Are Certain Calls Better for Morning or Evening Hunts?

Morning Turkey Calls

When hunting turkeys in the morning, a loud and aggressive call tone can be effective in simulating a gobbling tom. This can be achieved by using a diaphragm call with a loud, high-pitched tone, typically between 10-20 seconds in length. A good example is the classic “cutting” call, which involves a quick, sharp “cut” sound followed by a brief pause. This type of call can be particularly effective in the morning, as it mimics the sound of a dominant tom gobbling to assert his territory.

Evening Turkey Calls

In contrast, when hunting turkeys in the evening, a softer and more subtle call tone is often more effective. This can be achieved by using a mouth call with a softer, more muffled tone, typically between 5-10 seconds in length. A good example is the “yelps” call, which involves a series of short, high-pitched yips followed by a brief pause. This type of call can be particularly effective in the evening, as it mimics the sound of a hen calling to her poults as they settle in for the night.

Timing and Cadence

When using turkey calls, timing and cadence are also crucial factors to consider. In general, it’s best to use a call that mimics the natural cadence of a turkey’s gobble or yelp, which typically involves a pause between each sound. For example, a good morning call might involve a loud “cut” sound followed by a 5-second pause, followed by another loud “cut” sound. In contrast, an evening call might involve a series of soft “yips” followed by a 10-second pause, followed by another series of “yips”. By using the right call tone and cadence, hunters can increase their chances of success and attract more turkeys to their location.