The Ultimate Guide to Wingbone Turkey Calls: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Success

The wingbone turkey call is a type of mouth call that uses a wing bone or a piece of wood to produce the distinctive yelp and drumming sounds of a wild turkey. There are several types of wingbone calls available, including diaphragm calls, box calls, and push-button calls. Each type of call has its own unique characteristics and advantages, and choosing the right one for your needs will depend on your hunting style and experience. For example, diaphragm calls are great for beginners because they’re easy to use and produce a natural, realistic sound, while box calls are better suited for experienced hunters who need more versatility and control over their calls.

When it comes to choosing the right wingbone call, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the type of terrain you’ll be hunting in. For example, if you’ll be hunting in a dense, wooded area, a diaphragm call may be a better choice because it can produce a more focused, directional sound. On the other hand, if you’ll be hunting in a more open area, a box call may be a better choice because it can produce a louder, more far-reaching sound. Also, consider the distance you expect to be from the birds. If you’ll be hunting at close range, a push-button call may be a better choice because it can produce a more precise, controlled sound.

The best technique for using a wingbone call involves a combination of gentle, soft calls and energetic, aggressive ones. To start, begin with short, soft calls to get the turkey’s attention, and then gradually increase the volume and intensity of your calls to keep the bird engaged. It’s also important to pay attention to the turkey’s behavior and adjust your calls accordingly. For example, if the turkey is responding well to your calls, you may need to increase the volume and intensity to keep it engaged. On the other hand, if the turkey is not responding, you may need to try a different type of call or adjust your technique.

One of the most common mistakes to avoid when using a wingbone call is overcalling. This can be frustrating for the turkey and may cause it to become wary of your calls. Another mistake to avoid is failing to read the turkey’s behavior. This can cause you to make the wrong calls and lose the bird’s attention. To avoid these mistakes, pay close attention to the turkey’s behavior and adjust your calls accordingly. For example, if the turkey is responding well to your calls, you may need to increase the volume and intensity to keep it engaged. On the other hand, if the turkey is not responding, you may need to try a different type of call or adjust your technique.

To care for and maintain your wingbone turkey call, keep it clean and dry, and store it in a protective case when not in use. This will help prevent damage and wear and tear on the call. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean and lubricate the call’s moving parts to keep it in good working order. Additionally, consider storing your wingbone call in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help prolong the life of the call and keep it sounding its best.

The best time of day to use a wingbone turkey call depends on the time of year and the location, but generally, early morning and late afternoon are the most effective times. During these times, the turkey’s vocalizations are often more frequent and intense, making it easier to get their attention. Additionally, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze can create a sense of calm and quiet, making it easier to get close to the birds. In contrast, midday hunting can be challenging because the turkey’s vocalizations are often less frequent and intense, and the hot sun and strong winds can make it difficult to stay quiet and still.

Becoming proficient in using a wingbone turkey call takes practice and patience, but with consistent effort, you can develop the skills to become a successful hunter. To start, begin by practicing your calls in a quiet, controlled environment, such as a backyard or a hunting blind. As you become more comfortable with the call, gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your hunting trips. It’s also a good idea to study the turkey’s behavior and learn to read its body language, which can help you anticipate and respond to its movements. Additionally, consider taking a hunting course or working with an experienced guide to learn more about the sport and gain valuable skills and knowledge.

The type of terrain you’ll be hunting in and the distance you expect to be from the birds will also play a significant role in your success with a wingbone turkey call. For example, if you’ll be hunting in a dense, wooded area, a diaphragm call may be a better choice because it can produce a more focused, directional sound. On the other hand, if you’ll be hunting in a more open area, a box call may be a better choice because it can produce a louder, more far-reaching sound. Additionally, consider the distance you expect to be from the birds and choose a call that can produce a sound that can be heard at that distance. For example, if you’ll be hunting at close range, a push-button call may be a better choice because it can produce a more precise, controlled sound.

Turkeys have an impressive range of hearing, and can detect sounds at distances of up to a mile or more. However, the effectiveness of a wingbone call will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the call, the type of terrain, and the distance from the birds. In general, a good wingbone call can produce a sound that can be heard at distances of up to 500 yards or more, but this will depend on the specific circumstances. To get the best results, choose a call that is designed for long-range use and practice your calls in a controlled environment to develop your skills and build your confidence.

If a turkey doesn’t respond to your wingbone call, don’t get discouraged. This is a normal part of the hunting process, and it’s often a matter of adjusting your calls or technique to better match the turkey’s behavior. To start, try changing your calls to see if that will get the turkey’s attention. For example, if you’ve been using a soft, gentle call, try switching to a more aggressive, energetic call to see if that will get the turkey’s attention. Additionally, pay close attention to the turkey’s body language and adjust your calls accordingly. For example, if the turkey is responding to your calls, you may need to increase the volume and intensity to keep it engaged. On the other hand, if the turkey is not responding, you may need to try a different type of call or adjust your technique.

While wingbone calls are incredibly effective on their own, they can also be used in combination with other turkey calls to create a more complex and realistic sound. For example, you can use a wingbone call to produce the yelp and drumming sounds of a wild turkey, and then switch to a diaphragm call to produce a more gentle, soothing sound. This can be especially effective when hunting in areas with multiple turkeys, as it can help to create a sense of uncertainty and keep the birds guessing. Additionally, combining wingbone calls with other turkey calls can also help to add variety and interest to your hunting experience, and can make the sport more challenging and rewarding.