Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear that magical gobble. You want to call that turkey closer, but your call just isn’t sounding right. Frustrating, right? Choosing the perfect box call for turkey hunting can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and wood types. It’s easy to get lost in all the choices and end up with a call that doesn’t quite do the job.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great box call and how to pick one that will sound like the real thing. You’ll learn about the different parts of a box call and how they work together to create those irresistible turkey sounds. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about choosing a box call that will help you bring that gobbler right to your spot.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to finding your perfect turkey-calling partner. Get ready to improve your calls and your chances of a successful hunt!
Our Top 5 Box Calls For Turkeys Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Box Calls For Turkeys Detailed Reviews
1. Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Box Call – Native Hardwood Construction Wide Range of Realistic Turkey Sounds
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Box Call is a fantastic tool for any turkey hunter. It’s built to sound just like a real hen turkey. This call helps you attract those gobblers and increases your chances of a successful hunt. Its natural wood construction and careful tuning make it a top choice.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong cherry wood and a maple lid. This makes it durable and sound great.
- Each call is tuned by hand. This gives you really realistic turkey sounds like rasps, yelps, and clucks.
- It’s easy to use. Beginners can make good sounds, and experienced hunters can do complex calls.
- The wood looks beautiful. It’s a good-looking call that works very well.
- It’s made with machines for accuracy. This means every call sounds the same and is very effective.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some hunters.
- While durable, very rough handling could still damage the wood.
This box call offers a great blend of beauty and performance. It’s a reliable companion for any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their calling skills.
2. STRUT Commander Waterproof Turkey Box Call – Hand-Tuned Poplar/Jatoba Wood – Dual-Sided for Realistic Yelps Cutts Clucks and Purrs – Pre-Chalked for Easy Use – Tempest Call
Rating: 9.3/10
The STRUT Commander Waterproof Turkey Box Call is a game-changer for any turkey hunter. It’s built tough and sounds amazing, helping you call in those elusive gobblers. This call is designed to be your reliable partner in the woods, no matter the weather.
What We Like:
- It’s waterproof, so you can hunt in any weather.
- The dual-sided design lets you make many different turkey sounds.
- It comes pre-chalked and ready to use right away.
- It’s made from strong Poplar and Jatoba wood for great sound.
- It’s made in the USA by skilled craftsmen.
- It’s durable and easy to carry, weighing only 13 oz.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some hunters might prefer a lighter option for very long treks.
This call delivers realistic sounds and is built to last. It’s a fantastic tool for both new and experienced turkey hunters looking for success in the field.
3. Quaker Boy – The Box Turkey Box Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Quaker Boy Turkey Box Call is a great tool for hunters. It helps you make realistic turkey sounds. This call is designed for easy use. It’s also small, so you can carry it easily in your hunting pack. This makes it a convenient choice for any turkey hunt.
What We Like:
- It is very easy to use, even for beginners.
- Its compact size makes it simple to pack and carry.
- The call produces realistic turkey sounds to attract game.
- It is built for the sport of hunting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The country of origin is China.
- The material is plastic, which some hunters might prefer to be wood.
This box call offers a user-friendly experience and portability. It’s a good option for hunters looking for an effective and simple way to call turkeys.
4. Lynch World Champion Turkey Box Call
Rating: 9.3/10
The Lynch World Champion Turkey Box Call is a top-notch tool for any serious turkey hunter. Crafted by experienced hunters, this call is built to help you bring home that gobbler. Its excellent design and quality materials make it stand out from the rest. This call is made to sound just like a real turkey.
What We Like:
- Handmade in the USA by experts who know turkey hunting.
- Tuned by hand for perfect, realistic turkey sounds.
- Made from straight-grain mahogany wood.
- Mahogany wood creates calls that plastic calls can’t match.
- It’s designed to sound very natural and convincing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some beginners.
- Availability can sometimes be limited because each one is handmade.
If you want to improve your turkey hunting success, this call is a smart investment. It offers a natural sound that will help you outsmart even the wariest birds.
5. Strut Commander Turkey Call Dugout Pallbearer Box Turkey Calls For Hunting
Rating: 9.5/10
The Strut Commander Turkey Call Dugout Pallbearer Box Turkey Call is a fantastic piece of gear for any turkey hunter. It’s built tough, works great, and won’t break the bank. This call is made by hand in the USA, so you know it’s built with care and attention to detail. Its dual-sided design means you can make a variety of realistic turkey sounds to attract those gobblers.
What We Like:
- Durable Poplar Wood: This call is made from strong poplar wood, so it can handle tough hunting trips and different kinds of weather. It will last you for many hunting seasons.
- Realistic Two-Tone Turkey Sounds: The dual-sided design lets you make clear yelps and other sounds that sound just like a real turkey. This helps bring gobblers in close.
- Pre-Chalked and Hunt Ready: You don’t need to do any extra work. The call comes already chalked and ready to go as soon as you open it.
- Easy to Use for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or have hunted for years, this call is simple to use. You can easily make different turkey sounds like yelps, cutts, clucks, and purrs with just a little practice.
- Hand-Built in the USA: Each call is carefully made and tuned by skilled workers in the USA who love turkey hunting. This ensures you get a high-quality call.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the poplar wood is durable, some hunters might prefer a call made from a denser hardwood for even greater longevity in extreme conditions.
- The “limited availability” aspect, while suggesting exclusivity, might make it challenging for some hunters to get their hands on this call when they need it.
This Strut Commander turkey call offers a great balance of quality, realism, and affordability. It’s a reliable tool that can help you have a more successful turkey hunting season.
Choosing the Best Box Call for Your Turkey Hunt
Turkey hunting can be an exciting adventure. A big part of the fun is calling in a gobbler. Box calls are a popular choice for turkey hunters. They make realistic turkey sounds. This guide helps you pick the right box call.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a box call, keep these things in mind.
Sound Quality
This is the most important feature. A good box call sounds like a real hen turkey. Listen to different calls if you can. Some calls make clear, crisp sounds. Others might sound a bit raspy. Both can work, but clear sounds are often easier for beginners.
Ease of Use
Some calls are easier to operate than others. The lid of the box slides back and forth. This sliding action makes the sound. A smooth lid is essential. It should not stick or feel rough. You want to be able to make sounds quickly and easily when a turkey is near.
Durability
You will take your call into the woods. It needs to be tough. Look for calls made from strong materials. They should be able to withstand bumps and scrapes. A well-made call will last for many hunting seasons.
Portability
You will carry your box call with you. It should not be too heavy or bulky. Many box calls are lightweight and fit easily into a hunting vest or backpack.
Important Materials
The wood used to make a box call matters a lot. Different woods make different sounds.
Woods for the Box
- Cedar: This is a very popular choice. Cedar wood is lightweight and makes a bright, clear sound. It’s also quite durable.
- Pine: Pine is another good option. It often produces a raspy, realistic sound. Pine is usually less expensive than cedar.
- Poplar: Poplar is a softer wood. It can make a mellow, deep sound.
Woods for the Lid (Paddle)
The lid is what you slide to make the sound.
- Hardwoods: Woods like oak or maple are often used for lids. They are strong and durable. The harder wood helps create a sharp, clear sound when it rubs against the box.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make a box call better or worse.
Craftsmanship
How the call is put together is very important. A good box call is carefully crafted. The seams should be tight. The lid should fit perfectly. Hand-made calls often have excellent craftsmanship. This attention to detail leads to better sound.
Wood Condition
The wood itself needs to be good quality. It should be dry and free of cracks. Wood that is too wet can make muffled sounds.
Tuning and Adjustments
Some box calls allow for adjustments. You might be able to fine-tune how the lid sits. This can change the sound. A call that is well-tuned will sound more realistic.
User Experience and Use Cases
Box calls are versatile. They work well in many situations.
Beginner Friendly
Many hunters find box calls easy to learn. The basic “cluck” and “purr” sounds are simple to make. You can learn to call a turkey with a little practice.
Realistic Sounds
Box calls can make a variety of turkey sounds. You can make hen yelps, clucks, purrs, and even gobble sounds with some calls. These realistic sounds attract curious turkeys.
Versatility
You can use box calls in different types of terrain. They work well in open fields and thick woods. The sound carries well.
When to Use
- Early Morning Hunts: When turkeys are often very vocal.
- Mid-Day Hunts: Turkeys can still be called in during the day.
- Scouting: Use a box call to locate turkeys before your hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Box Calls
Q: What is the easiest type of box call for a beginner?
A: Many beginners find a simple, one-piece box call easiest to use. These calls have the lid attached. They are straightforward to operate.
Q: How do I make a basic turkey sound with a box call?
A: To make a cluck, slide the lid quickly across the edge of the box. For a purr, use a slower, raspier drag of the lid.
Q: Can I use a box call in the rain?
A: Yes, you can. However, wet wood can affect the sound. Try to keep your call as dry as possible. Some hunters use a waterproof bag.
Q: How much does a good box call cost?
A: Prices vary. You can find decent box calls for $20-$30. High-end, custom calls can cost $100 or more.
Q: What is the difference between a box call and a slate call?
A: A box call uses friction between wood to make sound. A slate call uses a striker to rub on a slate surface.
Q: How important is the color of the box call?
A: The color is not very important for sound. It is more about how it looks to the turkey. Natural wood colors are usually best.
Q: Do I need to “break in” a new box call?
A: Some hunters like to practice with a new call to get a feel for it. It’s not always necessary, but it can help you get the best sound.
Q: Can one box call make all the turkey sounds?
A: Most box calls can make basic sounds like clucks and purrs. Some advanced calls can produce a wider range of sounds.
Q: What kind of maintenance does a box call need?
A: Keep it clean and dry. Avoid dropping it. Store it in a safe place.
Q: Is a box call better than a diaphragm call?
A: Both have their advantages. Box calls are often easier for beginners and make loud sounds. Diaphragm calls keep your hands free.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.