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Double Side
Box Calls - from these instruments come the sounds that turn
on the lights for turkey hunters, sounds that put a smile on our face and
brighten an otherwise level moment of life into one of pulse-quickening excitement
and memories.
The purpose of this series is to discuss the various types of
box calls and describe a sampling of techniques in using each call. There
are some solid basics to running a turkey call. Often referred to as the 'proper'
technique. I like to think of these basics as a foundation on which each of
us develops his or her personal style of calling. Who wants to sound exactly
like every other hunter in the woods? The old boss will wise up to that quick.
Rather, it is better for each caller to put his individual style into the
sequence and tempo of the sounds he is making. The goal of better calling
is to make us more successful turkey hunters. Experiment from a foundation
of basic techniques; try your style out on the birds and when it consistently
produces results - lock in!
The information provided, does not come from experience as a
contest caller or from being the most successful hunter in the woods. These
ideas and insights are reflections from conversations and meetings with call
makers and Midwest customers over the past twenty years. It is a pleasure
to pass on information that has been shared with us. But if you ask where that double-bearded, 24 pound boss roosted last night,
well, it was surely the other side of the county.
Section One: Two-Sided Box Calls
Considered by many to be the king of turkey calls, the box
call boasts a list of strong qualities to justify the title: easy to use,
dependable in operation, handsome in appearance, historically significant,
and very effective in calling turkeys. Maybe this is why the box is the most
widely collected of turkey calls.
An inexpensive production box can be a great turkey caller. As craftsmanship
and ornamentation increase, so does the price. Handwork and hand tuning of
these finer quality box calls takes time. Many are considered to be fine art.
As in any trade, better work brings greater compensation. You may ask, "Is
it worth it to buy an expensive box call?" That is a personal decision.
But if pride in ownership, uniqueness of sound, or a diverse collection of
calls is important to you, I would say yes, it is certainly worth it.
Besides craftsmanship, other factors contribute to the sound of a box. Type
of wood used has a distinct effect. For instance, poplar sided calls generally
make a fuller 'yawping' yelp, mahogany or walnut sides give a higher pitched
raspy tone and cedar sides are unequaled for purring. The size, shape and
box design also effect sound.
A frequent but not defining feature of two-sided box calls is the ability
to make the sound of two different hens, one from the right blade and
a different pitch or rasp from the left blade. Some callers and collectors
will seek out a box with 'two hens' in it. Others prefer the same, similar
tone from each side of the box.
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The operation of the box call is quite simple in its basic form. Hold the
box in front of you with your forearms at your side. Wrist action from the
hand that holds the paddle is the only necessary movement. Based on right-handed
usage, the paddle handle will be loosely held in the fingers of the right
hand, the box held gently in the left. Gripping the box or the paddle too
tightly decreases the sound resonance ability of the call and generally sounds
bad. The paddle can be held with thumb on top and index finger beneath or
between index and forefinger perpendicular to the flat paddle.
For the yelp, move the paddle only one inch or so to the right of the right
blade. Drag the lid across using light downward pressure until the high beginning
note breaks off to the lower tone end of the yelp. Now drag the paddle back
across the right blade, without lifting the lid off of the blade, (the box
is designed to not make any sound on this backward drag to enable the caller
to keep the two surfaces in constant contact.) Now start the process again.
A series of 2 – 6 yelps is most common in spring calling.
The cluck on the box call is accomplished in several ways: Hold the paddle
in contact with the right blade, about one inch out from center. Use downward
pressure from the thumb, on top the lid handle (index finger beneath) and
‘pop’ the paddle 1/8 to ¼ “ to the left. This method
takes the least movement. Or, open the box slightly, paddle to the right and
place the thumb of your left hand gently on top the paddle (while holding
the box in the left hand). Use downward pressure with the left thumb onto
the paddle top; tap the paddle handle from the right with the combined index
and forefingers. You may have to practice this technique a bit, but it produces
excellent popping clucks. With a little more pressure, these clucks can be
turned into cutts for more aggressive calling. Add speed to the increased
pressure and a good fly down cackle is made. Using the next technique, clucks
and the louder cutts may be made by opening the paddle about 2 “ to the
right of right blade, lifting the paddle and sharply tapping it against the
right blade at a slight downward angle from right to left. Softer taps yield
clucks. Harder and more rapid taps make the more demanding cutting sounds
of the hen turkey.
Purring is often done with other types of turkey calls (slate calls, push
buttons or diaphragms), but decent purrs can be made with the box, especially
one made of Eastern Red Cedar. To purr on a box, hold the call as you would
for yelping. Bring the lid out about 1”, making contact with the right
blade. Exert some downward pressure on the lid handle, pushing it to the left
slowly. It only takes ¼”-1/2” of movement to produce purrs.
Experiment with the pressure. Additional leverage for this deliberate stroke
can be gained by placing the right forefinger into the rear side base of the
box, while pushing the lid left with thumb and index finger.
Some boxes are designed and tuned to produce a different sound on each side.
The above techniques also work off the left blade. It is easier to run the
left blade if the box call is held vertically with the screw end tipped slightly
forward. The caller will move the lid across the left blade in a direction
away from his body.
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These techniques are basic information. There are several other ways to hold
and use a box call. The two most common are: 1. Paddle up – Hold the
box base in the left hand vertically in front of the chest. Paddle handle
is pointed upward and held between index finger and forefinger. Paddle handle
is brought slightly toward the caller, than stroked forward across the blade
of the box. 2. Box as striker – Again box is held upright with screw
end down. This time paddle and paddle handle are positioned in left hand.
Paddle top rests against palm of left hand and handle is held between index
and forefinger. Base of box (at screw end) is held in right hand with sharp
forward motions creating the sound. This style is mostly used for aggressive
cutting and yelping in an effort to locate and fire-up a gobbler.
The preceding text is the sole thoughts and opinion of George Lozzi, Turkey
call enthusiast and owner of MIDWEST Turkey Call Supply. For reprint or copy
permission, please contact George at customerservice@MidwestTurkeyCall.com or
call 800-541-1638. © 2005
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