Imagine this: you’re out in the crisp morning air, the woods are waking up, and you hear it – the unmistakable gobble of a wild turkey. You’ve got your gear, you’re ready, but then comes the moment of truth with your mouth call. Do you know how to make that sound that will bring that gobbler closer? For many new hunters, this is where the adventure gets a little tricky. Choosing the right turkey mouth call can feel like navigating a maze, with so many shapes, materials, and sounds to consider.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re just starting out. You want to get it right, but the sheer variety of mouth calls out there can make your head spin. You might wonder, “Which one will sound the most realistic?” or “Which call is easiest for a beginner to master?” These are common questions, and the good news is, you don’t have to guess anymore. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion and give you the clear answers you need.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the basics of what makes a great beginner mouth call. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain how different calls sound, and offer simple tips to get you making those lifelike turkey sounds. Get ready to boost your confidence and make your next turkey hunt even more successful!
Our Top 5 Turkey Mouth Calls For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Mouth Calls For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Realistic Sounds Easy-to-Use Premium Flex Frame Strut Tone Trough Raspy Old Hen Mouth Turkey Call
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking to improve your turkey hunting game? The Hunters Specialties Tone Trough Raspy Old Hen Mouth Turkey Call is designed to help you sound like a seasoned pro. This call makes it easier to attract those elusive gobblers with its realistic turkey sounds and user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- It’s hands-free, so you can keep your focus on spotting turkeys.
- The unique reed setup creates a variety of turkey sounds, from loud calls to quiet hen talk.
- Its special construction helps you make great calls with less effort.
- Beginners will find it easy to use, thanks to the comfortable and shape-retaining Premium Flex frame.
- It’s a must-have for any turkey hunter looking to increase their success in the field.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, experienced callers might prefer more advanced control.
- The “raspy” sound might not be exactly what every hunter is looking for in every situation.
This call is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to get better at calling turkeys. It’s built for ease of use and effective sound, making your next hunt more successful.
2. ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 2-Pack – Realistic Diaphragm Turkey Calls for Hunting – High-Volume 3-Reed Turkey Mouth Calls for Beginners and Pros
Rating: 9.3/10
The ESH Turkey Mouth Calls 2-Pack is designed to help hunters bring home more birds. These calls are made to sound like real turkeys, making them great for both new hunters and experienced pros. They are easy to use and produce clear sounds that can attract gobblers.
What We Like:
- These calls have thicker reeds. This makes them sound like a young hen, especially during mating season. They can make loud clucks, kee-kees, and purrs.
- You don’t need a lot of air to make these calls work. This makes them easy for beginners to use.
- The calls are made with custom cuts. This helps attract gobblers in the spring and fall hunting seasons.
- Esh Custom Calls tests these calls a lot. They make sure the sounds are good, the calls last, and they work well when you’re out hunting.
- Esh Custom Calls uses skill and careful testing. They create calls that sound like real hens and gobblers, so you are ready for any hunt.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for ease of use, mastering the subtle nuances of turkey calling can still take practice for beginners.
- Availability might be limited at certain times due to their custom crafting process.
These ESH Turkey Mouth Calls offer a realistic sound and are built for performance. They are a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
3. Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo
Rating: 9.0/10
Calling all turkey hunters! Get ready to bring home that gobbler with the Hunters Specialties Strut Realistic Sounds Premium Flex Four Turkey Diaphragm Mouth Calls Combo. This 4-pack of mouth calls is designed to help you make all the right turkey sounds. They are easy to use, even for beginners. With these calls, you can sound like a real turkey and attract them to your location.
What We Like:
- Easy to blow, even for beginners.
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds for different situations.
- The Premium Flex frame is comfortable and keeps its shape for consistent sound.
- Moisture resistant for a longer lifespan.
- A must-have for any turkey hunter’s vest.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some hunters might prefer calls with more reeds for even more advanced sound control.
This combo offers fantastic versatility to match any hunting scenario. Equip yourself with this essential tool and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
4. Strut Commander Turkey Mouth Call
Rating: 9.0/10
The Strut Commander Cayenne Turkey Mouth Call is a must-have for any turkey hunter. This call is designed to help you sound like a real hen, bringing gobblers in close for a successful hunt. It’s easy to use, whether you’re new to turkey calling or a seasoned pro.
What We Like:
- Produces realistic hen sounds like cutts, clucks, purrs, and yelps.
- Works well for both beginners and experienced hunters.
- Offers medium to loud volume, making it heard in fields and woods.
- Features a no-cut design for easy use.
- Handcrafted in the USA with durable latex reeds.
- Helps you fill your tag and bring home dinner.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires some practice to master different sounds.
The Strut Commander Cayenne Turkey Mouth Call truly helps you connect with those gobblers. It’s a reliable tool for a more rewarding hunting experience.
5. Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Red Wasp Mouth WH013
Rating: 8.8/10
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Stinger Pro Series Red Wasp Mouth WH013 is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter looking to bring in those elusive gobblers. This call is designed to produce a variety of sounds that mimic a mature hen, making it incredibly effective in the field. Its unique construction allows for a wide range of tones, from soft clucks to loud, attention-grabbing yelps.
What We Like:
- It creates very raspy and bold sounds, just like an old hen.
- This call helps you call in those gobblers.
- It produces sharp, crisp cutts and cackles.
- You can also get raspy yelps from it.
- It is great for making those raspy cutts and yelps.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options could be available to match different hunting environments.
- A carrying pouch or lanyard would be a helpful addition for easy transport.
This call truly excels at producing realistic hen sounds. If you want to increase your chances of a successful hunt, the Stinger Pro Series Red Wasp is a valuable addition to your gear.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your First Turkey Mouth Call
So, you want to learn how to call turkeys? That’s awesome! Mouth calls are a fantastic way to get started. They let you use your own voice to make realistic turkey sounds. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing your first mouth call, keep these things in mind:
- Ease of Use: As a beginner, you want a call that’s not too hard to learn. Some calls are designed to be easier to control.
- Sound Quality: The call should sound like a real turkey. Listen to samples if you can.
- Durability: You want a call that will last. Good construction means it won’t break easily.
- Versatility: Can it make different turkey sounds, like yelps, clucks, and purrs?
Important Materials
Mouth calls are usually made from a few key materials:
- Diaphragm: This is the thin latex or mylar material that vibrates when you blow.
- Latex: This is the most common. It’s flexible and can make a wide range of sounds. Different thicknesses offer different tones.
- Frame: This holds the diaphragm in place.
- Plastic: Most frames are made of plastic. It needs to be sturdy but not too stiff.
- Palate Plate (sometimes): Some calls have a small piece of material that presses against the roof of your mouth. This can help with control.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a mouth call great or not so great?
- Number of Diaphragms:
- Fewer Diaphragms (1-2): These are often easier for beginners to control. They can make clearer, higher-pitched sounds.
- More Diaphragms (3+): These can produce deeper, raspier sounds. They might be a bit harder to master at first.
- Diaphragm Thickness:
- Thinner Diaphragms: Easier to blow, good for soft, close-range sounds.
- Thicker Diaphragms: Require more air, good for louder, cutting sounds.
- Cutting Style: How the diaphragm is cut affects its sound. Some cuts are better for certain sounds. For beginners, a simple cut is often best.
- Craftsmanship: How well the call is put together matters. A poorly made call might have air leaks or uneven diaphragms, which will make it sound bad.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a mouth call is a skill. It takes practice!
- How to Use: You place the call against the roof of your mouth. You use your tongue and air to make sounds. It might feel strange at first. Don’t get discouraged!
- Practice: Practice at home. Try making different sounds. Listen to real turkey sounds online to get an idea.
- When to Use: You can use mouth calls any time you’re in the woods looking for turkeys. They are great for calling turkeys into shotgun or bow range. They are also hands-free, which is a big plus when you need both hands free for your firearm or bow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Turkey Mouth Calls
Q: What is the easiest type of mouth call for beginners?
A: Generally, calls with one or two diaphragms are easier for beginners. They require less air and are simpler to control for basic sounds like clucks and yelps.
Q: How do I start making sounds with a mouth call?
A: Place the call against the roof of your mouth with the diaphragm side down. Gently press it with your tongue. Blow air through it while saying “chick” or “puck.” You can also try saying “katt” or “keek.”
Q: My mouth call sounds raspy. Is that bad?
A: Not necessarily! A little rasp can be good for certain turkey sounds, like a hen’s cluck or purr. However, if it’s too raspy or sounds “blown out,” you might be using too much air or the call might be too thick for you.
Q: How many diaphragms should a beginner’s call have?
A: For beginners, one or two diaphragms is a great starting point. These calls are usually more forgiving and easier to get clear sounds from.
Q: Can I use a mouth call in wet weather?
A: Yes, you can. However, moisture can affect the sound. You might need to clear out any moisture by gently blowing air through the call after use or between calls.
Q: What sounds should I try to make first?
A: Start with basic sounds like a simple cluck (a short, sharp sound) and a yelp (a longer, more drawn-out sound). These are fundamental turkey vocalizations.
Q: How long does it take to learn to use a mouth call effectively?
A: It varies for everyone. Some people pick it up quickly, while others need more practice. Be patient and practice regularly. You’ll get better with time!
Q: Are there any specific brands that are good for beginners?
A: Many reputable brands offer beginner-friendly calls. Look for calls advertised as “easy to use” or “for beginners.” Brands like Primos, Quaker Boy, and Knight & Hale often have good options.
Q: What is the difference between latex and mylar diaphragms?
A: Latex is more common and very flexible, allowing for a wide range of sounds and tones. Mylar is stiffer and can sometimes produce a sharper, more cutting sound, but might be harder for beginners to control.
Q: Should I buy a call with multiple cuts on the diaphragm?
A: For beginners, it’s usually best to start with a call that has a simple, single cut or no cuts. These are easier to control and produce consistent sounds as you learn.
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.