Using a Turkey Mouth Call

If you’re a new turkey hunter, or just looking to impress your hunting buddies with your turkey calling skills, learning how to use a turkey mouth call is a must. A turkey mouth call is a hunting call used to imitate the vocalizations of a turkey. It consists of a latex reed stretched across a horseshoe-shaped frame that is placed in the mouth to create various sounds and calls to attract the birds. These calls are commonly used in turkey hunting and are an important part of the hunting strategy. The different types of sounds made include yelps, clucks, purrs, and kee-kees, and each serves a specific purpose in attracting and luring turkeys. To use a mouth call, the hunter must place it in their mouth and manipulate the reed with their tongue to create the desired vocalization. In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of how to use a turkey mouth call and the different sounds you can make with one. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, understanding how to use mouth calls is an important step in becoming a successful turkey hunter.

Preparation

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CALL

ESSENTIALS

In addition to a mouth call, you’ll also need a few essential tools and gear to make the most of your turkey hunting experience. A good set of binoculars, and a hunting vest are all important pieces of equipment that can help make your time in the field more enjoyable.

Mouth calls are a great choice for hunters who want to be able to quickly and quietly switch between different sounds on the fly. Unlike box calls, mouth calls don’t make a lot of noise when you’re carrying them, making them ideal for stalking or calling birds that are close by. If you’re looking to add a new dimension to your turkey hunting skills, learning how to use a turkey mouth call is a great place to start.

Basic Techniques

MOUTH POSITION AND CONTROL

Once you’ve got your gear and mouth call ready, it’s time to start learning the basic techniques for using it effectively. To place a mouth call into your mouth, start by finding a comfortable position with your lips and teeth. Next, take the diaphragm of the call and place it against the roof of your mouth, ensuring that the straight edge is facing forward. You want to create a tight air seal, so make sure your tongue is lightly pressed against the reed or reeds.

YELPS AND CLUCKS

To yelp, push air through the gap between the top of your tongue and the reed while making a “chick,” “chirp,” “chop,” or “chalk” sound with your lips. It is important to practice this technique regularly in order to perfect your yelping skills on a mouth call. Remember, each hunter may have a different word that they prefer to use, so find what works best for you. Just make sure your yelps sound like they would if they were coming from a real turkey!
To cluck on a turkey mouth call, start by fitting the diaphragm against the roof of your mouth, with the straight edge facing forward, and creating a tight air seal. Then, place your tongue lightly against the reed or reeds. To make a cluck, you will say a word such as “pock” or “puck” while pushing air between the top of your tongue and the reed.

CREATING MORE REALISTIC SOUNDS

To create a more realistic cluck, make sure to use sharp, concise movements of your lips, just as a turkey would when clucking. To make other turkey sounds such as purring, cutting, and cackling, you can experiment with different combinations of clucks and yelps, and add variation and rhythm to your calling to mimic the sound of a turkey.
Fall turkey hunting season calls for different calling techniques compared to other seasons. A common call used by hunters in the fall is the “kee-kee” or “kee-kee-run”. The goal is to imitate a lost young turkey trying to reunite with its flock. To produce this call, hunters need to place more pressure on the reed with their tongue and say “pee-pee-pee”, with the notes rising to convey a sense of urgency. To add the “run” element, the call is followed by saying “chalk-chalk”. This specific type of calling requires careful consideration and mimicking of the turkey’s behavior, making it an important aspect of successful fall turkey hunting.

Once you’ve got the basic yelp and cluck down, you can start working on creating a more realistic call with variation. To make your call sound more like a real turkey, experiment with different tones, pitches, and tempos. You can also try adding different vocalizations like cutting, cackling, or kee-kee-ing to your call, to make it sound more like the real thing. The more you practice, the more confident and effective you’ll become at using a turkey mouth call.

Advanced Techniques for Using A Mouth Call

The Art of Mimicking Turkey Sounds

Are you ready to take your turkey calling game to the next level? If you want to make more realistic turkey sounds, then it’s time to learn about purrs, cutts, and cackles. These sounds can be achieved by using different techniques with your mouth and tongue, such as fluttering your throat or adding more pressure to the reed. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.

Enhancing Your Decoy Setup

When it comes to using mouth calls, adding sound to your decoy set up is a great way to increase your chances of success. By incorporating various calls into your decoy placement, you can create a more convincing turkey scene, which in turn can draw in wary birds.

Rhythm and Timing is Key

Finally, to effectively use a turkey mouth call, it’s important to understand the significance of rhythm and timing. The key to successful calling is to mimic the natural rhythm and patterns of real turkey sounds. This takes practice and a lot of listening to real birds, but the pay off is worth it. So, get out there and start practicing with your mouth call today!

Common Mistakes When Using a Turkey Mouth Call

OVERCALLING

Overcalling can be a big issue for turkey hunters using mouth calls. When using a mouth call, it’s important to avoid overusing it, as this can make the turkey wary and less likely to come in.

LACK OF VARITION 

Lack of variation is another common mistake when using mouth calls. To create a more realistic call and attract more turkeys, it’s important to incorporate different sounds and rhythms into your calling. Remember its all about rhythm and timing. Try to mimic another hen and talk back.

NOT USING CALL IN CONTEXT

Using a mouth call out of context is another mistake that can negatively impact your success when hunting turkeys. To increase your chances of success, it’s important to understand the behavior and vocalizations of the turkey you’re hunting and to use your mouth call accordingly. Call based off the turkey’s behavior.

Tips for Success using a Mouth Call

PRACTICE

Regular practice is key when it comes to learning how to use a turkey mouth call effectively. By repeatedly using your mouth call, you can develop your skills and refine your techniques.

LEARN FOR FELLOW HUNTERS OR YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Seeking advice and guidance from experienced turkey hunters who use mouth calls can be incredibly helpful in your pursuit of success. Listen to their tips and tricks, and incorporate what you learn into your own hunting strategies. Pick your favorite youtube channel and try to mimic the sound’s they make while watching their hunt.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDING AND THE TURKEYS BEHAVIOR

To be successful with a mouth call, you must be attuned to your surroundings and adjust your calling techniques accordingly. Pay attention to the environment, the behavior of the turkeys, and other factors that can impact your calling efforts. With the right combination of practice, learning, and situational awareness, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of the mouth call. Becoming better doesn’t happen over night. Be sure to practice all year if you want to become the best.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, using a turkey mouth call can greatly enhance your hunting experience and bring you one step closer to success. By following the key points discussed in this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use a turkey mouth call, as well as the techniques and tips needed to master it. Remember to practice regularly, seek advice from experienced hunters, and always be aware of your surroundings. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to incorporating mouth calls into your hunting routine. For those who are eager to learn more, there are plenty of resources available online and in print that will provide additional insight and guidance. So, don’t be afraid to dive in and try out these techniques – you never know, it might just make all the difference.

FAQ

How do mouth turkey calls work?
Mouth turkey calls work by replicating the sounds of a turkey through vibration and air pressure. When you shape your mouth and use your tongue and lips, you can create a realistic turkey call that can attract real turkeys.
How often should I use a turkey call?
How often you use a turkey call depends on the hunting situation. You want to use a call sparingly and only when necessary to avoid overcalling, which can turn off turkeys. Listen to your surroundings, pay attention to the birds’ behavior, and adjust your calling accordingly.
How long can you use a turkey mouth call?
How long you can use a turkey mouth call depends on the quality of the call and how well you take care of it. High-quality mouth calls can last for several hunting seasons with proper maintenance and storage.
How do you use a turkey mouth call for beginners?
Turkey mouth calls can seem intimidating at first, but with some practice and patience, anyone can learn how to use them. It’s essential to choose the right call for your needs and understand the basic techniques, such as mouth positioning and control, yelping and clucking, and adding variation to create a realistic sound