How To Use A Wingbone Turkey Call
Introduction
The wingbone turkey call is as old as the hills. It has been used for centuries by native American hunters to attract hard hunting birds. These birds are attracted by the nonthreatening tonal quality of the sound of the wingbone turkey call. The best calls are made using the three main bones of the turkey - the ulna, the radius, and the humerus - which explains how the call got its name. Some hunters also use calls using wood or other bones.
Tools
The wingbone turkey call yelper
Instructions
Difficulty Level - Difficult
Step One: Holding The Wingbone Yelper
There are different ways to hold the wingbone yelper. However, the principles are the same. The idea is to hold the wingbone instrument between the base of your thumb and index finger, and close the top of your index finger over it. Taking your other hand, cup the first one by placing the other thumb over the area where the index finger of the first hand closes. You are now holding the instrument correctly.
Step Two: Starting Out
The mouthpiece of the instrument must be held correctly for the sounds to come out. Tightly close your lips and press the wingbone end into it, or alternatively, insert it on the side of the lips. Ensuring that your lips are covering one end of the instrument, suck in the air and keep practicing till a smacking sound comes out. This could take some time, so while you practice, do not become frustrated if you do not hear sounds in the beginning.
Step Three: Practice, Practice, And More Practice!
The first type of call that you will learn is a yelping sound. You need to keep practicing until this sound comes out easily. The next thing to do is to try out different pitches of yelping. Remember, you must start with basic exercises to improve your tones and sound sequences. Practice breathing through the nose as it will help you to control the tones of the calls. When you begin, start out with short tones, which require the use of mouth and jaw. As you progress to longer screeching tones, you will be using your throat. The breathing technique, through the nose, will make it easy for you to practice and master long tones as well. The pitch of the sound is dependent on air. The greater the amount of air that is sucked in, the louder the volume of the sound.
Step Three: Learn Different Calls And Refine Sounds
As you practice, you will be able to refine the quality of the calls. Try to learn more about the various bird calls. Doing so will enable you to apply the new knowledge to your practice sessions. Slowly, you will gain mastery over making softer or louder sounds, as the situation demands.
Tips
Take time to practice even if you become good at the calls. This will help to maintain tonal quality.
Do not lose patience. It takes time to learn, so keep at it and you will master the wingbone!