Every archery turkey hunter should master the diaphragm call because it allows the hunter to manipulate the turkey and have both hands free to draw a bow or raise a crossbow. Eddie Salter is a champion turkey caller many times over and is so successful that he has accrued the nickname “The Turkey Man.” Box and slate callers are ideal for locating and drawing a turkey closer to your blind or setup, yet once the bird enters sight distance, using them becomes problematic.
Practice in the Truck
As a young man, I tried using a diaphragm caller but gagged constantly. I had a dentist make an impression of my teeth and sent that off to a dentist in Texas who made a diaphragm holder to fit my mouth. Ironically, that device taught me that I was putting the diaphragm in my mouth backward LOL. Soon, I could switch to standard mouth calls for deer and elk. Practicing at home can annoy others, so I often keep calls in my vehicle and practice on the way to work or a hunt.
Match the Cadence
I’ve had the good fortune to hunt with Eddie Salter on several occasions, and he stresses the importance of “give them what you get.” Matching the cadence of a calling turkey is more important than matching the tone or pitch. To call a gobbler with hens, it’s often best to call the hens so that the gobbler tags along. If the lead hen makes five yelps, you should make five. If it’s a fly-down situation where the dominant hen calls repeatedly, match the same cadence it uses.
