Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the sun is just peeking over the trees, and you hear a gobble in the distance. You’re ready for the hunt, but something feels missing. What if you could grab the attention of that tom turkey with a sound that nature itself uses? That’s where the owl call comes in, and for many turkey hunters, it’s a secret weapon.
But choosing the *right* owl call can be confusing. There are so many kinds, and it’s tough to know which one will actually sound like a real owl to a wary gobbler. Do you need a loud one? A soft one? What’s the difference, and why does it matter? If you’ve ever felt lost trying to pick an owl call, you’re not alone. Many hunters worry they’re missing out on a key piece of calling gear.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a good owl call and how to use it to your advantage. By the end, you’ll understand how to pick a call that works for you and how to make it sound convincing. Get ready to learn how to use the owl’s hoot to bring those turkeys closer!
Our Top 5 Owl Call For Turkey Hunting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Owl Call For Turkey Hunting Detailed Reviews
1. Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking to add some serious owl sounds to your hunting arsenal? The Primos Hunting Hoot Flute Owl Call in Black 314 is built to impress. This call is designed for everyone, from seasoned pros to casual hunters. It’s super loud, so you can be sure your calls will carry. Plus, it’s made to be tough and easy to take with you anywhere.
What We Like:
- It’s loud! This call really projects, helping you get noticed by your target.
- You get lots of sound options. With three tuning holes, you can create eight different tones and frequencies.
- It sounds real. You can easily make the distinct hoots of both barred owls and great horned owls.
- It’s built to last. The durable design means it can handle the demands of the outdoors.
- It’s easy to carry. You can slip it into your pack or pocket without any trouble.
- It works for different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this call fits your needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sound is great, some users might want even more advanced customization options for very specific owl dialects.
- The black color, while classic, could potentially be seen by wary game in certain lighting conditions. A camouflage option might be beneficial for some hunters.
The Primos Hoot Flute is a powerful and versatile tool for any hunter. It delivers realistic owl sounds and is built to last, making it a solid investment.
2. ESH Owl Call for Turkey Hunting – Pure Owl Hoot Turkey Calls for Hunting – Real Maple Wood Bird Call & Trapping Supplies – Perfect Turkey Call for Beginners & Pro Hunters – Turkey Hunting Gear
Rating: 8.5/10
The ESH Owl Call for Turkey Hunting is designed to help you find those big gobblers during spring hunting season. This call makes realistic owl hoots and sounds, mimicking the variety of vocalizations owls make. It’s a great tool for both new hunters and experienced pros looking to add to their turkey hunting gear.
What We Like:
- Realistic Sounds: This owl call produces authentic hoots that are known to make turkeys gobble, especially in the spring.
- Effective Attraction: It’s crafted to bring in big turkeys by creating a realistic tone and volume that often triggers shock gobbles.
- Quality Material: Hand-carved in the USA from real maple wood, it provides pure, clear owl sounds.
- Easy to Use: Even beginners can blow this call easily to reach those tricky pitches that excite turkeys.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: The company offers a hassle-free refund if you’re not happy with the call.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if there are different owl sound options available.
- While it’s easy to blow, a beginner might benefit from a quick start guide or tutorial on how to best use it.
This ESH Owl Call is a solid choice for any turkey hunter wanting to improve their success rate. Its realistic sounds and quality construction make it a reliable piece of hunting gear.
3. Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call
Rating: 8.8/10
The Duck Commander Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call is a must-have tool for any turkey hunter. This call is designed to help you find gobblers, especially in the early morning or late evening. Its realistic sound will make turkeys respond. It’s made by people who love turkey hunting and want you to be successful.
What We Like:
- The Hootie Owl Call makes a realistic barred owl sound.
- It has a great tone and volume.
- It reliably gets shock gobbles from turkeys.
- It’s easy for anyone to use, from beginners to experts.
- It’s designed by experienced turkey hunters.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the call is effective, some hunters might prefer a wider variety of owl sounds.
- The durability of the lanyard or carrying strap could be a bit more robust for heavy use.
This turkey call is a fantastic addition to your hunting gear. Its ability to locate gobblers makes it a valuable asset in the field. Get ready to fill your tag with the Hootie Owl Turkey Locator Call.
4. PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call
Rating: 9.1/10
The PRIMOS Hunting Power Owl Turkey Locator Call in Black is designed to help you find turkeys in the woods. It makes the sound of a barred owl, which turkeys often respond to. This call is made to be loud enough to hear far away, helping you locate even shy gobblers.
What We Like:
- It makes a realistic 8-note barred owl call.
- The call has a special rasp that only close turkeys hear.
- It’s designed for super-loud locating to find turkeys easily.
- The improved design stops the reeds from sticking.
- You can change the sounds and pitches using back pressure.
- It works for all hunters, from pros to beginners.
- It uses automatic back pressure for easier control.
What Could Be Improved:
- While loud, some might find the rasp a bit too subtle for initial long-distance locating.
- The “automatic back pressure” might take a little practice for absolute beginners to master for varied tones.
This call is a powerful tool for any turkey hunter. It helps you locate birds effectively and has features that make it user-friendly for everyone.
5. Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl
Rating: 9.4/10
The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl is a special turkey call designed for hunters. Scott Ellis, a well-known name in turkey calls, created it. This call is made to help you get ready for the spring turkey woods. It’s meant to sound very realistic, like a real owl. This can help you get the attention of wild turkeys.
What We Like:
- Scott Ellis designed it, so you know it’s made by an expert.
- It’s perfect for the spring turkey woods, giving you an edge.
- Its versatility means it can make different sounds to attract turkeys.
- It has championship quality tone and sound, making it sound like the real thing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The name “Ninja Owl” might be a bit mysterious for some hunters.
- More colors or designs could make it more appealing to a wider audience.
The Woodhaven Calls Custom Calls Ninja Owl offers top-notch sound for turkey hunting. Its expert design and realistic calls make it a valuable tool for any serious hunter.
Choosing the Right Owl Call for Turkey Hunting
So, you’re heading into the woods to hunt turkeys. That’s exciting! To get a turkey’s attention, you need to sound like one of their buddies. That’s where an owl call comes in. Turkeys respect owls, and a good owl call can bring a gobbler right into your lap. Let’s find the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out an owl call, keep these things in mind:
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. The call needs to make a realistic owl sound. Listen to real owls if you can. Does the call sound similar? A good call has clear hoots and yelps.
- Ease of Use: You don’t want to be fumbling with your call when a turkey is nearby. The best calls are simple to operate. Some are mouth calls, and others are box calls or tube calls. Pick one that feels comfortable in your hands and is easy to make noise with.
- Durability: You’ll be out in the elements. Your call needs to be tough. It should withstand rain, dirt, and being carried in your hunting pack. Look for calls made from strong materials.
- Variety of Sounds: Some calls can make different owl sounds. This is helpful because different owl species make different noises. A versatile call can help you attract more turkeys in different situations.
Important Materials
The stuff your owl call is made of really matters. It affects how it sounds and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Many great box calls are made from wood. Different types of wood, like cedar or pine, give different tones. Wood can create a warm, natural sound.
- Plastic: Plastic is a common material. It’s usually durable and can be waterproof. Some plastic calls can sound very realistic.
- Acrylic: This is a type of plastic that can create a sharp, clear sound. Acrylic calls are often very consistent.
- Bone or Antler: Some high-end calls use these natural materials. They can produce unique and very authentic sounds.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make an owl call better or worse.
- Hand-Tuning: When a call is made by hand and carefully tuned, it often sounds much better. This means someone has taken the time to make sure every sound is just right.
- Design: The shape and how the call is put together make a big difference. A well-designed call is easier to use and makes better sounds.
- Weather Resistance: If a call gets wet or dirty and stops working, that’s bad. A quality call can handle a little bit of rough weather.
- Cheap Manufacturing: Calls made very quickly or with low-quality materials often sound fake. They might not last long either.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does using an owl call feel, and when do you use it?
- Calling in Turkeys: The main goal is to get a turkey’s attention. You use owl calls to mimic an owl’s hoot. Turkeys often respond to owl sounds, especially in the morning or evening. They might come closer to investigate or to warn the owl away.
- Practice: You should practice using your call before you go hunting. This helps you get the right sounds and makes you feel more confident.
- Different Times of Day: Owl calls can work at any time, but they are often very effective in the early morning, just before sunrise, or in the late evening, as the sun starts to set.
- Different Hunting Styles: Whether you’re sitting still or moving through the woods, an owl call can be a useful tool. A smaller, easier-to-carry call is good for moving. A call that makes a big sound is great for sitting in one spot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Owl Calls for Turkey Hunting
Q: What is an owl call used for in turkey hunting?
A: An owl call is used to mimic the sound of an owl. Turkeys react to owl sounds, and this can help you attract them closer to you.
Q: What makes an owl call sound realistic?
A: Realistic sounds come from good design and quality materials. It should sound like a real owl’s hoot or yelp.
Q: Are wood or plastic owl calls better?
A: Both can be good. Wood often makes a warmer sound, while plastic can be more durable and waterproof. The quality of the specific call matters most.
Q: How do I use an owl call?
A: You make owl sounds with it. You can hoot, yelp, or even make a series of hoots. Practice is key to making good sounds.
Q: When is the best time to use an owl call?
A: Early morning and late evening are often the best times. Turkeys are more active then.
Q: Can any owl call attract turkeys?
A: Not all calls work the same. A realistic sound and proper use are important for success.
Q: Should I buy a complicated owl call?
A: No, simpler calls are often better for hunting. You need to be able to use it easily without thinking too much.
Q: How can I tell if an owl call is good quality?
A: Look for strong materials, a good design, and if possible, listen to a sample sound. Reviews from other hunters can also help.
Q: What should I do if a turkey answers my owl call?
A: Stay quiet and be ready. The turkey might come closer to see what’s happening.
Q: Can I use an owl call in any weather?
A: Some calls are better in wet weather than others. Durable, waterproof calls are best for all conditions.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!