Quick Answer
For aggressive calling in the fall season, I recommend using it early and late in the morning, around 30 minutes before and after sunrise, when toms are most active. This timing allows you to catch them off guard and increase the likelihood of a response.
Early Morning Calling
When toms are still in their early morning feeding frenzy, it’s best to use aggressive calling to simulate a receptive hen. Start with short, loud yelps or series of yelps, followed by a gentle cluck or two to mimic a hen’s response. This sequence can be repeated every 15-20 seconds for 5-7 minutes, and I recommend using a mouth call or a diaphragm call to produce a more natural sound.
Late Morning Calling
As the morning wears on and toms start to become more active and vocal, it’s time to switch to a more aggressive calling strategy. Use a loud, drawn-out series of yelps, followed by a loud, shrill “cutting” sound to mimic a hen in distress. This sequence can be repeated every 10-15 seconds for 3-5 minutes, and I recommend using a box call or a tube call to produce a deeper, more resonant sound.
Peak Calling Hours
While the early and late morning hours are ideal for aggressive calling, there’s one other critical period to consider: the peak calling hours, which occur around 30 minutes after sunrise. During this period, toms are at their most active and vocal, and using aggressive calling can be extremely effective. Use a combination of loud yelps and cutting sounds, repeated every 10-15 seconds, to simulate a receptive hen and attract toms to your location.
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