Top 5 Best Owl Calls for a Successful Turkey Hunt
Embarking on the exciting venture of turkey hunting allows you to engage with nature and test your hunting skills. However, successful turkey hunting is more than just placing yourself in the woods with your gear. One essential strategy is using owl calls to locate target turkeys. Although it might seem illogical at first, experienced hunters know that owl calls can actually stimulate a turkey to reveal its location by gobbling in response. In this Full California Hunting Guide blog post, you will discover the top five owl calls that can help you reach your turkey hunting goals.
Understanding the Use of Owl Calls in Turkey Hunting
The first step toward effectively incorporating owl calls into your turkey hunt lies in understanding their significance. They are used at dawn and dusk when turkeys roost in trees. An owl’s hooting rouses the turkey to respond with a gobble, which in turn reveals its location. Using various owl sounds, you can successfully lure and spot these birds, putting you at an advantage when hunting.
The Significance of Different Owl Sounds
Not all owl sounds are equal when it comes to eliciting responses from roosting turkeys. Classic hoots, screeches, and screams create varied reactions from these birds. By mastering different sounds, you enhance your chances of success during your hunt.
Choosing the Right Owl Call
Beyond understanding the importance of owl sounds in turkey hunting and the impact of various owl sounds, choosing the right owl call plays a crucial role in your success. The market has varying types of turkey-hunting equipment, including different kinds of owl calls. Your choice should be guided by factors such as ease of use, versatility, and effectiveness.
The Mouth Call
The mouth call, also known as a diaphragm, is typically used by experienced hunters for its versatility. It can be manipulated to produce a vast range of owl sounds. While it may have a slight learning curve, it offers the advantage of hands-free operation during your turkey hunts.
Hooters
Hooters are relatively simpler to use compared to mouth calls and are excellent for producing classic owl hoots. Although they do not offer the same range of sounds as mouth calls, their quick learning curve and effectiveness make them a favorite among beginners and seasoned hunters.
Gobble Calls
Gobble calls make deep, loud sounds that resemble the gobble of a male turkey. Their use requires caution as they tend to attract not only turkeys but also other hunters. Nonetheless, if used correctly and safely, gobble calls can significantly boost your success rates in the field.
Pot Calls
Pot calls are another effective tool in your arsenal for turkey hunting. They produce a sound through the friction between two surfaces, one of which is typically a striker. You‘ll need some practice to master the right pressure and rhythm, but once you get it down, pot calls can help stimulate those gobbles.
The Box Call
The box call is probably the well-known turkey hunting call. It suits novice hunters due to its simplicity but does not compromise on effectiveness. It’s a versatile tool that can mimic various turkey sounds as well as imitate owl calls convincingly.
Brand Quality Matters
With any hunting gear, the quality and reliability of the brand play a crucial role. Always opt to invest in products from reputable manufacturers who value customer satisfaction and product durability.
Complementing Owl Calls with Other Techniques
Remember, owl calls are just one among many techniques in turkey hunting. To up your hunting game, complement owl calls with other strategies like decoys, camouflaging, spot and stalk, among others.
Safety Precautions When Using Owl Calls
In every hunting expedition, safety should be paramount. When using owl calls, extra caution is needed to avoid attracting other hunters rather than turkeys. Always ensure you have identified your target before firing, and respect private property boundaries.
The Ethics of Turkey Hunting
As passionate hunters, it is also crucial to adhere to ethical guidelines during the hunting process. Respect the animals, respect the land, yield to another hunter who has setup up first… these are principles that preserve both the practice of hunting and nature itself.
Develop a Personalized Strategy
Ultimately, understanding and using owl calls proficiently forms part of your personalized hunting strategy. Experiment with different types of calls and situations until you determine what works best for you.
In Conclusion
Incorporating owl calls in your turkey-hunting techniques opens up a new domain of possibilities. Whether a beginner or seasoned hunter, learning each call’s uniqueness and mastering its application can enhance your success on the hunt. However, always remember to stay safe on your hunting trips and abide by ethical hunting guidelines.
