Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear it – the unmistakable gobble of a tom turkey. You reach for your slate call, ready to answer. But wait, is this the right call? Choosing the perfect slate call for turkey hunting can feel like navigating a maze, can’t it? There are so many brands, so many sounds, and so many promises of that perfect hen call.
Many hunters find themselves frustrated, unsure if they’re picking a call that will truly bring that gobbler in close. They worry about the sound quality, the ease of use, and whether it will work in different weather conditions. It’s a common struggle, and it can make the difference between a successful hunt and a quiet morning.
But what if you could confidently pick a slate call that sounds just like a real hen, a call that will have those turkeys responding to your every cluck and purr? This post is here to guide you through that very challenge. We’ll break down what makes a great slate call and help you find the one that’s perfect for your hunting adventures.
Our Top 5 Slate Call For Turkey Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Slate Call For Turkey Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call – Realistic Turkey Vocals Pot Game Call
Rating: 9.5/10
The Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call is designed to help you sound like a real turkey. Its realistic sounds can attract birds to your location. This call is a great tool for any turkey hunter.
What We Like:
- The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern helps you hide in the woods. Turkeys won’t see you as easily.
- You can choose between a slate or glass surface. Slate makes soft sounds, and glass makes loud sounds. This lets you make different turkey noises.
- It comes with special strikers. The hickory striker gives warm sounds. The carbon striker makes clear, loud sounds to call turkeys from far away.
- You can make many turkey sounds. This includes soft clucks, purrs, and loud yelps. You can change your sounds to match what the turkeys are doing.
- It has a loop for a lanyard. This means you can easily hang it on your gear. You can grab it quickly when you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention if the strikers are interchangeable between the slate and glass calls.
- There’s no information on how durable the surfaces are over time with heavy use.
This pot call offers great versatility for hunters. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting to improve their turkey calling game.
2. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Pot Call in yellow aims to simplify turkey calling. This friction pot call uses a special lid to guide hunters in producing realistic turkey sounds like clucks, yelps, and purrs. It’s made with quality materials for long-lasting use and is designed for both beginners and experienced hunters.
What We Like:
- Easy to use: The removable cap with directional arrows helps new hunters make the right sounds.
- Versatile sounds: The cap allows for specific yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Durable construction: It’s made with good quality materials that should last for many hunting seasons.
- Smart design: The slots guide the striker for consistent calls every time.
- Unrestricted use: Once you learn, you can remove the cap for freehand calling on the slate surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve for advanced sounds: While the cap helps, mastering all the subtle nuances of turkey sounds might still take practice.
- Cap dependency: Some hunters might prefer a call without a guide, relying purely on feel.
Overall, the HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Pot Call is a helpful tool for anyone wanting to improve their turkey calling skills. It offers a user-friendly approach to making realistic sounds in the field.
3. Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 8.6/10
The Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. It helps you make all the right turkey sounds. You can create yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs. This call is designed to give you complete control over your turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- Tone Control: The molded tone ports let you easily adjust the sound. Cover or uncover them to change the volume and pitch. This means you can sound like one hen or a whole group of hens.
- Versatile Sounds: You can make all the essential turkey calls. This includes yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs. It helps you find the exact sound that makes gobblers respond.
- Responsive Surface: The Pennsylvania slate surface is very sensitive. It works well with all kinds of calling.
- Quality Striker: It comes with a one-piece striker. This makes it easy to use and helps you produce clear sounds.
- Hunter-Focused Design: Primos Hunting makes calls for hunters, by hunters. They focus on creating great products.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While it offers great control, mastering all the sounds might take some practice for beginners.
- Striker Material: Some users might prefer a different striker material for a slightly different feel or sound.
This call offers excellent control and versatility for turkey hunters. It’s a reliable choice for improving your success in the field.
4. Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 8.9/10
The Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call is designed to help hunters attract wild turkeys with realistic sounds. Its unique construction allows for a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft clucks to loud yelps. This call is built for durability and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter.
What We Like:
- The wood cup and sound board create a natural feel and sound.
- It comes with a one-piece striker, which is simple and effective.
- You can make high-pitched yelps and cuts using the outer edges of the call.
- The middle of the call produces deeper, more resonant tones.
- It’s a unisex-adult product, suitable for all turkey hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “rare breed” aspect might mean limited availability, making it harder to find.
- While versatile, mastering all the sounds might take practice for beginners.
This pot call offers a great way to mimic various turkey sounds. It’s a solid choice for hunters looking to add a versatile call to their gear.
5. Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call
Rating: 8.9/10
The Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call in Multicolored is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. Primos is known for making quality hunting gear. This call is built to last. It’s designed and tested for tough hunts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this call works for you. It’s made from the best Pennsylvania slate. Slate is super easy to use. It also makes the most realistic turkey sounds. This call is made for hunting.
What We Like:
- Made with high-quality materials for durability.
- Designed and tested for challenging hunting conditions.
- Suitable for hunters of all experience levels.
- Crafted from premium Pennsylvania slate for authentic sounds.
- Slate is an easy-to-use surface that produces pure turkey calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The multicolored design might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.
- While durable, the slate surface can chip if dropped or mishandled.
The Primos Ol’ Betsy Slate Call is a reliable choice for bringing in those gobblers. It offers a great balance of sound quality and user-friendliness for successful hunts.
Slate Calls for Turkeys: Your Guide to Calling in a Gobbler
So, you want to call in a big tom turkey? A good slate call is one of the most effective tools in your turkey hunting arsenal. These calls mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, drawing in curious or interested gobblers. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect slate call to make your next hunt a success.
1. Key Features to Look For
Sound Quality is King
The most important feature is sound. A great slate call makes realistic hen sounds: yelps, clucks, and purrs. You want a call that’s easy to control. This means you can make soft, subtle sounds or loud, attention-grabbing calls. Some calls are designed for specific sounds, while others are more versatile.
Ease of Use
If you’re new to turkey hunting, you need a call that’s forgiving. Some calls are easier to get a good sound out of than others. A good beginner call will let you make decent sounds without a lot of practice.
Durability
Your call will go through a lot. It will get wet, banged around, and exposed to the elements. You want a call that can withstand this. A well-made call will last for many hunting seasons.
2. Important Materials
The Slate Itself
The slate is the heart of the call. It’s usually a piece of natural slate, often found in specific regions known for good calling slate. The density and texture of the slate affect the sound. Some slates are more resonant, meaning they produce a clearer, more vibrant sound.
The Pot
The pot is the base of the call where the slate sits. It’s usually made of wood. Different types of wood have different acoustic properties. Hardwoods like mahogany or walnut are often used because they produce a rich, full sound. The shape and depth of the pot also influence the sound.
The Striker
The striker is the stick you use to rub against the slate. It’s usually made of wood. The type of wood, its diameter, and its tip shape all matter. A good striker will have a consistent texture that creates friction with the slate. Some strikers are designed for specific sounds or ease of use.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How the Slate is Prepared
The surface of the slate is crucial. It needs to be conditioned properly. This often involves a rougher surface to create friction. A well-prepared slate will produce clearer and more consistent sounds. If the slate is too smooth, it will be hard to get a good sound.
The Fit of the Slate in the Pot
The slate needs to fit snugly in the pot. A loose fit can create unwanted vibrations or a dull sound. A tight, secure fit helps the call resonate better, producing a clearer and louder sound.
The Striker’s Condition
A worn-out or damaged striker won’t work well. The tip might become too smooth or uneven. Keeping your striker in good condition, and sometimes even conditioning it, can make a big difference in sound quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Practice Makes Perfect
Using a slate call takes practice. You’ll need to learn how to hold it and move the striker to make different sounds. Even a good call won’t sound great if you don’t practice. Many hunters find it helpful to listen to recordings of hen turkeys to get the sounds right.
When to Use Which Sound
Different sounds work at different times. Soft clucks can attract a curious bird that’s already close. Louder yelps might get the attention of a distant gobbler. Purrs can be used to keep a bird interested if it hangs up. Understanding these different calls is key.
Versatility in Different Situations
A good slate call is versatile. It can be used in a variety of hunting situations, from the early morning woods to the afternoon field. Some calls are better suited for loud calling, while others excel at softer sounds. Choosing a call that fits your hunting style is important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slate Calls
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a slate call?
A: The main key features are excellent sound quality, ease of use, and durability. You want a call that makes realistic hen sounds and can withstand the elements.
Q: What materials are most commonly used for slate calls?
A: Slate calls are typically made from natural slate for the calling surface and wood for the pot and striker. Different types of wood can affect the sound.
Q: What makes a slate call higher or lower quality?
A: Higher quality comes from a well-prepared slate surface, a snug fit of the slate in the pot, and a good condition striker. Poor preparation or fit reduces quality.
Q: How does user experience affect the performance of a slate call?
A: User experience is crucial. Practice is needed to master the different sounds. A hunter’s skill greatly impacts how well the call performs.
Q: Can I use a slate call in wet weather?
A: Yes, many slate calls are designed to work in wet conditions. However, you might need to dry the slate and striker to get the best sound.
Q: What kind of sounds can a slate call make?
A: Slate calls can produce a variety of hen turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cackles.
Q: Is it hard to learn to use a slate call?
A: It takes practice, but many find slate calls to be one of the easier types of turkey calls to learn. Listening to real turkey sounds helps.
Q: What is the difference between a slate call and a friction call?
A: A slate call is a type of friction call. Friction calls work by rubbing two surfaces together to create sound. Slate calls use a striker rubbed on a slate surface.
Q: How do I condition my slate call?
A: Conditioning usually involves lightly roughing up the slate surface with sandpaper or a scorer to create friction. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What is the best type of wood for a slate call pot?
A: Hardwoods like mahogany, walnut, and cherry are often preferred for their acoustic properties. They tend to produce a richer, clearer sound.
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.