A turkey hunter walks through the woods with a box call.


Chapter 5 – Turkey Sounds

Overview

Turkey’s vocalizations are the driving force behind most spring turkey hunting obsessions. The array of sounds turkeys make is impressive and can differ vastly between subspecies. Learn what each sound means to a turkey so you can understand when to employ them on your next hunt.

Course

The greatest draw to spring turkey hunting is the ability to communicate with wild birds. Understanding the sounds turkeys make (especially hens), what each sound means, and when to replicate which sound can be the difference between working a gobbler into your set-up and listening to him drift in the other direction.

Learn the vocalizations you need to focus on to find more spring success, including:

  1. Yelp, Cut, and Cackle.
  2. Cluck, Purr, and Put.
  3. Locator Calls.

Plus, get advice about which turkey calls to keep in your vest.

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Chapter 5 – Turkey Sounds

Chapter 5 – Turkey Sounds

The greatest draw to spring turkey hunting is the ability to communicate with wild birds. Understanding the sounds turkeys make (especially hens), what each sound means, and when to replicate which sound can be the difference between working a gobbler into your set-up and listening to him drift in the other direction.

Learn the vocalizations you need to focus on to find more spring success.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Videos
Turkey Academy logo overlaying a turkey in a field.

5.1: Yelp, Cut, and Cackle

Duration 3:28
Learn the wild hen’s basic vocabulary and each sound’s meaning to improve your chances of working a gobbler into gun range.

What You’ll Learn:
• How a plain yelp differs, in sound and meaning, from an excited yelp.
• The best time to cut.
• When hens cackle and what to listen for.
Turkey Academy logo overlaying a turkey in a field.

5.2: Cluck, Purr, and Put

Duration 2:58
We cover three more turkey sounds you’ll want to work on mastering.

What You’ll Learn:
• What a cluck sounds like.
• What it means when turkeys purr.
• Why you’re not likely to use a put sound.
Turkey Academy logo overlaying a turkey in a field.

5.3: Locator Calls

Duration 2:44
Striking a gobble without putting a hen in the picture is a deadly tactic for you to be able to pinpoint his location without him suspecting yours.

What You’ll Learn:
• The best times to use a locator call.
• Examples of locator calls.
Turkey Academy logo overlaying a turkey in a field.

5.4: Calls To Keep in Your Turkey Vest

Duration 4:18
Which turkey calls do you like to keep in your vest? Not sure? Check out this video to hear Mossy Oak’s recommendations on which turkey calls to have on-hand.

What You’ll Learn:
• Types of turkey calls and the pros and cons of each.

Go back to set-up tactics or continue to learn about hunt scenarios you’re likely to encounter.