What role does patience play when using aggressive turkey calls?

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Building a Relationship with the Tom When using aggressive turkey calls, patience is essential in building a relationship with the tom. Start by making soft, gentle calls to establish a connection with the bird. Use a box call, slate call, or even a mouth call to make these soft calls, and do so at a volume that is not too loud or jarring. Aim for a volume range of 80 to 90 decibels to avoid scaring the tom away. Take your time and make these calls consistently, allowing the tom to get accustomed to your presence and your sounds. This process can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual bird’s temperament.
Identifying the Right Moment to Switch to Aggressive Calling After building a relationship with the tom, it’s essential to identify the right moment to switch to aggressive calling. Look for signs that the tom is becoming more receptive to your calls, such as approaching the source of the sound or responding with his own calls. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the tom is within 50 to 75 yards of you before switching to aggressive calling. This allows you to build momentum and increase the tom’s curiosity, making him more likely to come closer.
Mastering Aggressive Turkey Calls Mastering aggressive turkey calls requires practice and patience. When using these calls, aim for a volume range of 100 to 110 decibels, which is loud enough to grab the tom’s attention but not so loud that it scares him away. Use a variety of aggressive calls, such as the “yelp,” “gobble,” and “cutting” sounds, to keep the tom engaged and interested. Remember to vary the pitch and tone of your calls to mimic the natural sounds of a tom turkey, and always be prepared to dial it back and switch to softer calls if the tom becomes too aggressive or unresponsive.