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How to Make Your Own Turkey Calls?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

To make your own turkey calls, gather materials like wood, plastic, or metal for the body, reeds or plastic for the diaphragm, and a drill and sandpaper for shaping. Use a specific technique to assemble and tune the call. Practice makes perfect, so be prepared to experiment.

Gathering Materials

To begin, choose a suitable body material like wood, plastic, or metal. For a traditional wood call, opt for a hardwood like walnut or maple. If you prefer a more durable option, consider plastic or metal. Next, select reeds or plastic for the diaphragm. For a wood call, use 3-5 reeds, and for a plastic call, use a single piece. For a metal call, choose a thin metal sheet.

Assembling the Call

To assemble the call, start by shaping the body material into a cylindrical shape using a drill and sandpaper. The body should be about 6-8 inches long and 1-2 inches in diameter. Next, attach the diaphragm to the body using a strong adhesive or screws. If using reeds, space them evenly apart to create a uniform tone.

Tuning the Call

To tune the call, start by making a series of short, high-pitched notes. This will help you locate the perfect pitch. Next, use a drill and sandpaper to adjust the reeds or diaphragm to achieve the desired tone. For a wood call, you may need to adjust the reed spacing or angle to get the desired pitch. For a plastic or metal call, use a drill to adjust the diaphragm thickness or angle. Practice makes perfect, so be prepared to experiment with different settings and techniques to find the perfect sound for your Nebraska turkeys.

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