How to Make a Homemade Turkey Caller

Use a wing bone call to attract turkeys during a hunting trip.

While turkeys may not seem hard to catch, they can be crafty prey. To have a successful turkey hunt, a turkey hunter must attract the attention of nearby turkeys by using a turkey caller. Though there are various types of turkey calls made of many materials, many hunting enthusiasts may prefer to build their own turkey caller rather than purchasing one. By using a turkey's bones from a previous turkey hunt, hunters can build a turkey call to improve their chances of having a successful hunting trip.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Epoxy
• Pot
• Water
• Wire
• Electric rotary tool

Instructions

1. Cut the wing from a turkey where the joint attaches to the body near the shoulder blade.

2. Use a knife to separate the three bones that form the turkey's wing. The bones become smaller in size towards the wing tip. Only keep the three bones nearest to the shoulder blade and discard of any other pieces.

3. Use a sharp knife to clean any meat off the bones.

4. Cut each end of the two larger bones far enough to expose the marrow or pith at the center of the bones.

5. Remove the marrow inside the bones by carefully pushing a wire through the center.

6. Use the knife to cut the rounded end of the smallest bone until you expose the marrow.

7. Use the rotary tool to file the opposite end of the smallest bone until the marrow is exposed.

8. Clean the smaller bone with the wire to remove the marrow in the center.

9. Boil water in a pot large enough to fit the three bones. Insert the bones in the boiling water to clean any remaining marrow.

10. Remove the bones from the boiling water and clean the center with the wire to make sure there is no bone marrow residue.

11. Place approximately 1 inch of the larger end of the middle-sized bone into the smaller end of the largest bone carefully. Apply some epoxy to secure the bones. Use the rotary tool to file the middle-sized bone if the end is too large to fit into the largest bone.

12. Place the larger end of the smallest bone into the remaining end of the middle-sized bone. If the smallest bone is too big to fit, file it down with the rotary tool. Apply epoxy to secure the bones.

13. Use epoxy to fill any additional gaps between the bones.

14. Allow enough time for the epoxy to dry. Read the label on the epoxy to determine the drying time required.

15. Use the turkey caller by placing the tip of the smallest bone off center onto your lip. Suck in through the opening.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use spray paint on the bones for a sleek, finished look.

• Use caution when using a sharp knife. Wear gloves for additional protection.

References

• Wild Turkey Hunting Network: How To Make A Wing Bone Call