Quick Answer
To mimic a hen during courtship, use a cadence of 15-20 clucks and yelps per minute, with a mix of 5-7 short yelps and 8-12 clucks. This should sound like a lively, energetic hen searching for her tom. Vary the pitch and tone to convey excitement and interest.
Understanding the Hen’s Call Patterns
When a hen is searching for her tom, she uses a variety of clucks and yelps to locate him. The key is to mimic this pattern, which typically consists of short, high-pitched yelps followed by longer, more nasal clucks. Research has shown that hens use this pattern to communicate with toms, and by mimicking it, you can attract male turkeys.
Techniques for Mimicking the Hen’s Call
To get started, try using a mouth call or diaphragm call to produce a loud, clear yelp. Next, add in some short clucks to mimic the hen’s searching pattern. Aim for a total of 15-20 calls per minute, with a mix of 5-7 yelps and 8-12 clucks. Vary the pitch and tone of your calls to convey energy and excitement, just like a hen searching for her tom. Practice this pattern to get a feel for the rhythm and flow of a hen’s call.
Tips for Effective Calling
When calling during courtship, it’s essential to be consistent and persistent. Toms are used to hearing a hen’s call, so they’ll be less likely to respond if you’re inconsistent or quiet for too long. To increase your chances of success, try calling in short, 2-3 minute sessions, followed by a 2-3 minute pause. This will allow you to give the tom a chance to respond, and also help you conserve your vocal energy. Remember to stay focused and patient, and you’ll be more likely to attract a tom to your call.
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