Imagine this: the crisp morning air, the gobble of a tom echoing through the woods, and the sweet, unmistakable sound of a hen calling him in. That’s the magic of turkey hunting, and a huge part of that magic comes from your slate call. But with so many different slate calls out there, how do you pick the one that will bring that big gobbler right to your feet?
Choosing the perfect slate call can feel like a puzzle. You want a call that sounds realistic, is easy to use, and won’t break the bank. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost when trying to find that one special call that works for you. You might wonder, “Is this slate too rough? Will this striker make the right sound?” These are common questions every hunter faces.
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of turkey slate calls. We’ll explore what makes a great slate call and how to choose the best one for your hunting style. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can stop worrying about your gear and focus on the hunt.
Our Top 5 Turkey Slate Calls Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turkey Slate Calls Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call – Realistic Turkey Vocals Pot Game Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call is your secret weapon for successful turkey hunting. Its realistic turkey sounds will fool even the wariest gobblers, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo keeps you hidden in the woods. This call is designed for hunters who demand the best.
What We Like:
- The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern offers excellent concealment in natural surroundings.
- You can choose between a slate surface for mellow sounds or a glass surface for sharper calls, giving you versatility.
- It comes with specialized strikers: hickory for traditional tones and carbon for clear, cutting sounds to reach distant turkeys.
- This call produces a full range of turkey sounds, from soft clucks to loud yelps and cuts, adapting to any situation.
- The built-in lanyard eyelet lets you keep the call easily accessible on your gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the choice between slate and glass is great, some hunters might prefer a single, all-in-one option.
- The effectiveness of the “cutting” calls might depend on the user’s skill level.
This pot call is a serious tool for any turkey hunter. It provides the realism and concealment needed to get close to your target.
2. Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call
Rating: 8.6/10
The Primos Hunting Ol’ Betsy Slate Call in Multicolored is a top-notch tool for any turkey hunter. Primos is known for using quality materials in all their gear. They design and test everything for tough outdoor situations. This call works for everyone, whether you’re a pro hunter, hunt for fun, or just go out sometimes. It’s made from the best Pennsylvania slate, which is easy to use and makes the most natural turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- Made from premium Pennsylvania slate for pure turkey sounds.
- Designed and tested to handle the toughest hunting environments.
- Suitable for hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
- The multicolored finish adds a unique touch.
- Slate is recognized as one of the easiest surfaces for producing realistic calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific multicolored pattern might vary, which could be a minor issue for those seeking exact uniformity.
- While slate is easy, mastering any calls takes practice.
The Primos Ol’ Betsy Slate Call truly stands out for its quality and performance in the field. It’s a reliable choice that helps you connect with those wary gobblers.
3. Bone Collector The Game Calls Light’s Out Slate Pot Call for Turkey Hunting
Rating: 9.1/10
The Bone Collector Game Calls Light’s Out Slate Pot Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. It’s built with quality in mind, right here in the USA. This call is designed to help you bring in those gobblers with its realistic sounds. Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or have been doing it for years, this call can help you succeed.
What We Like:
- The Pennsylvania slate surface makes awesome, true-to-life turkey sounds that will get a gobbler’s attention.
- It comes with a strong hardwood striker that helps you make clear sounds every time.
- The call is made in the USA, so you know it’s built with good craftsmanship.
- You can make a variety of turkey noises, like purrs and clucks, to sound like a real hen.
- It’s super easy to hold and use, even if you’re just starting out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the mellow tones are great for certain situations, some hunters might prefer a call with a wider range of louder, sharper sounds for different weather or moods of the birds.
This call is a solid choice for anyone serious about turkey hunting. It’s easy to use and produces great sounds, making it a valuable addition to your gear.
4. Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 8.9/10
The Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. This call is built to help you make all the right turkey sounds, from soft purrs to loud yelps. Its special design lets you easily change the tone and volume, so you can sound like one hen or a whole flock. This makes it easier to get a gobbler’s attention and bring him in close.
What We Like:
- You get great tone control for all turkey sounds like yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs.
- The molded tone ports let you easily adjust the sound and volume by covering or uncovering them.
- The Pennsylvania slate surface is very responsive, meaning it makes clear sounds easily.
- It comes with a one-piece striker, so you have everything you need to start calling.
- Primos Hunting is a trusted brand that makes calls for hunters, by hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- The molded design, while offering tone control, might not appeal to hunters who prefer traditional pot calls.
- While versatile, mastering the subtle nuances of different hen sounds might take practice for beginners.
This call is a powerful ally for any turkey hunter. With its user-friendly design and excellent sound quality, it’s a great way to improve your calling success.
5. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.9/10
Unlock your inner turkey whisperer with the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Call! This yellow pot call is designed to simplify turkey calling, making it easier for any hunter to produce realistic clucks, yelps, and purrs. Its smart design takes the guesswork out of finding the right technique, so you can focus on the hunt.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The removable cap with clear arrows guides you to make perfect calls every time. New hunters and experts alike will find it simple to master.
- Premium Quality: Made with a durable injection-molded pot and a high-quality slate surface, this call is built to last for many hunting seasons.
- Versatile Sounds: The cap helps you produce clucks, yelps, and purrs. Once you’re comfortable, you can remove the cap for more free-form calling on the slate.
- Smart Construction: The specially designed slots ensure your striker hits the right spot, creating consistent and effective turkey sounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Calls: While the cap makes basic sounds easy, mastering more complex purrs and softer yelps without the cap might still take practice for some.
- Yellow Color: While bright for visibility, the bright yellow might not blend in as well with natural hunting environments for those who prefer more camouflage.
The HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Pot Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game. It offers a straightforward approach to producing effective turkey sounds, making your next hunt more successful.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Turkey Slate Call Companion
When you’re out in the woods, trying to call in that gobbler, your turkey slate call is one of your most important tools. Choosing the right one can make all the difference. This guide will help you pick the best slate call for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. A good slate call makes realistic turkey sounds. Listen for clear clucks, yelps, and purrs.
- Grip and Feel: The call should feel comfortable in your hand. A good grip helps you control the striker and make better sounds.
- Durability: You want a call that can last through many hunting seasons. Look for solid construction.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are easier to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey calling, a call that’s simple to use is a good choice.
Important Materials
Turkey slate calls are made from different materials. Each material affects the sound.
- Slate: This is the most common material. It makes a classic, realistic turkey sound. Slate calls are usually very versatile.
- Glass: Glass calls can make higher-pitched, sharper sounds. They are great for cutting and excited yelps.
- Aluminum: Aluminum calls produce a raspy, cutting sound. They are good for aggressive calling.
- Stone: Different types of stone, like anodized aluminum or ceramic, can offer unique sounds. They might be brighter or have more rasp.
The striker is also important. It’s usually made of wood, like hickory or carbon. The striker material affects how easily you can make different sounds on the call.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Craftsmanship: A well-made call will sound better and last longer. Look for smooth surfaces and precise cuts.
- Striker Fit: The striker needs to fit the call’s surface just right. If it’s too loose or too tight, it can hurt the sound.
- Condition: Even a good call can be ruined by damage. Keep your call dry and clean. Avoid dropping it.
- Tuning: Some calls might need a little “tuning” to sound their best. This usually involves conditioning the surface.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a slate call is an art. It takes practice, but it’s very rewarding.
- Beginners: If you’re new to turkey hunting, start with a simple slate call. Practice making basic sounds like clucks and yelps. Many beginner calls are designed to be forgiving.
- Experienced Hunters: Advanced hunters might want calls that can produce a wide range of sounds. They might choose calls made of different materials for different situations.
- Different Hunting Scenarios:
- Early Season: You might use softer clucks and purrs.
- Mid-Season: More aggressive yelps and cutting sounds are useful.
- Late Season: Soft, lonesome yelps can work well.
A good slate call can bring a turkey right to your blind. It’s a connection to nature that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a beginner turkey slate call?
A: For beginners, a classic slate call is often recommended. They are versatile and can produce a range of sounds that are essential for calling turkeys.
Q: How do I condition a slate call?
A: You condition a slate call by gently rubbing its surface with sandpaper or a conditioning stone. This removes old chalk and creates a fresh surface for better sound.
Q: Can I use any striker with a slate call?
A: While you can try, it’s best to use a striker designed for slate calls. The wood or carbon type of the striker really matters for the sound you get.
Q: How do I clean my slate call?
A: Gently wipe the slate surface with a dry cloth. If it’s very dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth, but make sure to dry it completely afterward.
Q: What are the different sounds a turkey slate call can make?
A: Slate calls can make clucks, yelps, purrs, and cutting sounds. The type of sound depends on how you move the striker across the slate.
Q: How often should I condition my slate call?
A: You should condition your slate call before each hunting trip, or anytime you notice it’s not producing clear sounds. It helps maintain its performance.
Q: Are glass slate calls better than regular slate calls?
A: Neither is strictly “better.” Glass calls tend to be louder and have a sharper sound, which is good for certain situations. Slate calls are more versatile and often considered more natural-sounding.
Q: What does “raspy” sound mean for a turkey call?
A: A raspy sound is a slightly rough or scratchy tone, similar to how a real turkey might sound when it’s excited or agitated. Many hunters prefer this sound.
Q: How do I store my slate call to keep it in good condition?
A: Store your slate call in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures. Many calls come with a protective cover, which is ideal.
Q: Is it hard to learn how to use a slate call?
A: Learning to use a slate call takes practice, but it’s not overly difficult. Listening to audio examples and practicing regularly will help you master the techniques.
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.