How to Make Hunting Calls

Learn how to make your own hunting calls to fully enjoy hunting at its best. The mere sound of your call will take you to your favorite hunting moments. Every time you successfully hunt, you can credit yourself for such fine craftsmanship.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tapered file or hacksaw
• 1-inch, fine-threaded screw
• Wood-carving tools
• Old furniture wood
• Wire or small rifle-bore brush
• Wild turkey hen bones
• Glue, epoxy or other adhesive
• 3/4-inch coiled spring
• Sand paper or steel wool
• Knife
• Bleach, dish soap or other cleaning agent

Make Box Turkey Hunting Calls

1. Create a box call using wood from old furniture. Use a band saw to cut furniture wood into 1/8- and 1/4-inch pieces. The easiest way to make a box call is to copy and re-create one that you really like.
2. Build the box frame of the call by using 1/4-inch wood for the bottom and 1/8-inch wood for the sides. The length measurements are your decision, depending on the size of the box call you desire. Cut channels into the bottom to slide the sides into.
3. Create the top "paddle" portion of the box using 1/4-inch wood. Round the bottom portion of the paddle using a file, and then drill a hole at the end of the paddle.
4. Attach the paddle to the box by using a 1-inch, fine threaded screw and a 3/4-inch coiled spring. Insert the screw at least 1/2 inch into the spring. The spring will stabilize the tension when using the call by rubbing the paddle over the box.

Make Wing-Bone Turkey Hunting Calls

5. Begin making your wing-bone call by removing the radius, ulna and humerus bones from the wing. Cut off any joint or knobby ends of the bones with a hacksaw. Make sure that the marrow is completely showing and the diameter is equal from tip to tip of each bone.
6. Use a piece of wire or a bore brush to force out as much marrow from the bones as possible. Place bones in a boiling pot of water. Add 1 tsp. of dish soap and a splash of bleach to the water and allow bones to boil until the marrow is softened and can be completely removed.
7. Sit your cleaned bones aside and allow them to dry. When bones are dry, push the ulna over the radius and the humerus over the ulna. You may need to sand down or cut the bones to create a snug fit between layers. When you are satisfied with the fit, glue the pieces together.

Tips & Warnings

• When creating wing-bone calls, you can use other objects of your choice in place of the humerus for a unique end piece on the call.