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The Best Trumpet Turkey Calls: 20 Essential Calls for Every Hunter
This roundup reviews the top trumpet turkey calls, comparing their sound projection, ease of use, and realism to help hunters choose the right call for their needs.
Calling in wild turkeys requires the right tool for the job, and a trumpet call stands out for its distinctive sound and distance. We've compared the most popular trumpet turkey calls on the market to help you find the perfect match for your hunting style and budget.
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Reviews
Pittman Game Calls Elite Series Aluminum Trumpet Turkey Call
Crafted with high-quality materials, this hand-tuned aluminum call carries Preston Pittman's personal Seal of Approval. The matching lids and pegs ensure a precise seal, while the hand-tuned sound board delivers rich, natural turkey voices. Whether you're a seasoned caller or just starting out, these elegantly crafted trumpet calls offer a premium gaming experience.
Pittman White Diamond Diaphragm Turkey Call
This three-reed call lets you dial in precise yelps by adjusting tongue pressure or dropping your jaw slightly. To get that convincing rasp, keep the reeds separated with toothpicks or spacers. For reliable performance in the field, store the call in the fridge between hunts and freeze it for the off-season.
Rocky Mountain Atomic 13 Trumpet Turkey Call
This aluminum turkey call combines a sleek low-profile design with surprisingly loud, high-pitched yelps and purrs that cut through even windy field conditions. At just one piece, it's simple to carry while hunting, though the metal construction might be too loud for some backyard practice sessions.
Pittman Last Dance Turkey Call
This diaphragm call delivers impressive sound quality with its precision-cut reeds, capable of both subtle clucks and powerful yelps. However, some users report durability issues, with latex components deteriorating quickly in field conditions. Overall, while it can be effective, buyers should consider alternative brands with more proven reliability.
Hook's Custom Calls The Player Turkey Call
The Player combines Cody Harrison's championship-winning design with three adjustable reeds that create a natural-sounding turkey response. The unique top reed design lets you mimic an old hen's raspy yelps, while the other two reeds give you plenty of control over tone and pitch. Whether you're a newcomer to turkey calling or a seasoned hunter, this call makes it easy to replicate the sounds that trigger a gobbler's instincts.
Strut Commander Turkey Call
Crafted by American artisans, this three-reed call delivers a authentic turkey gobble with just the right amount of rasp. The custom-cut reeds ensure every note hits the mark, while its medium-volume output makes it perfect for intermediate callers. Each note comes from USA-made latex, giving you a clear connection to your target.
Hunters Specialties DOD Tongue Series Turkey Calls
These diaphragm calls bring you three distinctive turkey sounds in one package. The traditional Inverted V cut produces a classic gobble, while the MAD Cutter design adds a contemporary twist with its signature notch. Each call's flat tongue design helps control airflow for precise note production.
Hook's Custom Calls Heartthrob Turkey Call
Crafted by World Turkey Calling Champion Mike Longnecker, this 3-reed call brings together a classic combo cut top reed with ultra-thin backer reeds for unmistakably authentic turkey sounds. The green latex top reed requires minimal air pressure, making it perfect for hunters who want their calls to sound natural without struggling to produce the right notes. Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or just starting out, the Heartthrob delivers the pro-level tones you need to fool even the most cautious gobblers.
Power Calls Force Box Turkey Call Set
This hand-built turkey call combines a purple heart paddle with quarter-sawn sycamore base and cedar sides for durable construction. The double-sided design lets you create a variety of turkey sounds, from soft purrs to loud yelps.
Pittman Box Turkey Sweet-N-Nasty Call
This sweet-sounding turkey call combines a compact design with premium materials like stainless steel blades and a rubberized Kraton handle. The hand-tuned bubble-like design produces clear long-range calls perfect for windy conditions. The two independently opening blades make quick work of both skinning and gutting tasks, while the included belt sheath keeps it handy before or after your hunt.
Rolling Thunder Terence Williamson Crystal Turkey Call
Crafted by World Champion Terence Williamson, this crystal turkey call delivers exceptional sound quality with its cherry pot, purpleheart sound board, and diamondwood striker. It covers every vocalization from soft clucks to loud yelps, giving you the ultimate calling versatility.
Zink Triple Pak Turkey Call
Handcrafted from premium materials, the Zink Triple Pak Turkey Call brings you three expertly designed mouth calls in one convenient package. The Lucky Lady's unique W-shaped reed delivers powerful yelps and whines, while the X-Lady's split-V design offers a distinctive sound that's surprisingly easy to master. Each call comes pre-strung with custom-tuned reeds that produce natural turkey sounds right out of the box, making them perfect for both new and experienced callers.
WoodHaven Copperhead Call
Crafted from a combination of orange latex and clear reeds, the WoodHaven Copperhead Call produces a versatile range of turkey sounds, from raspy yelps to high-pitched cuts. While some users find it a bit too raspy compared to other WoodHaven models, the call's powerful tones and reliable performance have earned it high praise from turkey hunters who rely on it to bring gobblers in from distance.
Hunters Specialties Final Roost Turkey Call
This aluminum turkey call packs a serious punch for its price point. Crafted from sycamore and select aluminum, it delivers both far-calling cuts and close-in clucks with remarkable realism. The custom Dymalux striker ensures every note hits just right, making it a solid choice for any turkey hunter's quiver.
Zink Wicked Series Crystal Turkey Pot Call
The Zink Wicked Series crystal turkey call stands out in the crowded world of turkey calls thanks to its uniquely constructed Brazilian cherry wood core impregnated with acrylic. This premium construction delivers unparalleled sound quality in a weatherproof design that remains stable through all weather conditions.
Lynch Turkey Call - Box Turkey in The Pines
Known for its durable construction, this trumpet turkey call combines reliable performance with versatile tones for both hen and gobbler calls. The sturdily built wooden box call requires practice to master, but rewards users with long-distance projecting capabilities. While it's available in both original and laser-replication versions, both maintain the same premium craftsmanship that has earned the Lynch Turkey Call a reputation among serious hunters.
Primos Bombshell Turkey Call
The Primos Bombshell Turkey Call lets you make turkey sounds with just a push, tap, or gentle pressure on its rail. You can twist it to change the pitch from high to raspy and it has a quiet lock feature. Some users think it's great for beginners, while others find the sound too metallic and unreliable.
Zink Wicked X Box Call
This Mahogany box call from Zink features an artistic purple heart paddle and cleverly designed double-sided interior that lets you mimic the sounds of multiple turkey hens. The handcrafted call produces a rich variety of hen yelps with its signature raspy 2-tone note, giving you the vocal range to cover all your turkey-hunting needs.
Zink Power Hen Box Turkey Call
This hybrid box call blends traditional design with modern technology in a handcrafted cherry and maple construction. You'll love the way it produces realistic turkey sounds with every slide of the paddle. The double-sided call lets you switch between two different hen tones to keep the action realistic during your hunt.
Lynch World Champion Box Turkey Call
Crafted from premium straight-grain mahogany wood, this classic turkey call features dual-sided construction that lets you switch between realistic hen and gobbler sounds. Handmade in the USA with attention to detail, it's built to last and has earned a legendary reputation among hunters. Realistic sounds and durable craftsmanship make it a trusted choice for both new hunters and experienced callers.
Buyer's Guide
Trumpet turkey calls are a versatile addition to any hunter's arsenal, offering a powerful way to communicate with turkeys over long distances. Understanding the key features and considerations can help you select the right call for your hunting style and geographic location.
Construction Quality
The durability of your trumpet call depends on its construction quality. Look for calls made from premium materials like brass, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic. These materials resist corrosion and wear better in outdoor conditions. The thickness of the walls and the quality of the seal around the keyed holes significantly impact the call's longevity and performance.
Keyed Hole Design
The number and placement of keyed holes determine the call's versatility. Standard calls feature 3-5 keyed holes, allowing you to mimic various turkey sounds. Multi-keyed calls expand this range, while specialized calls may focus on specific turkey vocalizations. Consider whether you need a general-purpose call or one tailored to your hunting region's typical turkey vocalizations.
Intonation and Tone
The call's intonation refers to its ability to produce clear, accurate turkey sounds. Higher-quality calls maintain consistent tone across all keyed holes and produce clean, distinct notes. Listen to calls in-store or online to evaluate their tone quality and consider whether the call produces the authentic turkey sounds you prefer.
Size and Ergonomics
The right call size improves your handling and control during hunts. Most trumpet calls range from 6 to 12 inches in length, with larger calls offering more volume. Check the call's weight and grip comfort to ensure it handles well during extended use. Some calls feature finger slots or textured surfaces for better control during rapid-fire calls.
FAQ
What is a trumpet turkey call?
Unlike traditional gobblers, trumpet calls utilize a single reed that produces a powerful, resonant sound. This design allows for a more controlled and consistent tone, making them particularly effective for long-range communication.
These calls typically feature a long, cylindrical body with a single reed attached to one end. Users produce the characteristic trumpet-like sound by blowing into the open end and manipulating the reed's vibration.
How do trumpet calls work?
When air passes through the reed, it causes the thin strip of material to vibrate and produce sound. The exact pitch and tone can be adjusted by changing the air pressure and the position of the fingers over the call's vent holes.
The powerful sound travels farther than typical gobbler calls, making trumpet calls ideal for engaging distant birds or cutting through wind and other ambient noise.
What are the main types of trumpet turkey calls?
Most trumpet calls fall into one of two categories: straight trumpets and bent trumpets. Straight trumpets have a vertical design, while bent trumpets feature a curved body that can direct the sound in different directions.
Both types usually include additional features like built-in response boards or extra reeds for variety, though the basic mechanism remains the same.
Who should use trumpet turkey calls?
Beginners and experienced callers alike can benefit from trumpet calls. Their straightforward design makes them accessible for new callers, while their versatility and projection can enhance the performance of experienced callers.
These calls are particularly valuable for open-land turkey hunting where the calling distance can be significant.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a trumpet call?
Quality materials (such as metal or durable plastic), clear tone production, and reliable reed mechanisms are essential. Some advanced features to look for include built-in response boards, extra reeds, and consistent airflow design.
Consider factors like the call's weight, size, and whether it includes any additional accessories that might enhance your calling effectiveness.
How should I maintain my trumpet turkey call?
Clean the call regularly using a soft cloth and mild soap to remove any residue or moisture. Keep the call's reed mechanism free from debris by carefully inspecting and cleaning the vent holes.
Store the call in a dry place to prevent rust or damage to the reed. Consider using call-specific storage to protect the mechanism and maintain the call's integrity.
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