Mastering the Art of Turkey Calling: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Wingbone Call

The thrill and challenge of turkey hunting lies in the art of calling. As hunters, we strive to perfect our skills and techniques, chasing that elusive gobble in the crisp morning air. Among the various types of turkey calls, the wingbone turkey call stands out as one of the oldest and most traditional forms of communication with these intelligent birds. If you’re new to using a wingbone call or looking to improve your technique, this article will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to produce realistic and irresistible turkey sounds. Get ready to up your game and bring in those big toms with our expert guide on how to use a wingbone turkey call.

**Introduction**

Turkey hunting is a sport that requires skill, patience, and the right tools. One of the oldest and most traditional tools used for calling turkeys is the wingbone turkey call. This unique call produces authentic and realistic turkey sounds that can fool even the wariest of turkeys. However, using a wingbone turkey call requires more than just blowing into it and expecting results. In this guide, we will discuss all you need to know about how to use a wingbone turkey call effectively.

What is a Wingbone Turkey Call?

A wingbone turkey call is a wind instrument that mimics the sound of a wild turkey by using three different wing bones from a bird. These bones are typically taken from the wings of a recently harvested turkey and are cleaned, dried, and hollowed out to form three distinct sections known as the hen or mouthpiece, center bone or yelper, and end bone or peg.

The hen or mouthpiece is used for generating clucks and simple yelps while the center bone or yelper produces the majority of the yelps, clucks, purrs, and kee-kees. The end bone or peg on one end provides additional resonance when connected to one of the other bones. Once assembled together, these bones create an effective tool for attracting turkeys during hunts.

Prepping Your Wingbone Turkey Call

Before using your wingbone turkey call in the field, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, ensure that all three bones are clean and free from any remaining meat particles. Next, take some rubbing alcohol or warm soapy water and thoroughly clean each bone with a cloth or brush.

Once cleaned, allow them to dry completely before moving on to preparing the bones individually. To prepare each bone, take some fine-grit sandpaper and give them a light sanding both inside and out. This will help improve the sound and tone of the call. After sanding, rub some chapstick or beeswax on the inside of each bone to lubricate them and prevent them from sticking together.

Finding Your Wingbone Turkey Call’s Voice

Every wingbone turkey call has its unique voice, and it’s important to find yours before heading out into the field. To do this, you will need to practice making different turkey sounds until you are comfortable with their pitch, rhythm, and duration.

Start by placing your mouth on the hen or mouthpiece bone and using your tongue to block one end while blowing into the other. This will create a resonant sound that is similar to clucking. Practice doing this until you can consistently produce a clean cluck every time.

Next, remove the hen bone and switch it with the center bone or yelper. Place one end of this bone in your mouth and use your tongue on both ends while blowing into it to create longer yelps, clucks, purrs, or kee-kees as desired.

Lastly, connect all three bones together to create your complete wingbone turkey call. Use different combinations of tongue placement and air pressure to produce a variety of sounds that mimics real turkeys in the wild.

Making Effective Calls with Your Wingbone Turkey Call

Now that you have found your wingbone turkey call’s voice, it’s time to put it into practice in the field. One key factor to keep in mind when making calls with a wingbone is that they require a soft touch for producing realistic sounds. Unlike other types of calls that may require vigorous movements or air pressure changes, a wingbone call responds better when given a gentle touch.

To start off, begin with simple clucks or basic yelps by blowing into the hen or mouthpiece while slightly moving your jaw up and down. This will create a clear and natural sound that will grab the attention of nearby turkeys.

If you want to produce more complex sounds, add the center bone or yelper to your call and use your tongue and air pressure to vary the pitch, rhythm, and duration of your yelps, purrs, clucks, or kee-kees. Remember also to include pauses between your calls as turkeys often respond better to a call that feels authentic rather than continuous.

Adjusting Your Wingbone Turkey Call For Different Situations

As with any turkey call, there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to using a wingbone turkey call. In some situations, you may need to adjust your call’s sound or volume depending on factors like terrain, weather conditions or how close or far away the turkeys are.

For example, if you are hunting in an open field with little coverage and birds are far away from you, you may need to use a louder call for them to hear. In this case, angling your wingbone slightly towards the ground while calling will project the sound better over longer distances.

Alternatively, if you are hunting in dense woods where there is a lot of noise interference or the birds are nearby, using

The History of the Wingbone Turkey Call

The wingbone turkey call is a type of tool used to imitate the sound of a turkey. This method has been around for centuries and has an interesting history. Native Americans are believed to have been the first to use wingbones from turkeys as a way to mimic the sound of the wild birds. They would create these calls by taking three bones, hollowing them out, and tying them together with sinew.

The first recorded use of wingbone calls by European settlers was in the early 1800s when they were introduced to them by Native Americans. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that a farmer and hunter named Henry Gibson perfected the design of the wingbone call, making it easier to use and more effective in attracting turkeys.

Today, using wingbone calls is still a popular choice among hunters, both for their historical significance and their effectiveness in calling in turkeys.

Materials Required for Making a Wingbone Turkey Call

To make your own wingbone turkey call, you will need a few materials. The most important being the three bones from a wild turkey: the humerus (upper arm bone), radius (forearm bone), and ulna (lower arm bone). These bones must be thoroughly cleaned and free from any remaining tissue or marrow.

Other materials needed include:

– A small saw or hacksaw to cut through the bones
– Sandpaper or file for smoothing rough edges
– Sinew or fishing line for tying the bones together
– Super glue or wood glue for securing knots

It’s essential to have all these materials ready before starting your making process as it can be time-consuming once you start.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call

Now that you have all your materials ready let’s dive into the steps of making your own wingbone turkey call:

Step 1: Saw off the Knob End of the Humerus Bone
The first step is to take your saw or hacksaw and carefully remove the knob end of the humerus bone. This knob is found at one end of the bone and helps attach it to the shoulder joint. Cut as close to the joint as possible without damaging any other part of the bone.

Step 2: Remove Marrow and Clean Bones
Once you have removed all three bones from the turkey, it’s time to clean them thoroughly. Remove any remaining tissue or marrow from inside each bone using a small pick or needle-nose pliers.

Step 3: Saw Open Ulna Bone
Take your saw and make a lengthwise cut in the ulna bone, splitting it open. This will make it easier to hollow out later on.

Step 4: File or Sand Rough Edges
Using sandpaper or a file, smooth out any rough edges on all three bones. This step is crucial as it will ensure that your call produces a clear and crisp sound.

Step 5: Hollow Out Bones
Next, take your ulna bone, which should now be split open, and use a pick or small screwdriver to hollow out both halves. Doing this will allow air to flow through when using your call.

Step 6: Tie Bones Together
Lay all three bones side by side with the larger end of each facing towards you. Take some sinew or fishing line and start tying them together at one end. Make sure to tie tightly several times around each bone before moving onto the next one.

Step 7: Secure Knots with Glue
Once you have tied all three bones together, use super glue or wood glue to secure each knot. Allow glue to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step 8: Practice Using Your Wingbone Turkey Call
Your wingbone turkey call is now ready to use! It may take a little practice to get the hang of producing different turkey sounds, but with time and patience, you’ll be an expert caller in no time.

Tips for Using a Wingbone Turkey Call Successfully

– Keep your breath steady and consistent when blowing through the call.
– Vary the pitch and rhythm of your blows to imitate different turkey sounds.
– Use your hand to cup the end of the call while blowing for a more realistic sound.
– Listen to recordings of real turkeys or watch videos on proper calling technique for reference.
– Practice, practice, practice! Calling in turkeys can be challenging, but with practice and persistence, you’ll see success.

The Advantages of Using a Wingbone Turkey Call

There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of turkey call to use on your hunts. However, using a wingbone call has several advantages over other methods:

1. Reliability: Unlike calls made from wood or plastic, wingbone calls do not require any reeds or moving parts that can break or malfunction while out on a hunt.

2. Portability: Wingbone calls are compact and lightweight

Q: What is a wingbone turkey call?
A: A wingbone turkey call is a type of hunting call that mimics the sounds made by a turkey’s wings when it flutters its feathers. It is made from the wing bones of a turkey.

Q: How do I hold a wingbone turkey call?
A: Hold the call between your index and middle fingers, with the larger end pointing towards you. Your thumb should rest on top of the call for stability while using it.

Q: How do I make the right sounds with a wingbone turkey call?
A: Place your lips on the smaller end of the call and blow across it while using your fingers to manipulate the sound by covering and uncovering holes on the larger end. Practice different techniques to create various turkey calls.

Q: Can I use a wingbone turkey call in any season?
A: Yes, you can use a wingbone turkey call during any season. However, it may be more effective during breeding season in spring when turkeys are more vocal.

Q: Do I need any special skills to use a wingbone turkey call?
A: No, you do not need any special skills to use a wingbone turkey call. However, practicing and learning different techniques can help improve your success in calling turkeys.

Q: How can I clean and maintain my wingbone turkey call?
A: To clean your wingbone turkey call, simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use. You can also use rubbing alcohol to disinfect it. To prolong its lifespan, avoid getting the call wet and store it in a protective case when not in use.

In conclusion, learning how to use a wingbone turkey call is a valuable skill for any turkey hunter to have. By understanding the anatomy and function of the wingbone call, as well as practicing proper techniques and maintenance, hunters can effectively communicate with turkeys in their native language.

First and foremost, it is crucial to know how the wingbone call produces sound. By blowing air through the hollow bones and manipulating their positioning, different tones and pitches can be created. This understanding allows for precise and realistic calls that will attract turkeys.

Moreover, mastering proper techniques such as tongue placement and airflow control is essential for producing accurate and convincing calls. These skills may take time to develop, but with practice and patience, anyone can become proficient in using a wingbone call.

Additionally, maintaining your wingbone call is crucial for optimal performance. Cleaning it regularly and keeping it safe from damage will help ensure its longevity and effectiveness in the field.

Furthermore, using a wingbone call also requires knowledge of different turkey vocalizations. Understanding when to use certain calls such as yelps or clucks can greatly increase your chances of success while hunting turkeys.

Ultimately, implementing all of these factors together – understanding the instrument, mastering techniques, maintaining it properly, and knowing when to use specific calls –