If you’re an avid hunter looking to enhance your hunting experience or simply enjoy engaging in exciting DIY projects, learning how to make a box turkey call can be a fulfilling endeavor. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through a step-by-step process on how to create your very own box turkey call. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to customize your call to suit your needs and potentially attract more turkeys during your hunting trips. So, let’s dive in and discover the art of crafting a box turkey call with Gokeylessvn.com.
I. Materials Needed
1. Choosing the Right Wood
When it comes to making a box turkey call, selecting the right wood is crucial. You want a wood that is durable, resonant, and easy to work with. Some popular choices for box turkey calls include walnut, cedar, and cherry. These woods are known for their excellent tonal qualities and ability to produce clear, crisp turkey sounds. Consider the availability and cost of the wood as well, as you want to ensure you can easily source the required materials.
2. Box Call Kit or Individual Components
Depending on your preference and woodworking skills, you can either opt for a box call kit or gather the individual components yourself. A box call kit usually includes pre-cut parts and detailed instructions, making it an ideal choice for beginners. On the other hand, if you enjoy the challenge of creating everything from scratch, you can purchase the necessary components separately. These typically include the box, lid, paddle, screws, and sandpaper for smoothing and finishing.
3. Woodworking Tools
To successfully build a box turkey call, you’ll need a few essential woodworking tools. These tools may include:
- Saw – for cutting the wood to size
- Chisel – for shaping the box and creating the sound chamber
- Drill – for making screw holes and other necessary perforations
- Router – for adding decorative elements or contours to the box
- Sandpaper – for smoothing rough edges and surfaces
- Clamps – for holding parts together during assembly
- Wood glue – for securing joints
- Finishing materials – such as stain, varnish, or paint
4. Turkey Call Accessories
In addition to the main components of the box turkey call, it’s essential to gather a few accessories that will enhance its performance and functionality. These accessories may include:
- Striker – used to create friction against the paddle and produce turkey sounds
- Conditioning materials – such as sandpaper or slate for conditioning the call surface
- Call pouch or case – for safe storage and transport
- Call chalk or rosin – to maintain the friction between the paddle and lid
II. Preparation
1. Choosing the Right Wood for Your Box Turkey Call
Before you begin crafting your box turkey call, it’s essential to select the appropriate type of wood. Different woods produce different sounds, so consider the desired tone and pitch you want to achieve. Some popular choices for box turkey calls include cedar, walnut, and cherry.
Each wood has its unique properties that affect the sound quality. For example, cedar is known for its warm and mellow tones, while walnut produces a deeper and more resonant sound. Cherry, on the other hand, offers a balance between warmth and clarity.
Take some time to research and experiment with different wood options to find the one that best suits your preferences. Remember, the type of wood you choose will greatly impact the overall sound of your box turkey call, so choose wisely.
2. Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before diving into the construction process, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand. Here’s a list of commonly used tools for making a box turkey call:
- Table saw or bandsaw
- Chisels
- Rasp or files
- Sandpaper or sanding blocks
- Clamps
- Drill with various drill bits
- Wood glue
- Wood finish or sealant
- A suitable saw or knife for cutting the turkey call handle
Having these tools ready before you start the project will ensure a smoother and more efficient construction process.
III. Building the Box Turkey Call
2.3 Assembling the Box
Once you have prepared the necessary components, it’s time to start assembling your box turkey call. Follow these steps:
- Take the main body of the box, which is usually a rectangular piece of wood.
- Measure and mark the location for the soundboard on one side of the box. The soundboard is typically a thin piece of wood that will create the turkey call sound.
- Using a saw or a carving knife, carefully cut out the area for the soundboard, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Attach the soundboard to the box using wood glue or small screws. Make sure it is securely fastened.
- Next, locate the lid of the box. This is a movable piece that will slide across the soundboard to create different turkey call sounds.
- Attach a small wooden handle to the lid for easy movement.
- Test the lid by sliding it back and forth across the soundboard to produce different turkey call tones.
2.4 Fine-tuning the Sound
Once you have assembled the box turkey call, it’s time to fine-tune the sound it produces. Follow these tips to get the best results:
- Experiment with different lid positions to find the desired pitch and tone.
- Adjust the pressure applied to the lid when sliding it across the soundboard.
- Use sandpaper to refine the fit of the lid and soundboard, ensuring they glide smoothly.
- Make small adjustments to the dimensions of the soundboard or lid if necessary to achieve the desired sound.
- Practice using the box turkey call to mimic various turkey sounds, such as yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Record yourself using the box turkey call and listen back to assess the quality of the sound.
With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to create a box turkey call that produces lifelike turkey sounds and enhances your hunting experience.
IV. Using the Box Turkey Call
3.1 Preparing for Your Hunt
Before heading out into the field, it’s important to familiarize yourself with using a box turkey call effectively. Understanding how to operate the call and produce different sounds will greatly increase your chances of attracting turkeys. Begin by holding the box in one hand with your thumb resting on top and fingers securing the sides for stability.
To create realistic turkey sounds, place slight pressure on the paddle or lid of the box while moving it slowly across the soundboard in a smooth motion. Practice varying combinations of long, short, high-pitched, and low-pitched strokes to mimic different turkey vocalizations such as yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts.
3.2 Applying Advanced Techniques
As you gain experience with using your homemade box turkey call, consider applying advanced techniques that can further enhance its effectiveness:
- The Feeding Purrr: Use gentle back-and-forth movements on the paddle while softly pressing down to imitate contented feeding turkeys.
- The Fly-down Cackle: Mimic turkeys flying from their roosts at daybreak by performing rapid series of loud yelping followed by excited cutting sounds.
- The Cutting Contest: Challenge other nearby gobblers by producing aggressive cutting sequences that are quick-paced with sharp staccato notes.
Tips for Success
TIP #1: Experiment with different box call designs to find what works best for you. TIP #2: Mastering the art of subtle wrist movements can create more realistic and convincing turkey sounds. TIP #3:
Become a Turkey Calling with Practice
The key to becoming proficient in using a box turkey call is practice. Just like any skill, it takes time and dedication to develop your calling technique. Set aside regular practice sessions before the hunting season begins, listening closely to real turkey calls and replicating them on your own wooden instrument.
Remember that each turkey has its individual preferences when it comes to vocalizations, so don’t be discouraged if you encounter some trial and error along the way. Embrace the learning process as an opportunity for improvement and refinement of your calling skills. Over time, you will gain confidence in producing lifelike turkey sounds that will attract these remarkable birds right into your hunting range.
V. Conclusion
Learning how to make a box turkey call is a fun and rewarding project for any hunting enthusiast. By understanding the basics of box turkey calls and using the right tools and materials, you can create a high-quality call that produces realistic turkey sounds. Remember to take your time during the construction process and pay attention to details, as these factors can greatly impact the effectiveness of your call.
Once you’ve finished making your own box turkey call, don’t forget to practice using it and familiarize yourself with the various turkey calls you can make. With enough practice, you’ll be well-prepared for your next turkey hunting season and increase your chances of success in the field.