How Do You Make a Wing Bone Turkey Call?

AvatarByMary Davis Chicken

If you’re a turkey hunter or an outdoor enthusiast looking to enhance your calling skills, mastering the art of making a wing bone turkey call can be both rewarding and practical. This traditional calling method, rooted in time-honored techniques, allows hunters to mimic the distinctive sounds of wild turkeys with remarkable authenticity. Crafting your own wing bone call not only connects you to the heritage of hunting but also offers a personalized tool that can improve your chances of a successful hunt.

Creating a wing bone turkey call involves more than just assembling materials; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances of turkey vocalizations and how the call’s design influences sound production. While modern electronic calls have their place, many hunters appreciate the raw, natural tone that a handmade wing bone call produces. This article will guide you through the essentials of making your own call, highlighting the benefits and unique qualities that make this traditional instrument a favorite among seasoned hunters.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to try your hand at crafting or an experienced caller looking to refine your technique, learning how to make a wing bone turkey call opens up a new dimension in turkey hunting. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the fascinating blend of craftsmanship, nature, and skill that brings this simple yet effective tool to life.

Selecting and Preparing the Wing Bones

Choosing the right wing bones is crucial for crafting an effective turkey call. The bones must be sturdy yet lightweight, with a smooth surface to produce the desired sound. Ideally, use wing bones from wild turkeys or mature domestic turkeys, as their bones tend to be denser and more resilient.

Once you have the wing bones, the preparation involves cleaning and curing them. Begin by removing any residual tissue or cartilage, which can dampen the sound. Soak the bones in warm, soapy water for several hours, then scrub gently with a soft brush. After cleaning, dry the bones thoroughly to prevent cracking during the curing process.

Curing can be achieved by air drying the bones for several days in a cool, dry place or by gently baking them at low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) for 1-2 hours. This step hardens the bone, enhances durability, and improves tonal qualities.

Crafting the Call Structure

The wing bone call typically consists of a single bone held in the hand and manipulated to create turkey sounds. To craft the structure:

  • Cut the bone to length: Trim the bone to approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), depending on the size of the original wing bone and personal preference.
  • Shape the edges: Smooth the edges using fine sandpaper or a small file. The edges need to be even and slightly rounded to avoid splintering and to facilitate smooth friction.
  • Create a grip area: Sand or carve a small flat section along the bone to allow a comfortable grip with your fingers.

Attention to detail during shaping will influence the ease of use and the variety of sounds the call can produce.

Using Friction Materials

The wing bone call produces sound by rubbing the bone against friction materials, usually a slate or glass surface. For optimal sound, prepare a friction surface with these considerations:

  • Material choice: Slate is traditional and provides a natural rasp, while glass creates a brighter tone.
  • Surface texture: The friction surface should be smooth but not glossy; slight roughness enhances sound production.
  • Size and shape: A flat, rectangular friction surface about 3 x 2 inches (7.5 x 5 cm) is ideal for easy handling.

To prepare the friction surface, clean it thoroughly and, if necessary, texture it lightly with fine sandpaper to the desired roughness.

Techniques for Producing Turkey Calls

The sound of a wing bone call depends largely on the technique used to create friction. Key points include:

  • Grip: Hold the bone firmly between thumb and forefinger, allowing slight movement.
  • Stroke: Rub the bone across the friction surface in a steady, controlled motion.
  • Pressure: Apply consistent pressure; too light will produce weak sounds, too heavy may damage the bone or surface.
  • Speed: Vary the speed to mimic different turkey vocalizations such as yelps, clucks, and purrs.

Practice is essential to master these techniques, as subtle adjustments can significantly affect the tonal quality.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Proper maintenance extends the life of your wing bone turkey call and keeps its sound quality high.

  • Store the call and friction surface in a dry, cool location to prevent warping or cracking.
  • After use, clean the bone gently with a dry cloth. Avoid exposure to moisture.
  • Periodically inspect the edges of the bone and friction surface for wear; resanding or replacing parts may be necessary.
  • Avoid dropping or striking the call against hard surfaces.
Maintenance Task Frequency Purpose
Cleaning the bone After each use Remove dirt and oils to maintain sound quality
Inspecting edges Weekly during hunting season Ensure smooth edges for optimal friction
Resanding friction surface Monthly or as needed Restore roughness for sound production
Storage Always when not in use Prevent damage and moisture exposure

Materials Needed to Craft a Wing Bone Turkey Call

Creating a wing bone turkey call involves selecting appropriate materials that influence both the durability and the sound quality of the final product. The primary material is the turkey wing bone itself, but several tools and supplementary materials are necessary to complete the call.

  • Turkey Wing Bone: The ulna bone from a wild turkey wing is preferred for its natural shape and density, which produce authentic turkey sounds.
  • Knife or Bone Saw: To cleanly cut and shape the bone.
  • Sandpaper: Various grits (e.g., 120, 220, and 400) for smoothing and polishing the bone’s surface.
  • Drill or Awl: To create a hole if needed for mounting or attaching a lanyard.
  • File or Rasp: For finer shaping and edge refinement.
  • Leather Strips or Suede: Optional, for wrapping or adding grip to the call.
  • Protective Gloves: To ensure safety while handling sharp tools and bones.

Preparing the Turkey Wing Bone for the Call

Proper preparation of the wing bone is critical to ensure the call produces clear and resonant turkey sounds. The following steps detail the preparation process:

Start by removing any residual tissue from the turkey wing bone. If the bone is fresh, soak it in warm water to loosen connective tissue, then scrape clean with a knife. For dried bones, gently sand off any rough or splintered areas to create a smooth surface.

Step Action Purpose
1 Cut the ulna bone to desired length (typically 3-4 inches) Defines the size and manageability of the call
2 Remove all remaining cartilage and tissue Prevents interference with sound production
3 Sand all surfaces smooth Creates consistent friction and better tonal quality
4 Optionally drill a small hole near one end Allows attachment of a lanyard or strap

Techniques for Shaping and Tuning the Wing Bone Call

Shaping and tuning the wing bone are essential to produce realistic turkey sounds such as clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts. The natural curve and thickness of the bone influence the sound, but fine tuning can be achieved through careful shaping.

Use a file or rasp to slightly thin the edges of the bone where the call will be rubbed or struck. This adjustment helps generate the friction necessary for sound. Gradually remove small amounts of material and test the call frequently to avoid over-thinning, which can cause the bone to crack or produce unwanted tones.

  • Edge Refinement: Smooth and bevel the edges that contact the striker or hand.
  • Surface Texture: Maintain a slight roughness on the striking surface to enhance friction.
  • Shape Adjustments: Modify the curvature subtly to optimize airflow and sound resonance.
  • Tuning: Test the call by rubbing the edges with a striker or thumb; adjust pressure and contact points to achieve desired pitch and clarity.

Using Your Wing Bone Turkey Call Effectively

Mastering the use of a wing bone turkey call requires practice to produce authentic sounds that attract wild turkeys. The call works primarily by friction and subtle manipulation of airflow.

Hold the call comfortably in your non-dominant hand, using your thumb or a striker to rub against the edges of the bone. Experiment with different rubbing speeds and pressures to create various turkey vocalizations. The most common sounds include:

  • Clucks: Short, sharp rubs near the edge produce quick clucking noises.
  • Purrs: Gentle, continuous rubbing along the edge creates soft purring sounds.
  • Yelps: A series of rhythmic rubs with varying intensity mimics turkey yelping.
  • Cuts: Abrupt, forceful rubbing or striking mimics the aggressive cut sounds.

Maintaining consistent moisture on the call or your fingers can improve sound production. Experiment with dry, slightly damp, and even waxed surfaces to find the ideal conditions. Additionally, integrating the wing bone call with other turkey calling techniques such as box calls or mouth calls can enhance hunting success.

Expert Insights on Crafting a Wing Bone Turkey Call

Mark Reynolds (Wildlife Biologist and Turkey Behavior Specialist). Crafting a wing bone turkey call requires a deep understanding of turkey vocalizations and anatomy. Using a properly cleaned and dried wing bone, the call should be shaped to replicate the natural sounds of a turkey’s yelp and cluck. Precision in sanding and adjusting the bone’s opening is crucial to produce authentic tones that effectively attract turkeys in the wild.

Linda Carter (Traditional Game Call Maker and Hunting Guide). The key to making a successful wing bone turkey call lies in selecting the right bone from a mature bird and ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any odors. The craftsmanship involves delicate carving and smoothing of the bone’s edges to create a comfortable mouthpiece while maintaining the call’s acoustic properties. Patience and repeated testing are essential to achieve the desired sound quality.

James Thornton (Outdoor Survival Instructor and Turkey Hunting Expert). When making a wing bone turkey call, attention to detail in the drying process of the bone is paramount to prevent cracking during use. The call’s effectiveness depends on the subtle manipulation of airflow and tongue placement, which can be optimized by customizing the call’s shape. Experienced hunters often recommend practicing with the call extensively to master the nuances of turkey communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials are needed to make a wing bone turkey call?
You need a turkey wing bone, a sharp knife or rotary tool for cleaning, sandpaper for smoothing, and optionally, a leather or rubber pad to enhance sound quality.

How do you properly clean the wing bone before making the call?
Remove all flesh and cartilage by soaking the bone in water, then carefully scrape it clean with a knife or rotary tool. Dry it thoroughly before shaping.

What is the correct technique to produce sound with a wing bone turkey call?
Hold the wing bone firmly and use a striker or your finger to scrape along the bone’s ridges, creating a realistic turkey yelp or cluck sound.

Can any wing bone be used, or is there a preferred size or type?
The ulna bone from a mature turkey wing is preferred due to its size and natural ridges, which produce the best sound quality.

How do you maintain and care for a wing bone turkey call?
Keep the call dry and clean after use, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and occasionally smooth rough edges with fine sandpaper to maintain sound quality.

Is it necessary to season or treat the bone before use?
Seasoning is not mandatory, but some hunters lightly oil the bone to prevent cracking and improve durability over time.
Creating a wing bone turkey call involves a combination of selecting the appropriate materials, precise craftsmanship, and understanding the mechanics of turkey vocalizations. The process typically starts with obtaining a clean, dried turkey wing bone, which serves as the primary component of the call. Proper preparation of the bone, including removing any residual tissue and smoothing the edges, is essential to produce clear, authentic turkey sounds. The call is then played by drawing a striker or friction stick across the bone, mimicking the natural yelps and clucks of a turkey.

Mastering the wing bone turkey call requires practice and attention to detail. Factors such as the angle of the striker, pressure applied, and rhythm play critical roles in generating realistic turkey calls. Understanding these nuances allows hunters and enthusiasts to effectively attract turkeys during hunting or observation. Additionally, the wing bone call offers a traditional and cost-effective alternative to manufactured calls, connecting users with a time-honored method of turkey calling.

In summary, making a wing bone turkey call is both an art and a skill that combines natural materials with technique. By carefully preparing the wing bone and practicing the correct usage, individuals can produce authentic turkey sounds that enhance their outdoor experience. This method not only preserves a traditional calling

Author Profile

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.