Using a Slate Turkey Call- The Basics
Learning to call in that Ole Tom can be a challenge. We have a few tips to get you started.
1. Gather Your Gear
You’ll need:
-
A slate call (also known as a pot call)
-
A striker (the stick-like tool used to create sounds)
-
Fine-grit sandpaper or Scotch-Brite pad (to maintain friction)
2. Prepare Your Call
-
Lightly rough up the surface of the slate with sandpaper or a pad. This improves striker grip.
-
Also, lightly sand the tip of the striker if needed.
3. Hold the Call Correctly
-
Hold the slate call in your non-dominant hand with your fingertips on the edges—don’t cover the surface.
-
Grip the striker like a pencil with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers relaxed.
4. Making Basic Turkey Sounds
Yelp (Attracting Call)
-
Place the striker at a slight angle on the slate.
-
Make small, oval-shaped motions.
-
Control pressure and speed to adjust the pitch.
Cluck (Soft Contact Call)
-
Gently tap or pull the striker in short motions on the slate.
-
This sound mimics a hen communicating calmly.
Purr (Content Sound)
-
Apply light pressure and make a slow, drawn-out motion.
-
Purring is used to signal a relaxed turkey.
Cutting (Excited Call)
-
Use quick, sharp taps with the striker.
-
This simulates an excited hen and can get a gobbler to respond.
5. Practice and Adjust
-
Experiment with angles and pressure to fine-tune your sounds.
-
Keep the surface clean and free of oils or dirt for the best performance.Turkey