Tips For Call Selection When Hunting Rio Grande Turkeys?

Choosing the Right Calls for Rio Grande Turkeys

When selecting calls for Rio Grande turkeys, consider the terrain and the time of year. In open fields and during early morning and late afternoon hunts, a mouth diaphragm or a box call can be effective. These calls produce a high-pitched, nasal sound that’s easy to hear over long distances.

For hunting in dense woods or during midday hunts, a slate call is often more effective. Slate calls produce a deeper, more raspy sound that can be heard through the trees and can be used to mimic the sounds of a hen or a young poult.

Mastering the Art of Call Selection

A good hunter should be able to change their call selection on the fly, depending on the situation. For example, if a gobbler is responding to a hen call, switch to a more aggressive gobbler call to keep him interested. If a gobbler is quiet, try using a young poult call to see if it will draw him out.

When selecting calls, consider the following numbers: 4-6 different calls, including a mouth diaphragm, a box call, and a slate call. Aim for a minimum of 3 different sounds per call, such as 3-5 different tones on a diaphragm call. Practice using these calls in different situations to develop a sense of when to use each one.