Quick Answer
If turkeys stop responding to your initial calling, try using aggressive calling techniques such as yelping, clucking, or gobbles to stimulate their interest. This may involve increasing the volume, pitch, and variety of calls to mimic a dominant tom's vocalizations. Be prepared to adjust your calling strategy quickly to keep the turkeys engaged.
Identifying the Right Time for Aggressive Calling
When to use aggressive calling depends on the situation and the turkeys’ behavior. If they’re initially responding to your calls but then seem to lose interest, it may be time to switch to aggressive calling. This can be a sign that the dominant tom is asserting his dominance or that other toms are competing for the hens. Look for signs of interest waning, such as reduced response or a decrease in gobbling frequency.
Techniques for Aggressive Calling
Aggressive calling involves using a combination of loud, high-pitched, and repetitive calls to simulate the vocalizations of a dominant tom. Start with a series of 3-5 loud yelps, followed by a cluck or two to mimic the tom’s aggressive behavior. Repeat this sequence 2-3 times, pausing briefly between each series to assess the turkeys’ response. If they’re still not responding, try using a series of 3-5 gobbles, spaced about 2-3 seconds apart, to simulate the tom’s loud, dominant calls.
Adapting to the Turkeys’ Response
As you use aggressive calling, be prepared to adjust your strategy quickly based on the turkeys’ response. If they seem to be responding, but not as enthusiastically as before, try incorporating more variety into your calls. This might involve adding in some softer, more subtle calls, such as a gentle cluck or a soft gurgle, to create a sense of contrast and keep the turkeys engaged. If the turkeys continue to ignore your calls, it may be time to reassess your calling location or strategy and try a different approach.
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