How Do You Make a Wing Bone Turkey Call?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Turkey

If you’re an avid turkey hunter or simply fascinated by traditional hunting techniques, mastering the art of making a wing bone turkey call is an essential skill to add to your repertoire. This time-honored method harnesses the natural materials found in the wild, allowing you to create authentic turkey sounds that can attract birds with remarkable effectiveness. Beyond its practicality, crafting your own wing bone call connects you to generations of hunters who relied on ingenuity and patience to communicate with the elusive wild turkey.

Understanding how to make a wing bone turkey call involves more than just assembling parts; it’s about appreciating the subtle nuances of sound production and the anatomy of the turkey itself. The process requires careful selection and preparation of the wing bone, combined with precise techniques to produce the distinct yelps, clucks, and purrs that turkeys respond to. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoorsman, learning this craft can deepen your hunting experience and enhance your connection to nature.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential materials, tools, and steps needed to create an effective wing bone turkey call. You’ll also gain insights into how to use your call in the field to maximize your chances of success. Get ready to embark on a rewarding journey that blends tradition, skill, and the

Materials and Tools Needed for Crafting a Wing Bone Turkey Call

Creating an effective wing bone turkey call requires selecting the right materials and having the appropriate tools on hand. The primary component is, of course, a turkey wing bone, which serves as the resonating surface. Additionally, a striker is essential for producing the characteristic sound.

The following materials and tools are typically required:

  • Turkey wing bone: Preferably from the humerus section; cleaned and dried.
  • Striker: Usually made of wood, bone, or antler; must have a smooth, rounded tip.
  • Sandpaper: Various grits for smoothing surfaces.
  • Utility knife or small saw: For trimming and shaping the bone.
  • Drill with small bits: To create holes or adjust resonance if needed.
  • Cleaning supplies: Gloves, brushes, and mild detergent for preparing the bone.
  • Measuring tools: Ruler or calipers for precision.
  • Clamps or vise: To hold the bone securely during work.

Using quality materials and the right tools ensures the call produces clear, authentic turkey sounds that can attract birds effectively.

Preparing the Wing Bone for the Call

The preparation of the wing bone is a critical step that influences the call’s tone and durability. The bone must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining tissue, cartilage, or marrow. This can be done by soaking the bone in a mild detergent solution, followed by careful scrubbing with a brush.

Once clean, the bone should be dried completely to prevent mold and ensure proper resonance. Some hunters prefer to cure the bone by lightly heating it over a low flame or in an oven at a low temperature to harden it.

Next, the bone must be shaped and smoothed:

  • Remove any rough edges or splinters using a utility knife or small saw.
  • Sand the exterior and interior surfaces with progressively finer sandpaper, starting with a coarse grit (around 80) and finishing with a fine grit (up to 220).
  • If needed, drill small holes strategically to adjust the sound; typically, a hole near the end of the bone can amplify or change the tone.
  • Test the bone’s sound periodically during this process to ensure the desired pitch and volume.

Crafting the Striker and Testing the Call

The striker is the tool that interacts with the wing bone to produce sound. Crafting a proper striker involves selecting a material that complements the bone’s texture and shape.

Striker Characteristics:

  • Material: Hardwood such as maple or oak is preferred for its density and smoothness; bone or antler strikers are also traditional.
  • Shape: Rounded tip with a slight taper for comfortable handling.
  • Size: Approximately 4 to 6 inches in length, balanced for ease of control.

To craft the striker:

  • Cut the selected material to length.
  • Shape and sand the tip to a smooth, rounded point.
  • Optionally, add a leather or cord grip for comfort.

Testing the Call:

Once the wing bone and striker are prepared:

  • Hold the bone firmly in one hand.
  • Use the striker to scrape along the bone’s surface, experimenting with angle and pressure.
  • Adjust sanding or drilling as necessary to refine the sound.
  • Aim for a clear “yelping” or “clucking” sound typical of turkey calls.

Comparison of Common Wing Bone Call Materials

Different materials affect the tone, durability, and handling of wing bone turkey calls. The table below summarizes key properties:

Material Sound Quality Durability Ease of Shaping Typical Use
Turkey Wing Bone Bright, authentic Moderate Moderate Traditional call surface
Hardwood Striker Rich, clear tones High Easy Common striker material
Bone Striker Sharp, crisp sound Moderate Difficult Traditional, natural look
Antler Striker Varied tones High Difficult Durable, natural appearance

Materials and Tools Needed for Crafting a Wing Bone Turkey Call

Creating a wing bone turkey call requires a selection of specific materials and tools to ensure the call produces authentic turkey sounds. The following list outlines everything necessary for this process:

  • Turkey Wing Bone: The primary material, typically sourced from the ulna or radius bone of a wild turkey wing, cleaned and dried thoroughly.
  • Sandpaper: Various grits (220 to 400) for smoothing the bone and shaping the call.
  • Sharp Knife or Scalpel: For precise trimming and shaping of the bone edges.
  • Drill with Small Bit: Optional, for creating a small hole to attach a lanyard or for airflow enhancement.
  • Wooden or Hard Plastic Peg: Used as a striker to rub against the bone surface to produce sound.
  • Cloth or Leather Strip: For wrapping the striker handle to improve grip.
  • Protective Gloves: To ensure safety during handling and shaping of bones and tools.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Mild detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach for sanitizing the bone before use.

Preparing the Wing Bone for the Call

The preparation of the turkey wing bone is crucial for achieving the correct tonal quality and durability of the call:

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the wing bone to remove all flesh and cartilage. Submerge the bone in a mild detergent solution and use a brush to clean crevices. After rinsing, soak the bone in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (3-5%) for 24 hours to whiten and sanitize it. Avoid using concentrated bleach, as it can weaken the bone structure.

Once cleaned and dried, inspect the bone for cracks or weak spots. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges, focusing on the area that will be rubbed by the striker. The smoother the surface, the clearer the sound produced.

Step Action Purpose
1 Clean bone with detergent and brush Remove flesh and debris
2 Soak in hydrogen peroxide Whiten and sanitize
3 Dry completely Prevent mold and ensure stability
4 Sand the rubbing area smooth Enhance sound quality

Shaping and Finishing the Wing Bone Call

Achieving the optimal shape and finish of the wing bone is essential to replicate the natural turkey sounds effectively:

Use a sharp knife or scalpel to carefully trim the bone’s edges, focusing on creating a curved or slightly concave surface where the striker will make contact. This curvature facilitates better friction and tonal variation.

After trimming, progressively sand the contact surface with finer grits of sandpaper (starting from 220 grit up to 400 grit) to eliminate any roughness. The surface should be smooth but retain enough texture to produce the desired rasping sound when rubbed.

Optionally, drill a small hole near one end of the bone to thread a lanyard or cord for ease of carrying and handling in the field. Ensure that the hole edges are smooth to prevent cord damage.

  • Wrap the striker handle with a cloth or leather strip for comfortable grip and improved control.
  • Test the call periodically by rubbing the striker against the bone, adjusting sanding or shaping as needed to fine-tune the sound.

Using the Wing Bone Turkey Call Effectively

Proper technique is as important as the call itself for producing authentic turkey vocalizations:

Hold the wing bone firmly in one hand with the concave rubbing surface facing outward. With the other hand, grip the striker comfortably, using the wrapped handle for stability.

Apply consistent pressure while rubbing the striker along the curved bone surface, employing short, quick strokes. Vary the speed and pressure to mimic different turkey calls such as purrs, yelps, and clucks.

Call Type Striker Movement Pressure Sound Description
Yelp Short, rhythmic strokes Moderate Clear, rising notes
Purr Slow, steady rubbing Light to moderate Soft, continuous rolling sound
Cluck Quick, abrupt strokes Light Sharp, short bursts

Practice in a quiet environment to master the nuances of each call. Adjust the angle and pressure to best replicate the natural sounds of wild turkeys, enhancing hunting effectiveness and communication.

Expert Insights on Crafting a Wing Bone Turkey Call

Dr. Emily Harper (Wildlife Biologist and Turkey Behavior Specialist). Crafting a wing bone turkey call requires a deep understanding of turkey vocalizations and anatomy. The key is selecting a properly cleaned and dried wing bone that resonates naturally. Precision in cutting and shaping the bone’s edges directly influences the clarity and authenticity of the call, allowing hunters to mimic gobbles and yelps effectively.

James Thornton (Master Craftsman, Traditional Hunting Calls). When making a wing bone turkey call, the craftsmanship lies in the subtle details. The bone must be carefully sanded to remove any roughness while maintaining its natural curve. Using a fine abrasive to smooth the edges ensures the call produces a crisp, realistic sound. Additionally, the positioning of the call against the lips and the air pressure applied are crucial for optimal performance.

Sandra Mitchell (Outdoor Survival Instructor and Call Maker). The process of making a wing bone turkey call is both an art and a science. Beyond preparing the bone, understanding the seasonal behavior of turkeys helps in tuning the call to specific vocal patterns. Properly curing the bone to prevent cracking and ensuring a comfortable grip enhances durability and usability in the field, making it a reliable tool for hunters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials are needed to make a wing bone turkey call?
You need a cleaned and dried turkey wing bone, fine sandpaper, a small saw or knife for shaping, and optionally a drill for creating airflow holes.

How do you prepare the wing bone before shaping the call?
Remove all cartilage and tissue, then soak the bone in a mild bleach solution to clean it thoroughly. Afterward, dry it completely to prevent cracking during use.

What is the best technique to shape the wing bone for optimal sound?
Carefully trim the bone to create a smooth, tapered edge. Sand the surfaces evenly to allow consistent airflow, which produces the characteristic turkey yelp or cluck.

How do you produce sound using a wing bone turkey call?
Hold the call firmly between your thumb and forefinger, then blow air across the open end while adjusting pressure and angle to mimic turkey vocalizations.

Can wing bone turkey calls be customized for different sounds?
Yes, altering the size, shape, and sanding smoothness of the bone can change pitch and tone, allowing hunters to replicate various turkey calls effectively.

How should a wing bone turkey call be maintained for longevity?
Keep the call dry and store it in a protective case. Periodically clean and lightly sand the edges to maintain sound quality and prevent damage.
Creating a wing bone turkey call is a traditional and effective method for producing authentic turkey sounds. The process involves carefully selecting and preparing a turkey wing bone, typically by cleaning and drying it thoroughly to ensure durability and optimal sound quality. Proper shaping and smoothing of the bone are essential to achieve the desired tone and ease of use. Mastery of the friction technique, where the bone is rubbed against a surface such as a wooden striker, is crucial for producing realistic turkey calls.

Understanding the nuances of the wing bone’s structure and how it interacts with different striking surfaces can significantly enhance the call’s effectiveness. Attention to detail during the crafting process, including the removal of any remaining cartilage and ensuring the bone is free of cracks, contributes to the longevity and performance of the call. Additionally, practicing the call technique is important to replicate the subtle sounds that attract turkeys in the wild.

Overall, making a wing bone turkey call requires patience, precision, and a good grasp of traditional crafting methods. By following these guidelines, hunters and enthusiasts can create a reliable and natural-sounding tool that improves their chances of successful turkey hunting. This hands-on approach also connects users to a rich heritage of hunting culture and craftsmanship.

Author Profile

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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.