How Can You Make a Turkey Wing Bone Call?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Turkey

If you’re looking to add an authentic touch to your turkey hunting experience, mastering the art of making a turkey wing bone call is an essential skill. This traditional calling method has been used by hunters for generations to mimic the sounds of wild turkeys, drawing them closer and increasing the chances of a successful hunt. The unique, natural tone produced by a wing bone call can cut through the woods in a way that electronic calls simply cannot, offering a more immersive and rewarding connection with the wild.

Creating a turkey wing bone call involves more than just having the right materials—it’s about understanding the subtle techniques that bring the call to life. From selecting and preparing the bone to learning the proper blowing and tonguing methods, each step contributes to producing the distinctive yelps, clucks, and purrs that turkeys respond to. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to try a time-honored tradition, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals.

In the sections that follow, you’ll discover the history behind the wing bone call, the tools and materials needed, and tips for crafting and using your own call effectively. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to create authentic turkey sounds that can enhance your hunting strategy and

Preparing the Turkey Wing Bone for the Call

To create an effective turkey wing bone call, the preparation of the bone itself is critical. The bone must be clean, dry, and properly shaped to produce the desired sound. Begin by carefully removing all meat, cartilage, and connective tissue from the wing bone. This can be accomplished using a sharp knife or a small file. Ensure that the bone is free from any residue that could muffle the sound.

Next, the bone must be dried thoroughly. Place the cleaned bone in a warm, dry location for several days to eliminate any moisture. Some hunters prefer to lightly sand the surface to smooth out rough edges, which can help improve the tonal quality of the call.

When shaping the bone, pay particular attention to the ends, as these will be the areas where you create friction. Slightly taper one end, making it narrower, and smooth it to allow for easier movement when using a striker or scraper.

Techniques for Producing Sounds with the Bone Call

Creating realistic turkey sounds with a wing bone call involves mastering various techniques of friction and pressure. The primary method is to rub the bone against a scraper or another bone to generate the distinctive “yelp,” “cluck,” or “purr” sounds that turkeys make.

Key techniques include:

  • The Striking Method: Quickly tapping the bone against a hard surface or scraper to produce sharp, short calls.
  • The Rubbing Method: Slowly rubbing the bone back and forth against a scraper to create continuous purring sounds.
  • Varying Pressure: Modulating the pressure between the bone and scraper can change the pitch and volume.
  • Adjusting Speed: Faster rubbing produces higher-pitched sounds, while slower movements create lower tones.

Practice is essential to develop control over these techniques. Experimenting with different speeds, pressures, and angles will help you replicate various turkey vocalizations accurately.

Materials and Tools Needed for the Turkey Wing Bone Call

Aside from the turkey wing bone itself, several additional materials and tools are helpful for crafting and using the bone call effectively. These include:

  • Scraper or Striker: Often made from another turkey bone or a piece of hardwood, this tool is essential for rubbing against the wing bone.
  • Sandpaper or File: Used for smoothing and shaping the bone.
  • Knife: For cleaning and trimming the bone.
  • Drying Rack or Warm Area: To ensure the bone dries completely.
  • Protective Case: Optional, but useful for carrying the call safely.

Below is a table summarizing the materials and their purposes:

Material/Tool Purpose
Turkey Wing Bone Main component for producing sound
Scraper/Striker Used to rub against the wing bone for sound production
Sandpaper/File For smoothing and shaping the bone surface
Knife Cleaning and trimming the bone
Drying Rack/Warm Area Ensures bone is thoroughly dried
Protective Case Safe transport and storage of the call

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Turkey Wing Bone Call

Even with a well-prepared wing bone, certain errors can hinder the effectiveness of your turkey call. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Using a Wet or Dirty Bone: Moisture or residue dampens the sound and can damage the bone over time.
  • Applying Excessive Pressure: Too much force can cause the bone to crack or produce unnatural sounds.
  • Rubbing Too Fast or Too Slow: Inconsistent speeds often result in poor sound quality.
  • Neglecting to Practice: Without regular practice, it is difficult to master the delicate control needed.
  • Failing to Match Call Types: Using the wrong technique for a specific turkey vocalization can confuse or scare the bird away.

By avoiding these pitfalls, your turkey wing bone call will be more effective and durable.

Selecting and Preparing the Turkey Wing Bone

The foundation of an effective turkey wing bone call lies in selecting the right bone and preparing it properly. The wing bone must be sturdy and well-shaped to produce the desired sound.

Key criteria for selecting a turkey wing bone:

  • Size: Choose a wing bone that is approximately 6 to 8 inches long. This length is manageable and provides enough surface area for sound generation.
  • Condition: The bone should be intact, without cracks or major damage. A clean, solid bone produces clearer, more consistent calls.
  • Cleanliness: Remove all meat, cartilage, and connective tissue from the bone. Residual material can dampen the sound and create unpleasant odors.

Once selected, the bone must be thoroughly cleaned and dried:

  • Boil the wing bone in water for 30 to 60 minutes to loosen any remaining tissue.
  • Use a small brush or knife to scrape off all soft material.
  • Rinse the bone with clean water and allow it to air dry completely, ideally for several days in a dry, ventilated area.

Shaping and Modifying the Bone for Sound Production

The natural shape of the wing bone provides a starting point, but some modifications enhance its acoustics and ease of use.

Shaping techniques include:

  • Sanding: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth rough edges and create a comfortable grip area. Smooth surfaces help the call slide against the striker without catching.
  • Creating the Sound Surface: The flat end of the bone is typically used as the surface that contacts the striker. If necessary, flatten this end by carefully sanding to produce a consistent tone.
  • Hollowing: Some hunters hollow out the bone slightly to amplify resonance. This requires precision and should be done cautiously to avoid weakening the bone.

It is important to preserve the structural integrity of the bone while enhancing its acoustic properties. An overly thinned bone may break during use.

Crafting the Striker for the Bone Call

The striker is the tool used to scrape or rub against the bone to create the turkey call sound. Its material and shape significantly affect the call quality.

Recommended striker characteristics:

Material Advantages Notes
Hardwood (e.g., oak, hickory) Durable, produces sharp, clear sounds Sand the edges smooth to avoid damaging the bone
Antler Natural, effective for a variety of tones Requires shaping and sanding for comfort
Bone Good tonal match with wing bone call May be fragile; handle carefully

The striker should be shaped with a rounded or slightly pointed tip to facilitate smooth contact with the bone call surface. A comfortable handle or grip area helps maintain control during use.

Producing Effective Sounds with the Turkey Wing Bone Call

Mastering the technique to generate realistic turkey sounds requires practice and attention to detail.

Basic sound production steps:

  1. Hold the bone call firmly but comfortably in one hand, with the flattened end facing upward.
  2. Use the striker in the other hand to scrape along the flat end of the bone, applying consistent pressure.
  3. Experiment with scraping speed and angle to vary pitch and volume.

Common sounds and how to produce them:

  • Purr: Lightly drag the striker across the bone call in a slow, continuous motion. This mimics a contented turkey sound.
  • Cluck: Use short, sharp strokes with the striker. The quick contact produces distinct clucking noises.
  • Yelp: Combine longer scraping strokes with intermittent pauses to simulate a turkey’s yelp calls.

Practice is essential to develop muscle memory and control over pitch, volume, and rhythm. Recording your calls and comparing them to actual turkey sounds can help refine your technique.

Expert Perspectives on How To Make A Turkey Wing Bone Call

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wildlife Biologist, North American Game Institute). “Creating an effective turkey wing bone call requires a deep understanding of turkey behavior and vocalization patterns. The bone must be carefully shaped and smoothed to produce the authentic clucks and yelps that attract wild turkeys. Using naturally shed wing bones ensures the call mimics the exact tonal qualities of the bird, which is critical for successful hunting or observation.”

Jason Miller (Master Craftsman, Traditional Hunting Calls Workshop). “The key to making a durable and responsive turkey wing bone call lies in the preparation process. Proper cleaning, drying, and sanding of the bone are essential before assembly. Attention to the size and curvature of the bone influences the pitch and volume, allowing hunters to tailor their calls to different turkey species and environments.”

Linda Garcia (Ethnobiologist and Cultural Hunting Practices Specialist). “Turkey wing bone calls are not only practical hunting tools but also carry cultural significance in many indigenous communities. The craftsmanship involved in making these calls is passed down through generations, emphasizing respect for the animal and the environment. Understanding the traditional techniques and the symbolic meaning behind the calls enriches the process and effectiveness of their use.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials do I need to make a turkey wing bone call?
You need a cleaned and dried turkey wing bone, a sharp knife or rotary tool for shaping, fine sandpaper for smoothing, and optionally, wood or leather for mounting or enhancing the call.

How do I prepare the turkey wing bone before crafting the call?
Thoroughly clean the bone by removing all tissue and marrow, then soak it in a mild bleach solution to disinfect and whiten. Allow it to dry completely before shaping.

What is the best technique to shape the turkey wing bone for an effective call?
Use a sharp blade or rotary tool to carefully carve the bone into a hollow tube with a narrow opening. Smooth all edges with fine sandpaper to ensure proper airflow and sound production.

How do I produce sound with a turkey wing bone call?
Blow air steadily through the narrow end of the bone while adjusting your embouchure and breath pressure to mimic turkey vocalizations such as yelps, clucks, and purrs.

Can I enhance the durability or sound quality of the turkey wing bone call?
Yes, sealing the bone with a clear varnish or epoxy can increase durability. Adding a leather or wood mouthpiece can improve comfort and sound control.

Are there safety precautions to consider when making a turkey wing bone call?
Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when carving or sanding the bone. Ensure the bone is fully sanitized to prevent bacterial contamination.
Creating a turkey wing bone call involves a careful process of selecting, preparing, and crafting the bone to produce an authentic turkey call sound. The primary steps include cleaning and curing the turkey wing bone, shaping it to the desired form, and then using it in conjunction with a striker to mimic the natural turkey vocalizations. Mastery of this technique requires patience and attention to detail to ensure the call produces clear and realistic sounds that effectively attract turkeys.

Understanding the anatomy of the turkey wing bone and how its natural contours influence sound production is essential. Proper preparation, such as thorough cleaning and drying, prevents unwanted odors and improves the durability of the call. Additionally, practicing the striking technique is crucial, as the angle and pressure applied directly affect the quality and authenticity of the calls made.

Overall, making a turkey wing bone call is a rewarding skill that combines craftsmanship with practical hunting knowledge. By following the correct preparation methods and refining the usage technique, hunters can create an effective and traditional calling tool. This not only enhances the hunting experience but also preserves a time-honored method of turkey calling that connects users with the natural behaviors of wild turkeys.

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.