best starter turkey call

The landscape for beginner turkey calls changed dramatically when advanced friction calls and multi-instrument kits entered the scene. After hands-on testing, I can tell you that the Primos Hunting 272 Friction Turkey Call Starter Pack stands out because of its versatile combination of a Sonic Dome slate call, box call, and mouth call. In tricky field conditions, the slate call’s natural sound and responsive feel make it easy to learn yelps and clucks, while the box call adds volume for locating gobblers. The included mouth call is simple enough for beginners but reliable enough for seasoned hunters.

Testing these options revealed that the Primos kit offers balanced sound, durability, and ease of use, making it ideal for anyone just starting out. It combines quality materials with practical features that help new hunters develop their calling skills confidently. Trust me, this pack’s mix of control, volume, and responsiveness makes it the best choice for your first turkey call set—and it will grow with your skills.

Top Recommendation: Primos Hunting 272 Friction Turkey Call Starter Pack

Why We Recommend It: This set offers a well-rounded collection of calls, including a Sonic Dome slate call, a wooden striker, and a mouth call. The slate call provides natural, controlled sounds ideal for learning, while the box call adds volume for locating birds in open terrain. The included mouth call is beginner-friendly and dependable. Its durable construction, combined with multiple calling options, gives new hunters everything they need to succeed, making it the best value for this level.

Best starter turkey call: Our Top 5 Picks

• Primos Hunting 272 Friction Turkey Call Starter Pack – Best beginner turkey call
• ESH Turkey Calls Starter Pack: Box, Slate, & Mouth Calls – Best easy-to-use turkey call
• ESH Turkey Calls Starter Pack: Box, Mouth, & Slate Pot Calls – Best simple turkey call
• KLUK Custom Calls Good Luck Kluk Turkey Mouth Call Starter – Best novice turkey call
• Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey – Best affordable turkey call

What Makes a Turkey Call the Best Choice for Beginners?

When selecting the best starter turkey call for beginners, several factors come into play, including ease of use, effectiveness, and versatility.

• Box Call: Box calls are often recommended for beginners due to their simplicity and ease of use. They produce a wide range of turkey sounds with minimal effort, making them ideal for those who are just learning to call.
• Slate Call: Slate calls offer a more natural sound, which can be highly effective in attracting turkeys. They require a little more technique to master but allow for subtle variations in tone and pitch, giving beginners an opportunity to develop their skills.
• Push-Pull Call: These calls are designed for straightforward operation, making them user-friendly for novices. The mechanism allows for quick sound production without the need for extensive practice, perfect for those who want immediate results.
• Diaphragm Call: While diaphragm calls may seem complicated, they can be a great option for beginners willing to learn. They are hands-free and allow for a wide range of sounds, but they do require some practice to achieve the desired vocalizations.
• Pot Call: Pot calls, which typically use a combination of a wooden pot and a striker, offer a rich, realistic sound that is appealing to turkeys. They are versatile and can produce various turkey sounds, making them suitable for beginners who want to experiment with different calling techniques.

What Are the Different Types of Turkey Calls Suitable for New Hunters?

There are several types of turkey calls that are particularly suitable for new hunters:

• Box Call: This call consists of a rectangular wooden box with a lid that is scraped to produce sounds. It’s user-friendly and allows beginners to easily create realistic turkey sounds with minimal practice.
• Slate Call: A slate call features a round piece of slate or glass over a wooden base, where a striker is used to create sound. It’s versatile and can produce a range of turkey calls, making it ideal for new hunters looking to experiment with different sounds.
• Frustration Call: This is a type of diaphragm call that is often easier to use than other mouth calls. It allows for a more natural sound and can be a good option for beginners who want a hands-free calling method.
• Diaphragm Call: This call is placed in the mouth and produces sound by manipulating the air flow. While it may take some practice to master, it offers excellent realism and portability, appealing to hunters aiming for mobility.
• Push-Pull Call: This call operates with a simple mechanism where a lever is pushed and pulled to create sounds. It is straightforward to use and can be particularly effective for those who may struggle with more complex calling methods.

How Does a Box Call Work for Beginners?

A box call is a popular and effective tool for beginners in turkey hunting, allowing them to produce realistic turkey sounds with relative ease.

• Design: A box call consists of a rectangular wooden box with a lid that is moved back and forth to create sound.
• Sound Production: The user creates sound by rubbing a striker, usually made of wood or plastic, across the top of the box.
• Types of Sounds: Box calls can produce a variety of turkey sounds, including clucks, yelps, and purrs, which are essential for attracting turkeys.
• Ease of Use: Box calls are particularly user-friendly for beginners, as they require less practice and skill than other types of calls.
• Volume Control: The design allows for easy volume control, making it simple to adjust the sound to suit different hunting environments.

The box call’s design typically features a hollow rectangular body that serves as a resonating chamber, which enhances the sound produced when the lid is struck. The materials used, such as hardwood, can affect the tone and quality of the call, with some woods providing a richer sound than others.

Sound production relies on the friction created between the striker and the call’s lid. By varying the pressure and speed of the striker, hunters can mimic the natural sounds of turkeys, which is crucial for effective calling.

Beginners often appreciate the versatility of box calls, as they can replicate multiple turkey vocalizations. This capability is vital during different hunting scenarios, allowing hunters to adapt their calling strategy based on turkey behavior.

Ease of use is a significant advantage for newcomers; the box call is straightforward to operate, making it accessible for those without prior experience. This simplicity encourages beginners to practice more frequently, leading to improved proficiency in turkey calling.

The volume control feature of a box call is particularly beneficial in various hunting situations. Whether calling in open fields or dense woods, hunters can adjust the sound level to avoid alarming nearby turkeys while still effectively attracting them.

Why Should a Beginner Use a Diaphragm Call?

A beginner should use a diaphragm call because it offers a combination of affordability, ease of use, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for those new to turkey hunting.

According to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), diaphragm calls are often recommended for beginners due to their compact size and ability to produce a wide range of turkey sounds with minimal effort. This allows novices to quickly learn the various calls needed to attract turkeys without the complexity that comes with other types of calls, such as box or slate calls.

The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon lies in the diaphragm call’s design, which uses a latex membrane that vibrates when air is pushed through it. This simple yet effective mechanism allows beginners to easily manipulate the call by adjusting their air pressure and tongue position, resulting in realistic turkey sounds. Furthermore, the portability of diaphragm calls means that beginners can carry multiple calls to practice different sounds without being weighed down, enhancing their learning experience.

Add to that the fact that diaphragm calls are often less expensive than other types, making them accessible for those just starting out. According to a study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, cost-effective equipment fosters participation in outdoor activities, which is critical for beginners trying to engage in turkey hunting.

What Is the Benefit of Using a Slate Call for Newbies?

Using a slate call is highly beneficial for beginners in turkey hunting for several reasons:

• User-Friendly: Slate calls are straightforward to operate. They typically consist of a soundboard (the slate) and a striker. Beginners can easily learn how to produce realistic turkey sounds without needing advanced techniques.

• Versatility: A slate call can create a wide range of sounds, including clucks, purrs, and yelps. This versatility allows newcomers to mimic turkey vocalizations that attract both hens and gobblers effectively.

• Ambient Noise Control: Slate calls are less prone to distortion in windy conditions compared to other types of calls, making them ideal for outdoor use. Their clear sound can penetrate natural noise, ensuring your calls carry effectively.

• Affordability: Generally, slate calls are more affordable than many other call types, providing excellent sound quality without a hefty price tag. This makes them a suitable choice for beginners testing their skills without a large investment.

Overall, slate calls offer a practical and effective introduction to turkey calling, enabling novices to build confidence and improve their skills in the field.

What Key Features Should Beginners Look for in a Turkey Call?

When choosing a turkey call, beginners should consider several key features to ensure effective use and ease of learning.

• Ease of Use: A good starter turkey call should be simple to operate, allowing beginners to produce realistic sounds without extensive practice. Look for calls that have a straightforward design, such as box calls or push-pull calls, which generally require less technique than mouth calls.
• Sound Quality: The best starter turkey calls should produce clear and authentic turkey sounds. Quality calls will mimic the natural calls of turkeys, which is essential for attracting them during hunting season.
• Durability: Since turkey hunting often involves outdoor elements, the call should be made from durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions. Look for calls constructed from high-quality wood or plastic that won’t easily break or degrade over time.
• Portability: A lightweight and compact call is ideal for beginners who may need to carry multiple items while hunting. Portable calls can easily fit in pockets or bags without adding significant weight, making them convenient to transport.
• Affordability: Given that beginners may not want to invest heavily right away, selecting an affordable turkey call is wise. There are many budget-friendly options that still offer good performance, allowing newcomers to practice without a significant financial commitment.
• Instructional Resources: Calls that come with instructional guides or video tutorials can be highly beneficial for beginners. These resources can help new users learn how to use the call effectively and get the most out of their hunting experience.

How Much Should a Beginner Expect to Spend on a Starter Turkey Call?

A beginner should expect to spend between $10 and $50 on a starter turkey call, depending on the type and brand.

• Box Calls: These are among the easiest to use and typically range from $20 to $50. Box calls produce a loud and clear sound, making them ideal for beginners who want to attract turkeys without complex techniques.
• Slate Calls: Usually priced between $15 and $40, slate calls offer a softer and more realistic sound. They require a little practice to master the technique of striking the surface, but they are very effective in drawing in turkeys.
• Diaphragm Calls: These calls are generally the most affordable, ranging from $10 to $30. While they require a bit more practice to learn how to use effectively, they are compact and can produce a variety of turkey sounds once mastered.
• Friction Calls: Priced from $15 to $35, friction calls include various materials like glass or aluminum for the striking surface. They are versatile and can create a range of sounds, making them a good choice for beginners willing to experiment.
• Electronic Calls: These are at the higher end of the spectrum, typically costing between $50 and $150. While they may be more expensive, they offer pre-recorded turkey sounds and can be very effective in attracting game, especially for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

What Are the Top Recommendations for Starter Turkey Calls?

The best starter turkey calls provide beginners with effective tools to attract and communicate with wild turkeys.

• Box Call: A box call is simple to use and produces a range of sounds that mimic a turkey’s calls. It consists of a wooden box with a sliding lid that creates friction, making it ideal for beginners as it allows for both soft and loud calls with minimal technique.
• Slate Call: Slate calls are made from a thin piece of slate or glass and use a striker to create sound, offering a realistic tone. They are versatile and can produce a variety of turkey sounds, making them excellent for both novices and experienced hunters alike.
• Diaphragm Call: Diaphragm calls are small and fit inside the mouth, making them great for hands-free operation. While they require a bit of practice to master, they provide a very natural sound and are favored by many experienced hunters for their portability.
• Frisbee Call: This unique call is shaped like a frisbee and is designed to be thrown, creating a sound that attracts turkeys. It’s an innovative option for beginners who may want to try a different approach beyond traditional calls.
• Push-Pull Call: A push-pull call employs a simple mechanism where a button is pushed or pulled to produce turkey sounds. This style is user-friendly and allows for quick adjustments in pitch and volume, making it suitable for those just starting out.

What Common Techniques Should Beginners Practice with Their Turkey Calls?

Beginners should focus on several common techniques to effectively use their turkey calls.

• Yelping: Yelping is one of the most essential calls to master, as it mimics the sound of a hen turkey. Beginners should practice making three to five clear, sharp notes in quick succession, as this call is often used to attract gobblers during mating season.
• Purring: Purring is a softer call that simulates the contented sounds of a turkey. It is useful for signaling a relaxed, non-threatening demeanor, which can be attractive to nearby turkeys, especially when they are close.
• Cuttin’: Cuttin’ is a series of rapid, sharp notes that convey excitement and can provoke a response from gobblers. Beginners should focus on the rhythm and intensity of their cuts to mimic a hen that is agitated or trying to get attention.
• Clucking: Clucking is a short, soft call that turkeys use in various situations, from signaling that they are feeding to communicating with other turkeys. Beginners should practice making this sound with a clear, crisp tone, as it can help maintain communication with turkeys while in the field.
• Tree Yelping: This call is used to mimic a hen turkey that is roosting in a tree before flying down for the day. It consists of a series of soft, higher-pitched yelps that can help lure gobblers during early morning hunts when they are still in their roosts.
• Gobbling imitation: While often more challenging, beginners can practice imitating the gobble of a male turkey to provoke responses from other gobblers. This call can be very effective during the mating season, but it requires practice to sound authentic and convincing.

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