How To Make A Turkey Trumpet Call

How to Make a Turkey Trumpet Call: A DIY Guide for Hunters

Calling turkeys is a crucial skill for any successful hunter. While store-bought calls are readily available, crafting your own turkey trumpet call offers a unique advantage – the ability to perfectly customize your sound and understand its mechanics. This DIY guide will walk you through the process of making a functional and effective turkey trumpet call.

Materials You'll Need:

• A sturdy, lightweight piece of wood: A piece of hardwood dowel, about 12-18 inches long and ½ inch in diameter, works well. Pine or other softwoods are less ideal as they might be more prone to cracking or warping. Avoid anything too heavy; you want a call that's comfortable to hold and manipulate.
• Sandpaper (various grits): You'll need sandpaper to smooth the wood and create a polished surface. Start with a coarser grit (like 80-grit) for initial shaping and gradually move to finer grits (like 220-grit) for a smooth finish.
• Wood glue: A strong wood glue is essential for securely bonding the components.
• A small, thin piece of metal (optional): A piece of thin sheet metal, aluminum or brass, roughly 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long can be used to create a more resonant sound. This is optional but can improve the call's quality.
• Clear coat or sealant (optional): A clear coat will protect your finished call from moisture and extend its lifespan.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Wood

Shape the Dowel: Begin by sanding the dowel to remove any rough edges or imperfections. You're aiming for a smooth, cylindrical shape.

Create the Mouthpiece: At one end of the dowel, carefully create a slightly flared mouthpiece. You can achieve this by gently sanding the end to create a slightly wider opening, creating a gentle cone shape. Don't make it too wide; a subtle flare is sufficient.

Step 2: Adding the Resonator (Optional)

If you're using a piece of metal, carefully glue it to one side of the dowel, approximately 1-2 inches from the mouthpiece. This will act as a resonator, amplifying the sound. Ensure the metal is securely adhered and flat against the dowel.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Once the glue is dry (allow ample drying time according to the manufacturer's instructions), sand the entire dowel again, focusing on smoothing any transitions between the wood and the metal (if used).

Final Sanding: Finish sanding with the finest grit sandpaper to create a smooth and polished surface.

Sealing (Optional): Apply a clear coat or sealant to protect the wood and enhance its durability. Allow it to dry completely before use.

Mastering the Call:

The art of calling turkeys is not solely in the creation of the call but also in the technique. Practice different air pressures and mouth positions to produce varying yelps, clucks, and purrs. Experiment with different mouth shapes to achieve different pitches and tones. Listen to recordings of wild turkeys to develop a realistic sound.

Important Considerations:

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at producing realistic turkey sounds.
• Listen to Real Turkeys: Pay close attention to the sounds real turkeys make – their frequency, rhythm, and intensity.
• Be Patient: Calling turkeys requires patience and persistence. It might take time to master the technique.

By following these steps, you can create your own unique and effective turkey trumpet call. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and start practicing your calls! Good luck hunting!