authentic and helps you connect with those wild turkeys. This post is all about helping you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great slate call and guide you through the key features to consider.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for. You’ll learn how different slate calls produce different sounds and how to pick the one that’s best for your hunting style. Get ready to upgrade your turkey hunting game and make those successful hunts a reality!
Our Top 5 Slate Call Turkey Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Slate Call Turkey Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call – Realistic Turkey Vocals Pot Game Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call is designed to help you call in turkeys with realistic sounds. Its camouflage pattern helps you stay hidden in the woods. This call gives you the tools to make many different turkey noises.
What We Like:
- The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern helps you blend in with the trees and stay hidden from turkeys.
- You can choose between a slate surface for softer sounds or a glass surface for louder, sharper sounds, letting you change your calls to match different situations.
- It comes with the right strikers: a hickory striker for the slate call and a carbon striker for the glass call, which help you make clear and effective turkey sounds.
- You can make a full range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs to loud yelps, so you can mimic real turkeys in any scenario.
- A built-in lanyard eyelet means you can easily attach it to your gear and grab it quickly when you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the two material options offer versatility, some hunters might prefer to have both slate and glass surfaces on a single call for even quicker switching.
- The effectiveness of the call can depend on the user’s skill in mimicking turkey sounds, which might be a learning curve for beginners.
This pot call offers a great way to improve your turkey hunting success. Its realistic sounds and smart design make it a valuable tool for any hunter.
2. Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to lure in those gobblers with the Primos Hunting Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call. This call is built to help you master every turkey sound, from yelps and clucks to cuts and purrs. Its special design lets you easily adjust the sound, so you can sound like one hen or a whole flock. This means you can find the exact sound that makes a tom turkey come running.
What We Like:
- The Hensanity offers amazing tone control for all your turkey calls.
- It features tone ports that you can cover or uncover to change the volume and sound.
- You can make it sound like multiple hens or find the perfect call for a specific gobbler.
- The Pennsylvania slate surface is very sensitive and works great with the one-piece striker.
- Primos Hunting makes high-quality calls designed by hunters for hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the molded design is innovative, some hunters might prefer a traditional pot call for a different feel.
- Mastering the tone control might take a bit of practice for beginners.
This call gives you the power to create a wide range of turkey sounds. It’s a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter looking to improve their success.
3. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in Yellow is designed to make turkey calling easier for everyone. It’s a friction pot call that aims to take the guesswork out of making realistic turkey sounds, whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned pro. This call uses a smart design to help you produce clear clucks, yelps, and purrs.
What We Like:
- It’s made with premium quality materials for long-lasting use.
- The removable cap makes it super easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- The smart construction with directional arrows helps you make consistent sounds every time.
- It’s versatile, allowing you to produce different turkey sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot in your hunting gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cap is great for learning, experienced hunters might prefer the freedom of a call without it.
- The “tracer” feature might be limiting once a hunter masters the technique.
This call is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It simplifies the process of making authentic sounds, giving hunters more confidence in the field.
4. Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. It’s designed to mimic the natural sounds of a wild turkey, helping you attract those wary birds. The call is crafted with a quality wood cup and sound board. It also comes with a one-piece striker, making it ready to use right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The wood construction feels solid and looks great.
- It produces a wide range of turkey sounds, from soft clucks to loud yelps.
- The striker is easy to hold and control for different sounds.
- You can get higher-pitched sounds by scraping the outer edges of the call.
- Deeper, more resonant tones come from the middle of the call.
- It’s a unisex product, so it’s suitable for any adult hunter.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the one-piece striker takes a little practice to master.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, so grab one when you see it.
This call offers versatility and a natural sound that will surely help you on your next hunt. It’s a valuable addition to any hunter’s gear.
5. Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call
Rating: 8.6/10
The Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call, Multicolored is a top-notch tool for any hunter. Primos uses quality materials in all their products. They design and test everything for tough situations and different environments. This slate call works for everyone, whether you’re a pro hunter, a weekend warrior, or just starting out. It’s made from the best Pennsylvania slate, which is known for being easy to use and making the most natural turkey sounds. This call is built for the sport of hunting.
What We Like:
- Made from high-quality Pennsylvania slate, which is easy to use.
- Produces pure, authentic turkey sounds.
- Designed and tested for tough hunting conditions.
- Suitable for hunters of all experience levels.
- Durable construction means it will last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “multicolored” aspect might not appeal to all hunters.
- Could include a detailed guide for beginners.
This Primos Ol’ Betsy Slate Call is a reliable choice for bringing in those turkeys. It’s built to perform when you need it most.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Slate Call Turkey
Choosing the Right Slate Turkey Call
If you’re looking to attract a gobbler, a good slate call is essential. These calls mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, bringing them closer. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
1. Key Features to Look For
Sound Quality:
This is the most important thing. A good slate call makes realistic hen sounds. Listen for clear clucks, yelps, and purrs. Some calls can also make cutting sounds, which are more aggressive.
Ease of Use:
Even if a call sounds great, it’s no good if you can’t make it work. Look for a call that feels comfortable in your hand. You should be able to move the striker easily to create different sounds.
Durability:
Turkey hunting can be tough on gear. Your slate call should be made to last. It needs to withstand rain, dirt, and being carried in your vest.
Striker Compatibility:
The striker is what you use to make the sound. Most slate calls come with a striker, but sometimes you might need to buy a different one. Make sure the striker fits the call well and is comfortable to hold.
2. Important Materials
Slate:
The striking surface is usually made of slate. Different types of slate can produce slightly different sounds. Some slates are softer, while others are harder.
Striker Wood:
The striker is often made from wood. Woods like hickory, ash, or maple are popular. The type of wood affects the tone and volume of the sound.
Body Material:
The body of the call is usually made from wood. Different hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or mahogany are used. The wood helps to amplify the sound.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Sound Holes/Chamber:
The way the call is designed, especially the sound holes or the chamber inside, greatly impacts the sound. A well-designed chamber can make the sounds richer and louder.
Surface Conditioning:
The surface of the slate needs to be conditioned correctly. This is usually done with sandpaper or a special conditioning stone. A properly conditioned surface will make better sounds.
Striker Fit and Finish:
A striker that fits perfectly on the slate and has a smooth finish will produce clearer sounds. A rough or ill-fitting striker can make the call sound scratchy.
Craftsmanship:
How well the call is made matters. Calls that are carefully crafted by experienced makers often sound better and last longer. You can usually tell good craftsmanship by the smooth finish and precise fit of the parts.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Beginner Friendly:
Some slate calls are easier for beginners to learn. They might have a softer slate or a striker that’s easier to control. These calls help new hunters get the hang of calling quickly.
Experienced Hunters:
Experienced hunters might look for calls with more tonal range and volume. They want a call that can make a variety of sounds to fool even the wariest gobbler.
Hunting Scenarios:
Slate calls are versatile. They work well in different environments, from open fields to thick woods. Their realistic sounds can attract turkeys from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I make a slate call sound realistic?
A: Practice is key! You need to learn to make different sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs. Gentle friction with the striker on the slate surface creates these sounds.
Q: Do I need to condition my slate call?
A: Yes, most slate calls need to be conditioned regularly. This means gently rubbing the slate surface with sandpaper or a conditioning stone to keep it smooth and ready to make sound.
Q: What is the best type of slate for a turkey call?
A: There isn’t one single “best” type of slate. Different slates have different hardness, which affects the sound. Many hunters prefer a medium-hard slate for a good balance of tone and volume.
Q: Can I use any striker with a slate call?
A: While you can try, it’s best to use a striker that is designed for slate calls. The wood type and the tip shape of the striker are important for making good sounds.
Q: How do I store my slate call?
A: Store your slate call in a dry place. Keep it in a protective pouch or your hunting vest to prevent it from getting wet or damaged.
Q: What sounds can a good slate call make?
A: A good slate call can make basic hen sounds like clucks and yelps. More advanced calls can also produce purrs and cutting sounds.
Q: How long do slate calls usually last?
A: With proper care and conditioning, a good slate call can last for many hunting seasons.
Q: Are more expensive slate calls always better?
A: Not always. While higher-end calls often have better craftsmanship and materials, you can find excellent-sounding and durable slate calls at various price points.
Q: What’s the difference between a slate call and a box call?
A: Slate calls use friction on a slate surface to make sound, while box calls use a striker rubbed on the lid of a wooden box. Slate calls often have a softer, more intimate sound.
Q: Can I use a slate call in wet weather?
A: Yes, but it can be more challenging. Wet slate can be harder to condition and make clear sounds. Keep your call as dry as possible.
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.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.