Is it necessary to have multiple calls in your setup for roosted turkeys?

Call Selection and Placement

When hunting roosted turkeys, using a single call that imitates the hen’s morning yelp or cluck can be effective in initially drawing in the birds. However, using a combination of calls, such as a hen’s yelp and a young poult’s chirp, can help to keep the birds engaged and within shooting distance. For example, a hunter might use a hen call to initially draw in the birds, and then switch to a poult call to keep them coming in.

Call Volume and Distance

When using calls to attract roosted turkeys, it’s essential to consider the volume and distance of the calls. A hen call should be loud enough to carry a significant distance but not so loud that it scares the birds away. A good rule of thumb is to use a call volume of about 80-90 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a normal conversation. In terms of distance, a hunter should try to place their calls within 100-200 yards of the roost, as this will allow the calls to carry without being too loud or startling the birds.

Call Timing and Repetition

In addition to selecting the right calls and considering volume and distance, hunters should also pay attention to the timing and repetition of their calls. For example, a hen call should be used to initially draw in the birds, and then repeated at 10-15 second intervals to keep the birds engaged. A poult call, on the other hand, should be used in shorter bursts, such as 2-3 seconds, to help keep the birds coming in. By paying attention to call timing and repetition, hunters can create a more realistic and engaging calling sequence that will help to keep the turkeys within shooting distance.