The Sounds of The Wild Turkey

Turkey calling is like any other type of wild game calling in that there are lots of experts and lots of advice.  I believe the true experts don't wear Realtree or MossyOak but are the actual birds!  Here  are links to the various sounds made by the Wild Turkey courtesy of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:

1.  The Cluck - You'll typically hear the cluck in one to three short notes.  Hens will use this when calling to a gobbler.

2.  Putt - When you hear the putt, beware because this is typically used in alarm situations.  If you've got a Tom in and he starts putting, you better take the shot if you have one because he'll be leaving soon.

3.  The Tree Call - Tree Calls are what you hear from hens when they are waking up.  It can be a mixture of putts, purrs, quiet yelping, and even Kee Kee's.

4.  The Yelp - The basic sound made by a hen.   One of the first calls you need to be proficient with when you turkey hunt.

5.  The Cutting Hen - The calling of an excited hen.  This call is great for getting that Tom into range but takes practice.

6.  Assembly Call - Heard in the fall especially when a flock has been disturbed.  The hens will use this call to reassemble the flock.

7.  Fly Down Cackle - Heard when the hen flies down out of the tree.

8.  Kee Kee Run -  The calling of an immature hen.
 
9.  Purr - The soft rolling call of a contented hen.

10.  Cluck & Purr - Another variation of the purr that includes a cluck.

11.  Gobbling - What we all love to hear from the Boss Tom.


Grab your favorite call and listen to these and you'll get an idea on how the "true" experts make their noises.