The gobble echoes through the woods, a sound that sends shivers down any hunter’s spine. But what if that sound is missing? Many hunters face a common problem: choosing the perfect turkey call. With so many different types and brands, it’s tough to know which one will bring that elusive bird strutting into range. The pressure is on, and the wrong call can mean an empty game bag.
This year, 2021, the world of turkey calls offers exciting new options, but it also brings the same old confusion. Are you tired of guessing which call will work best? Do you want to stop wasting money on calls that just don’t cut it? You’re in the right place. By reading on, you’ll discover how to cut through the noise and find the turkey call that truly speaks the language of the wild gobbler.
Get ready to learn about the best turkey calls for 2021. We’ll break down what makes a great call and help you pick the one that will make your next hunt a success. Let’s dive in and find your winning sound!
Our Top 5 Turkey Calls 2021 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Calls 2021 Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.6/10
Unlock your inner turkey whisperer with the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in vibrant yellow! This innovative call takes the guesswork out of mastering turkey sounds, making it a fantastic tool for hunters of all skill levels.
What We Like:
- The smart design with a removable cap makes it super easy to learn and produce perfect clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- It’s built with premium quality, meaning it will last for many hunting seasons.
- The quick-reference cap guides you, so you can strike the call with confidence every time.
- Once you get the hang of it, you can remove the cap for even more versatile sound options on the slate surface.
- The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot in your hunting gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cap is great for beginners, some advanced hunters might prefer a call without any guides.
- The “tracer” aspect is helpful, but mastering the nuanced sounds still requires practice.
This call is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It simplifies the learning curve and delivers reliable sounds, making it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
2. Primos Hunting Primos The Deb Hen House Series Turkey Mouth Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The Primos Hunting Primos The Deb Hen House Series Turkey Mouth Call in green (PS1263) is designed to bring in those gobblers. Primos Hunting is known for making game calls for all sorts of animals. They build great products for hunters, by hunters. This call is made to sound like a hen turkey that is ready to mix it up. It’s built with a special “barracuda cut” to make it sound tough and aggressive.
What We Like:
- It has a 3-reed latex design that makes a variety of turkey sounds like yelps, purrs, kee kees, and cuts.
- This call can make loud and rowdy sounds, as well as soft and sweet ones, so it’s versatile.
- The frame is made of plastic that is both strong and bendy, giving you a good fit in your mouth.
- It has a smooth sound, making clear 2-note yelps that go from high to low, with a clear start and a rougher end.
- This call is sure to get the attention of any tom turkey nearby.
What Could Be Improved:
- The aggressive “barracuda cut” might be too much for beginners or for making very gentle sounds.
- While the frame is flexible, some users might prefer a different material for even better comfort during long calling sessions.
This Deb Hen House Series call is a powerful tool for turkey hunters. It offers a wide range of sounds to attract wary gobblers.
3. Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call in Black 314 is a powerful tool for any hunter. It’s designed to sound like real owls, which can help you attract turkeys during a hunt. This call works for everyone, whether you hunt a lot or just a little. It’s also built to last and simple to take with you on any adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s really LOUD! This helps you be heard from far away.
- It has three special holes. These holes let you make eight different owl sounds and pitches.
- You can easily make the sounds of barred owls and great horned owls. These are common owl calls.
- The call is built tough and won’t break easily.
- It’s easy to carry in your hunting gear.
- It fits all types of hunters, from pros to beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s loud, some hunters might want even more control over the volume.
- The black color is nice, but other color options might appeal to more people.
This owl call is a fantastic addition to any hunter’s setup. Its realistic sounds and sturdy design make it a reliable choice for attracting game.
4. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit – Turkey Game Calls Combo Pack – Wide Range of Turkey Sounds
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Combo Kit is a fantastic turkey game call set designed to help you attract those gobblers. This combo pack gives you three different types of calls, each made to sound like a real hen turkey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter, this kit offers a wide range of turkey sounds to get the job done.
What We Like:
- The handmade box call is built with cherry and maple and is waterproof, so it works even in wet weather. It makes clear yelps and raspy cuts.
- The glass friction pan call is versatile and can make soft yelps or loud cutting sounds. It comes with a carbon striker for consistent calls.
- The diaphragm call has special Infinity Latex reeds that are durable and create authentic turkey sounds with extra rasp.
- All the calls are made to be water-resistant and last through the hunting season.
- The box call has a strap to keep it quiet when you’re moving, so you don’t scare away the turkeys.
- This kit offers great value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the diaphragm call’s tape might eventually need checking for wear.
- Some hunters prefer a broader variety of included strikers for different sound effects.
This kit provides everything you need to make realistic turkey sounds. It’s a reliable and valuable tool for any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
5. Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Primos Hunting PS222 The Gobbler Turkey Shaker Call in Black is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. Made right here in the USA, this call is designed to make you sound like a real turkey, even if you’ve never called before. It’s super loud and easy to use, so you can focus on finding those gobblers.
What We Like:
- Super loud shaker style call that is easy for anyone to use.
- One-handed operation is great for calling younger jakes, and two-handed operation works well for mature gobblers.
- The patented silencer cap is a smart safety feature, stopping unwanted noise when you’re moving through the woods.
- Perfect for both locating and challenging gobblers.
- Made in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- While easy to use, mastering the nuances of turkey calling still takes practice, even with this tool.
The Gobbler is a reliable and effective addition to any hunter’s gear. You’ll be happy to have this call in your bag of tricks.
Choosing the Best Turkey Calls for 2021
Are you ready for turkey season? Getting the right turkey call can make all the difference. A good call sounds like a real turkey, and that’s what you need to bring those gobblers in close. This guide will help you pick the best turkey call for your needs in 2021.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for turkey calls, keep these important features in mind:
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. Does it sound like a real hen turkey? Listen to different calls if you can. Some calls are better at making certain turkey sounds than others.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are easier to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey hunting, a simpler call might be best. Experienced hunters might prefer calls that offer more control over sounds.
- Durability: You want a call that can handle being out in the woods. It should be strong enough to not break easily.
- Versatility: Can the call make different turkey sounds? Turkeys make many noises, like yelps, clucks, and purrs. A versatile call lets you try different sounds to attract turkeys.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a turkey call affect its sound and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many calls are made of wood. Different types of wood make different sounds. For example, cedar and walnut are popular choices. Wood calls often have a natural feel and a classic sound.
- Slate: Slate calls are very common. They are usually paired with a striker (the stick you use to make noise). Slate calls can make a wide range of sounds, from soft clucks to loud yelps.
- Glass: Glass calls are another option. They often produce a sharp, clear sound. Like slate calls, they need a striker.
- Plastic/Acrylic: Some calls are made from plastic or acrylic. These are often very durable and can be easy to use. They can also make clear sounds.
- Diaphragm Calls: These are small, flexible calls that you place in your mouth. They are made of latex or other flexible materials. They are very hands-free, which is great for moving quietly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a turkey call great, and what makes it not so great?
- Hand-Tuning: Calls that are carefully made and tuned by hand often have better sound quality. This is because skilled makers can adjust the call to make it sound just right.
- Craftsmanship: The way a call is put together matters. A well-made call will last longer and sound better. Poorly made calls might not make the right sounds or could break quickly.
- Weather Conditions: Your call might sound different depending on the weather. Wet or cold conditions can sometimes affect the sound of certain calls, especially wood or slate.
- Practice: Even the best call won’t work if you don’t know how to use it. Consistent practice is key to making realistic turkey sounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these calls, and what’s it like?
- Beginner Hunters: For those new to turkey hunting, box calls and simple slate calls are often recommended. They are generally easier to learn and make good basic turkey sounds.
- Experienced Hunters: Seasoned hunters might prefer diaphragm calls for their ability to make a variety of sounds and their hands-free operation. They might also use more complex friction calls for subtle sounds.
- Calling in Turkeys: The goal is to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey to attract a tom (male turkey). You’ll use different calls for different situations, like getting a tom’s attention from far away or bringing him in close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main types of turkey calls?
A: The main types are box calls, slate calls, glass calls, diaphragm calls, and push-button calls.
Q: Which type of call is easiest for beginners?
A: Box calls and push-button calls are often considered the easiest for beginners to learn.
Q: Do I need to practice to use a turkey call?
A: Yes, practice is very important to make realistic turkey sounds and attract birds.
Q: Can I use the same call for all turkey sounds?
A: Some calls are more versatile than others. Diaphragm and slate calls can often make a wider range of sounds.
Q: How does the material of the call affect its sound?
A: Different woods, slate, glass, and plastic produce different tones and volumes. For example, wood often has a natural sound, while glass can be sharper.
Q: Is it better to buy a more expensive call?
A: Not always. A well-made, mid-priced call can be just as effective as a very expensive one, especially if you practice with it.
Q: What is a striker, and why is it important?
A: A striker is the stick used to make sounds on friction calls like slate or glass calls. The material and shape of the striker affect the sound.
Q: Can I use a turkey call in different weather?
A: Yes, but some calls may sound different in wet or cold conditions. Plastic or acrylic calls are often less affected by weather.
Q: How do I clean my turkey calls?
A: For friction calls, gently wipe them with a dry cloth. For diaphragm calls, rinse them with water and let them air dry. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: When is the best time to use different turkey sounds?
A: Yelps are good for getting attention. Clucks can be used to make a turkey think another turkey is nearby. Purrs are softer and can calm a hesitant bird.
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.