How to Do a Turkey Call by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide for Hunters

As Thanksgiving approaches, many hunters are gearing up for turkey season. One of the most essential skills for a successful turkey hunt is mastering the art of turkey calling. While there are plenty of commercial turkey calls available, learning how to do a turkey call by hand can be an invaluable tool. Not only is it convenient, but it also allows for more control over the sound, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced hunters.

In this post, we'll break down the steps to perform an effective turkey call by hand, whether you're trying to lure in a tom during hunting season or just impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving.

Why Hand Turkey Calls Are Effective

Using a hand turkey call is both versatile and natural. Turkeys are known for their wide range of vocalizations, and by learning to mimic these sounds by hand, you can blend into your surroundings seamlessly. Plus, there’s no need to carry extra equipment into the field—just you and your hands.

Here are the key sounds you’ll want to master, with detailed instructions on how to replicate them by hand:

Step 1: Understanding Turkey Sounds

Before we dive into the mechanics, it’s important to understand the basic turkey vocalizations that hunters use most often:

1. Cluck – A single-note sound that turkeys use to communicate with each other. It’s a good way to get the attention of a nearby gobbler.

2. Yelp – A series of notes that turkeys use to communicate over longer distances, often when they are looking for a mate.

3. Purr – A soft, rolling sound that turkeys use when they are content and feeding. It can also indicate a calm presence, making it useful when turkeys are close by.

Step 2: How to Do a Cluck by Hand

The cluck is one of the easiest turkey calls to imitate by hand. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Position Your Hand: Cup your right hand slightly and place it near your mouth, creating a small space between your palm and lips. This space will amplify the sound.

2. Lip Movement: Purse your lips together as if you’re going to make a soft “putt” sound. This is the basic cluck sound.

3. Produce the Sound: Use a burst of air from your diaphragm, and say “puck” or “putt” into your cupped hand. You can vary the volume and length slightly to mimic the natural rhythm of a turkey’s cluck.

Practice the cluck several times until you feel comfortable with the rhythm. Keep in mind that a cluck is a short, sharp sound, so less is more.

Step 3: How to Perform a Yelp by Hand

The yelp is a series of notes and is perhaps the most recognized turkey call. Here’s how you can do it by hand:

1. Hand Position: As with the cluck, cup your hand near your mouth, leaving a small gap between your lips and palm.

2. Vocalization: Start by making a “kee” sound followed by a “yawk” sound. The combination should flow smoothly, like “kee-yawk.” This creates the yelp cadence.

3. Control the Rhythm: To sound realistic, vary the pitch slightly between each note. A typical yelp will have 5 to 7 notes, with a pause between each one. It might sound something like “yawk, yawk, yawk.”

Practice making the “kee-yawk” sound in a steady rhythm, and over time, you'll learn how to adjust the volume and pitch to match the turkeys in your area.

Step 4: Mastering the Purr by Hand

The purr is one of the softer turkey calls and can be trickier to master. It’s best used when turkeys are nearby, and you want to sound calm and content.

1. Position Your Hand: Cup your hand just like you would for the cluck or yelp.

2. Lip Movement: Purse your lips together tightly, almost like you’re about to blow a raspberry.

3. Produce the Sound: Instead of blowing air out quickly, you’ll want to blow softly while vibrating your lips. The sound should resemble a soft, rolling “prrrrrr” noise. The goal is to create a soothing, continuous purring sound.

Purring takes a little more finesse than clucking or yelping, so practice it softly until you can create a steady, gentle sound.

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Once you’ve mastered the cluck, yelp, and purr, the real magic happens when you combine these calls. Turkeys don’t typically make just one sound—they use a combination of clucks, yelps, and purrs to communicate. For example:

• Start with a few clucks to get the attention of a gobbler.

• Transition into a yelp sequence to mimic a hen looking for company.

• If you sense a turkey is nearby, finish with a soft purr to make it feel calm and reassured.

Bonus Tip: Know When to Use Each Call

• Cluck: Best for short-range calls when you know turkeys are nearby. It’s a great way to grab attention without spooking them.

• Yelp: Use this when you want to cover more ground and attract turkeys from farther away. It’s ideal when you’re searching for a gobbler in the distance.

• Purr: Reserve the purr for when turkeys are close. It’s a soft, reassuring sound that can help ease a wary bird into your range.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering the art of turkey calling by hand takes time and practice, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be able to call turkeys with nothing but your voice and hands. This skill not only makes you a more versatile hunter but also adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your hunt.

This Thanksgiving season, whether you're preparing for the hunt or just want to impress your family, try practicing these hand calls. With patience and practice, you’ll be calling in turkeys like a pro in no time.

Happy hunting, and good luck!

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