How to Make Turkey Calls with a Turkey Wing

There are many expensive turkey calls on the market, but there also are some tried-and-true homemade calls that have been helping hunters achieve success for a long time. The wing bone turkey call is one of those.

Things You'll Need

• Wing of wild hen turkey
• Knife
• Hacksaw
• Small pipe cleaner
• Dish detergent
• Water
• Saucepan
• Sandpaper
• Glue

Instructions

Making a wing bone turkey yelper

1. Using your knife, clean the wing of feathers, skin and meat. Cooking the wing won't damage it, but use care in removing the bones afterward because they are more brittle than those fresh from a hen's wing. The bones you want are the thin bone near the tip, known as the radius, and the bone that runs parallel to it, called the ulna. The large bone that extends from the breast of the bird to the bend in the wing, called the humerus, also is used in this method.

2. Prepare the bones. Using the hacksaw, cut each of the bones where the straight part begins to meet the larger, knobby part on the end. The key is to expose the middle of the bone, where the marrow is, when you are finished with the cut. The bone should be the same diameter from end to end and in between, if possible. Using the pipe cleaner, or a small piece of wire, push the marrow out of the bone. It likely will take several pushes through the entire length of the bone. The bone should be as hollow as possible when finished.

3. Using water, a tablespoon of soap and a saucepan, boil the bones until the remainder of the marrow is easily removed. Let the bones dry completely.

4. Construct the call. Using your hands, pick up the smallest bone, the radius, and fit its end into the ulna. Repeat the process by taking the end of the ulna and placing it inside the humerus. If the bones don't fit tightly right away, use sandpaper to file them down for a snug connection. Slowly rotate each bone until you can make the call into a shape that fits comfortably in your hands. You may want to use glue at this point to secure the fit. Let the glue dry..

5. Use your call. The wing bone yelper is operated by sucking air through the call with your lips puckered. Some hunters liken it to kissing the end of the call.
   Cup the call with your hand, cradling the larger end with your palm and securing it between your forefinger and your thumb. Cup your other hand over the top of it, making a cradle around the call. Suck air through the small end of the yelper.
   The "yelp" of the call occurs when your lips vibrate against it by sucking air in and learning to use your throat to create more consistent notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Add bleach to soapy water to keep your wing bone turkey yelper white. Don't give up right away if the call isn't to your liking. Wing bone calls are difficult to master and take plenty of practice.