Master the Art of Turkey Calling: A Step-by-Step Guide on Making Your Own Trumpet Call

AvatarByErick Benitez Turkey Cooking And Recipe

The sound of a turkey’s call echoing through the woods is a quintessential part of the fall season. And if you’re an avid hunter, being able to imitate that call can make all the difference in bringing home a big gobbler. One popular method for creating a convincing turkey call is by using a turkey trumpet. In this article, we’ll dive into the art of making a turkey trumpet call and how to effectively use it in the field. So, grab your crafting supplies and let’s get ready to create a call that will have turkeys lining up at your door.

Introduction

Turkey hunting is a favorite pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts. But to truly experience the thrill of the hunt, it’s essential to have the right equipment, including a quality turkey call. And what could be more satisfying than making your own turkey trumpet call? Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but using a homemade call can also give you an advantage in the field. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to make a turkey trumpet call that will have those big old gobblers coming in close.

What is a Turkey Trumpet Call?

Before diving into the process of making your own turkey trumpet call, it’s crucial to understand what it is and how it works. A turkey trumpet call, also known as a wingbone call or wing-bone yelper, is one of the oldest forms of turkey calls used for hunting. It consists of three bones from the wing of a wild turkey – the radius, ulna, and humerus – hollowed out and put together with rubber bands or cord. By blowing air through the small end of one bone while manipulating your mouth position, you can produce distinct raspy yelps and clucks that mimic the sounds made by turkeys.

The History of Turkey Trumpet Call

Turkey trumpets have been used for centuries by Native American hunters as one of their primary tools for attracting turkeys during hunts. The popularity of this type of call grew over time, leading to mass production by game calling companies in modern times. However, there has been a resurgence in interest and appreciation for traditional hunting methods and homemade calls.

Materials Needed

If you want to make your own turkey trumpet call, you’ll need just a few simple materials that are readily available at home or at any hardware store:

– Three bones from a turkey wing (radius, ulna, and humerus)
– Sharp knife
– Drill with small drill bit
– Fine-grit sandpaper
– Rubber bands or cord

The Process of Making a Turkey Trumpet Call

Step 1: Prepare the Bones

The first step is to obtain the three bones from a wild turkey wing. Make sure they are clean and free of any flesh. If needed, you can boil them in water for several minutes to help loosen any remaining tissue.

Step 2: Cut the Ends

Using a sharp knife, cut off the ends of each bone. The radius should be cut at both ends, while the ulna and humerus only need one end trimmed.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Next, drill a hole in each end of the radius bone. These holes should be large enough for a rubber band or cord to fit through smoothly. Then, drill one hole in each end of both ulna and humerus bones.

Step 4: Hollow Out the Bones

Using a long thin object such as a knitting needle or small screwdriver, gently scrape out the inside of each bone to create hollow tubes.

Step 5: Sand Down the Bones

Using fine-grit sandpaper, smooth out any rough edges or imperfections on the outside of the bones.

Step 6: Assemble the Call

Once all three bones are hollowed out and sanded down, you can start assembling your call. Put the ulna and humerus bones inside one end of the radius bone. Then thread a rubber band or cord through all three holes to secure them together.

How to Use a Turkey Trumpet Call

Now that your call is assembled, it’s time to learn how to use it effectively. Blow air through the small end of the radius bone while making slight movements with your mouth to create different sounds. To produce a yelp, blow into the call while saying “yelp” with your mouth. For clucks, make a kissing sound while blowing.

The key to success with a turkey trumpet call is to practice and experiment with different mouth positions and air pressure. Listen to recordings of real turkeys to try and mimic their sounds as closely as possible.

Tips for Homemade Turkey Trumpet Calls

– Don’t be afraid to experiment with the size and shape of the holes drilled in the bones. Altering these can change the sound produced by the call.

– It’s important to use bones from a wild turkey as they tend to be thicker and produce a richer, more authentic sound compared to domestic turkey bones.

– If your call isn’t producing the desired sounds, try adjusting the mouth position or tightening/loosening the rubber bands or cord connecting the bones.

Making your own turkey trumpet call is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also an effective hunting tool that can give you an advantage in attracting turkeys. With just a few basic materials and some practice, you can create a call that produces realistic yelps and clucks that will have those gobblers coming in close

What is a Turkey Trumpet Call?

A turkey trumpet call, also known as a “wingbone call,” is a traditional hand-crafted instrument used by hunters to mimic the sound of a turkey’s gobble. It consists of three parts: the hollowed-out wing bones of a turkey, usually from the wingtip, a wooden dowel rod, and two separate mouthpieces. The call works by using air pressure and vibration to create realistic turkey sounds that can attract the birds during hunting season.

Materials Needed to Make a Turkey Trumpet Call

To make your own turkey trumpet call, you will need the following materials:

– Five wing bones from the tip of a turkey’s wing
– A wooden dowel rod (approximately 1/4 inch in diameter)
– Two plastic or wooden mouthpieces (optional)
– A hacksaw or bone saw
– Sandpaper
– Wood glue
– Drill with small drill bit
– Dremel tool (optional but helpful)
– Epoxy glue (optional)

All of these materials can typically be found at your local craft store or outdoors supply shop. Keep in mind that for the best results, it is recommended to use actual turkey wing bones instead of synthetic or artificial materials.

Step-by-step instructions for making a Turkey Trumpet Call

Once you have gathered all of your materials, follow these step-by-step instructions to make your very own turkey trumpet call:

Step 1: Begin by cleaning and drying the five wing bone pieces thoroughly. Use soap and water to wash away any dirt, grime, or remaining feathers.

Step 2: Using a hacksaw or bone saw, carefully trim off any sharp edges on each bone piece. This will ensure that the final product is smooth and comfortable to use.

Step 3: Take one of the smaller wing bones and cut off the narrow end at a 45-degree angle. This will become the mouthpiece of your turkey call.

Step 4: Take another wing bone and hold it vertically with the narrow end facing downward. Using a drill with a small drill bit, make two holes on opposite sides of the bone, approximately three-quarters of an inch from the top.

Step 5: Take your wooden dowel rod and cut it to be slightly longer than the wing bone. Sand down one end of the dowel rod to fit snugly into one of the holes you just drilled.

Step 6: Use wood glue to secure the dowel rod into place in one of the holes. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 7: Take a separate wing bone and use the Dremel tool to sand down the inside of both ends. The goal is to create a smooth, even surface on both ends.

Step 8: Once sanded, insert this third wing bone into the open end of your first bone piece (the one with the dowel rod inserted). Use wood glue to secure it into place if necessary.

Step 9: Next, take your fourth wing bone and drill another hole in its center, about an inch from one end. Using epoxy glue or wood glue, attach this fourth piece perpendicular to your main call section, forming an “L” shape.

Step 10: Lastly, attach your mouthpiece (the first smaller wing bone you cut) by gluing it at one end of your L-shaped call section. Let everything dry completely before using your turkey trumpet call for hunting!

Tips for Using Your Turkey Trumpet Call

Now that you have successfully made your own turkey trumpet call, keep these tips in mind when using it during hunting season:

– Practice makes perfect! It may take some time experimenting with air pressure and different techniques to create realistic turkey sounds.
– For a deeper, more authentic sound, try adding sand or small pebbles to the hollowed-out wing bone pieces before gluing them together.
– Try using different types of wood for your mouthpiece to achieve unique sounds. Popular options include cedar, poplar, and walnut.
– Keep your turkey trumpet call clean by washing it regularly with soap and water. This will help preserve the quality of your instrument.
– Lastly, always make sure to check your local hunting regulations before using a turkey trumpet call during hunting season.

Making a turkey trumpet call is not only a rewarding craft project, but it can also save you money in the long run and enhance your hunting experience. By following these easy steps and tips, you can create a beautiful and functional instrument that is sure to help you attract many turkeys on your next hunting trip. Remember to always practice safe hunting practices and enjoy the sweet sounds of a successful hunt!

Q: What materials do I need to make a turkey trumpet call?
A: You will need an appropriately sized hollowed-out piece of wood, reeds, a knife, sandpaper, and a pencil.

Q: How do I choose the right size of wood for my turkey trumpet call?
A: Ideally, the piece of wood should be around 6-8 inches in length and about 1 inch in diameter. It should also have consistent thickness and be free from any cracks or knots.

Q: How do I properly cut the wood for the turkey trumpet call?
A: Use a saw or knife to cut the wood into the appropriate length. Make sure to create a straight cut on both ends of the wood.

Q: Can I use any type of reeds for my turkey trumpet call?
A: It is recommended to use high-quality reeds specifically designed for game calls. These can be found at most hunting or outdoor supply stores.

Q: Do I need any special tools to make a turkey trumpet call?
A: Besides basic cutting tools like a knife and saw, you may also need sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and a pencil for marking measurements on the wood.

Q: How do I tune my turkey trumpet call?
A: After making your turkey trumpet call, you can adjust the tension of the reeds by gently bending them towards or away from each other until you find the desired sound. You can also trim off any excess material that may affect the sound quality.

In conclusion, learning how to make a turkey trumpet call is a unique and fulfilling experience for any hunting enthusiast. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can create their own personalized call that can effectively mimic the sounds of a turkey and enhance their overall hunting experience.

The key to making a successful turkey call is understanding the anatomy and behavior of turkeys, as well as having the right materials and tools. One must also have patience and practice to master the art of calling turkeys, as it requires a certain level of skill and precision.

Apart from being a useful tool for hunting, creating your own turkey call also allows for customization and personalization. By experimenting with different designs and techniques, one can create a unique call that works best for them.

Furthermore, making your own turkey trumpet call allows for a greater connection with nature. It encourages hunters to utilize natural materials and appreciate the sound of the wild in their hunting journey.

Lastly, learning how to make a turkey call not only benefits hunters but also contributes to conservation efforts. As responsible hunters, it is our duty to promote sustainable hunting practices and ensure the preservation of wildlife populations.

In conclusion, making your own turkey trumpet call is not just about creating an effective hunting tool; it is an art form that requires knowledge

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.