How To Identify Hen Calls Versus Tom Calls?

Understanding Hen Calls

When it comes to turkey hunting, recognizing hen calls is essential to attracting and calling in birds. Hens typically make a series of soft, nasal “yelp” calls that can sound like “chirps” or “clucks.” These calls are usually lower in pitch and softer in volume than tom calls. A good way to think of hen calls is to imagine a gentle, soothing sound that might be made by a mother turkey trying to communicate with her chicks. To better understand hen calls, listen to recordings and try to mimic the sounds yourself.

Identifying Tom Calls

Toms, on the other hand, are known for their loud, raspy calls that can be heard from a great distance. These calls often sound like a low, guttural “gobble” and can be repeated several times in a row. Toms will also often make a higher-pitched “yelp” call, but this is usually a series of short, sharp sounds rather than a long, drawn-out call like a hen. When trying to identify tom calls, listen for the loud, raspy quality and the fact that they are often made at dawn or dusk when toms are looking for hens.

Tips for Calling Turkeys

When it comes to calling turkeys, the key is to be subtle and use short, gentle sounds that mimic the natural behavior of a hen. Start with soft, high-pitched calls and work your way up to louder, more raspy sounds as needed. It’s also essential to pay attention to the context in which you’re calling and to be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the response of the birds. In the Rio Grande region, for example, toms will often respond to calls made from a blind or a tree, while hens may be more likely to respond to calls made from a field or a open area.