Quick Answer
For spring turkey hunting in the Ozarks, employ a gentle, high-pitched yelp series, pausing briefly between each call, to mimic a hen's contact call. Start with 5-7 yelps, then move to 2-3 clucks, followed by a single gobble, to simulate a hen's interaction with a tom. Use a mouth diaphragm or friction call to produce a natural, raspy sound.
Choosing the Right Call
When selecting a call for spring turkey hunting in the Ozarks, consider the terrain and the type of turkeys you’re likely to encounter. For public land, where turkeys may be more wary, a mouth diaphragm is often the best choice, as it allows for a more subtle, natural sound. Look for a call with a good, raspy tone, as this will help you blend in with the surroundings.
Effective Calling Techniques
To effectively use a call, start with a gentle, high-pitched yelp series, pausing briefly between each call. This will help to simulate a hen’s contact call, and get the tom’s attention. Begin with 5-7 yelps, then move to 2-3 clucks, followed by a single gobble. This sequence will mimic a hen’s interaction with a tom, and can help to keep the bird engaged. Remember to keep your calls short and sweet, as over-calling can spook the bird. For the Ozarks, where turkeys may be more concentrated, use a series of 3-5 yelps, spaced 10-15 seconds apart, to simulate a hen’s alarm call.
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