Imagine yourself standing in a dense thicket, surrounded by the rustling leaves of early spring. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Youâve been waiting for this moment for weeks, and finally, youâve got it â a chance to harvest a wild turkey. But, you know that the key to success lies not in your hunting gear or camouflage, but in your ability to call the birds in. Thatâs where the wing bone turkey call comes in â a simple, yet effective tool that can help you mimic the calls of a wild turkey. In this comprehensive guide, weâll take you through the process of crafting and using a wing bone turkey call, from sourcing the right materials to mastering the different techniques for producing the perfect call. Whether youâre a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this guide will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the field.
đ Key Takeaways
- To craft a wing bone turkey call, youâll need to obtain a pair of wing bones from a wild turkey, typically harvested from a hunting trip or purchased from a taxidermy supplier.
- Cleaning the wing bones is essential to removing any debris or impurities that could affect the sound quality of your call.
- Assembling the wing bone turkey call involves carefully attaching the wing bones to a wooden dowel or other support, using a combination of wire and glue to secure them in place.
- To use a wing bone turkey call effectively, youâll need to learn the different techniques for producing the various calls of a wild turkey, including the âyelp,â âcluck,â and âgobble.â
- Wing bone turkey calls can be used for both hunting and calling wild turkeys for fun, but theyâre most effective when used in conjunction with other calling techniques and strategies.
- Mastering the different techniques for using a wing bone turkey call requires practice and patience, but with time and effort, you can develop the skills you need to succeed in the field.
- Some of the most common sounds that can be produced with a wing bone turkey call include the âyelp,â âcluck,â and âgobble,â as well as the âpurrâ and âchuckle.â
Sourcing the Perfect Wing Bones
When it comes to crafting a wing bone turkey call, the quality of the wing bones is paramount. The best wing bones are typically obtained from wild turkeys that have been harvested in a way that preserves the integrity of the bones. You can purchase wing bones from a taxidermy supplier or obtain them from a hunting trip, if youâre licensed to do so. Itâs essential to choose wing bones that are straight and free of any damage or deformities, as these can affect the sound quality of your call.
Cleaning and Preparing the Wing Bones
Before assembling your wing bone turkey call, youâll need to clean and prepare the wing bones. This involves removing any debris or impurities that could affect the sound quality of your call. To do this, simply soak the wing bones in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few hours, then scrub them gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining debris. Rinse the wing bones thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before assembling your call.
Assembling the Wing Bone Turkey Call
Assembling the wing bone turkey call involves carefully attaching the wing bones to a wooden dowel or other support, using a combination of wire and glue to secure them in place. To do this, start by cutting a small notch in the top of each wing bone, then thread a length of wire through the notch to secure the bone to the dowel. Apply a small amount of glue to the notch and wire, then clamp the wing bone in place until the glue sets.
Mastering the Different Techniques
Once youâve assembled your wing bone turkey call, itâs time to learn the different techniques for producing the various calls of a wild turkey. The most common sounds that can be produced with a wing bone turkey call include the âyelp,â âcluck,â and âgobble,â as well as the âpurrâ and âchuckle.â To produce these sounds, youâll need to manipulate the wing bones in different ways, using a combination of pressure and motion to create the desired sound.
Using the Wing Bone Turkey Call in the Field
When using a wing bone turkey call in the field, itâs essential to practice your technique ahead of time to ensure that youâre producing the right sounds. Start by practicing in a quiet area, such as a remote woods or a secluded clearing, to get a feel for how the call sounds in different environments. Once youâre comfortable with the call, itâs time to put it to use in the field. Begin by calling softly, gradually increasing the volume and intensity of your calls as needed.
Tips and Tricks for Success
If youâre serious about using a wing bone turkey call to harvest wild turkeys, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind. First, always use a high-quality wing bone turkey call that is designed specifically for this purpose. Second, practice your technique ahead of time to ensure that youâre producing the right sounds. Finally, be patient and persistent, as mastering the wing bone turkey call takes time and effort.
â Frequently Asked Questions
Whatâs the best way to store my wing bone turkey call when Iâm not using it?
To keep your wing bone turkey call in good condition, itâs essential to store it properly when youâre not using it. This involves keeping the call in a dry, cool place, such as a closet or storage bin. Avoid exposing the call to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause the glue to break down and the wing bones to become brittle.
Can I use a wing bone turkey call to call other types of birds, such as chickens or ducks?
While wing bone turkey calls can be used to call other types of birds, theyâre most effective when used to call wild turkeys. This is because the call is specifically designed to mimic the sounds of a wild turkey, and other birds may not respond in the same way. That being said, you can experiment with using a wing bone turkey call to call other types of birds, but you may need to adjust your technique and expectations accordingly.
How do I know if my wing bone turkey call is working properly?
To determine if your wing bone turkey call is working properly, itâs essential to practice your technique ahead of time to ensure that youâre producing the right sounds. Start by calling softly, gradually increasing the volume and intensity of your calls as needed. If youâre not producing the right sounds, try adjusting the position of the wing bones or the amount of pressure youâre applying to the call.
Can I use a wing bone turkey call to call turkeys in a urban or suburban setting?
While wing bone turkey calls can be used to call turkeys in a variety of settings, theyâre most effective when used in rural or wilderness areas. This is because the call is designed to mimic the sounds of a wild turkey, and urban or suburban areas may not have the same level of natural habitat and cover. That being said, you can experiment with using a wing bone turkey call in an urban or suburban setting, but you may need to adjust your technique and expectations accordingly.

