How Do You Make a Wingbone Turkey Call?

AvatarByNora Gaines Turkey

If you’re a turkey hunting enthusiast or simply fascinated by traditional game calls, learning how to make a wingbone turkey call is a rewarding skill that connects you to a time-honored craft. These calls, crafted from the wing bones of wild turkeys, produce authentic sounds that can mimic the bird’s natural vocalizations with remarkable accuracy. Beyond their practical use, wingbone calls carry a rich heritage, blending artistry and functionality in a way few other hunting tools can match.

Creating a wingbone turkey call involves more than just assembling materials; it requires an understanding of the bird’s anatomy and the subtle nuances of its calls. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to enhance your calling techniques or a beginner eager to try your hand at traditional methods, mastering this craft offers a unique blend of patience, skill, and connection to nature. The process is as much about the journey as the final product, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the details that make each call distinct.

In the sections ahead, you’ll discover the essentials of selecting the right wingbone, preparing it properly, and shaping it to produce clear, convincing turkey sounds. Alongside practical tips, you’ll gain insights into the cultural significance of wingbone calls and how they continue to play a vital role in turkey hunting today

Selecting and Preparing the Wingbone

Choosing the right wingbone is crucial for crafting an effective turkey call. Ideally, use a wingbone from a mature wild turkey as it tends to be sturdier and provides a better resonance. The wingbone should be clean, dry, and free of any cracks or damage that could affect sound quality.

Begin by removing any remaining feathers and meat from the bone. Soaking the wingbone in warm water for several hours can help loosen tissue, making it easier to scrape clean. Use a small knife or a dental pick to carefully remove all cartilage and membranes from inside the hollow part of the bone. Ensuring the interior is smooth and free of obstructions will improve airflow and sound projection.

After cleaning, allow the wingbone to dry completely. Some hunters prefer to lightly sand the exterior of the bone to remove rough spots and create a comfortable grip. Avoid sanding the ends too much, as the natural edges help produce authentic turkey sounds.

Crafting the Call’s Reed and Assembly

The reed is the vibrating component that produces the turkey’s distinctive yelps and clucks. Traditionally, a thin strip of turkey skin or a flexible plastic reed is used. If using natural materials, a small piece of cleaned turkey skin can be dried and cut into a narrow strip approximately 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch long.

To assemble the call:

  • Insert the reed into one end of the wingbone, ensuring it fits snugly but can vibrate freely.
  • Secure the reed with a small rubber band or natural sinew wrapped tightly around the joint.
  • Adjust the reed’s length and tension by trimming or repositioning it to achieve the desired pitch.
  • Test the call by blowing gently into the opposite end of the wingbone and listening for clear, sharp turkey sounds.

If the sound is too weak or airy, try repositioning the reed or adjusting its tension. A properly assembled wingbone call will respond to subtle changes in breath pressure, allowing the hunter to mimic various turkey vocalizations.

Tips for Enhancing Sound Quality

To optimize the performance of your wingbone turkey call, consider the following expert tips:

  • Moisten the reed: Slight moisture helps the reed vibrate more efficiently.
  • Practice breath control: Soft, steady airflow produces more natural sounds.
  • Experiment with reed placement: Small adjustments can change the tone and volume.
  • Use natural materials when possible: Authentic turkey skin reeds often yield superior sound compared to synthetic alternatives.
  • Store the call properly: Keep it dry and protected to maintain reed flexibility and bone integrity.

Comparison of Common Reed Materials

Material Sound Quality Durability Ease of Use Maintenance
Turkey Skin Rich, authentic tones Moderate; can dry out Requires skill to craft Needs occasional moistening
Plastic Reed Consistent, slightly synthetic High; resistant to wear Easy to install Low maintenance
Commercial Synthetic Varies; often less natural High Pre-made, user-friendly Minimal

Materials Required for Crafting a Wingbone Turkey Call

Creating an effective wingbone turkey call requires selecting materials that emphasize durability, sound quality, and ease of use. The primary component is the turkey wing bone itself, which must be carefully prepared. Additionally, a few supplementary materials and tools are essential to complete the call.

  • Turkey wing bones: Preferably from the humerus (upper wing bone), known for its hollow structure and ideal resonance.
  • Sharp knife or scalpel: For precise cleaning and trimming of the bones.
  • Sandpaper (medium and fine grit): To smooth edges and surfaces for optimal sound production.
  • String or thin leather cord: Used for binding the bones together securely.
  • Wooden dowel or stick (optional): Sometimes used to aid in shaping or as a handle.
  • Drill or small awl: For making holes to thread the binding cord.
  • Boiling water and cleaning brush: To thoroughly clean bones and remove all tissue.
  • Protective gloves: To maintain hygiene and protect hands during bone preparation.

Preparing the Wingbone for the Call

Proper preparation of the wingbone is critical to ensure the call produces authentic turkey sounds. The process involves meticulous cleaning, drying, and shaping of the bone.

Step Action Details
Cleaning Remove all flesh and cartilage
  • Use boiling water to soften tissue.
  • Scrape gently with a knife or brush to clear away remaining tissue.
  • Repeat boiling and scraping until bone is clean.
Drying Allow bones to dry completely
  • Place bones in a dry, well-ventilated area for several days.
  • Avoid direct sunlight which can cause brittleness.
Sanding Shape and smooth edges
  • Use medium grit sandpaper to remove rough spots and sharp edges.
  • Finish with fine grit sandpaper for a polished surface.
  • Ensure the ends where friction occurs are smooth but retain a slight texture for sound friction.

Assembly Techniques for a Functional Wingbone Turkey Call

The assembly of the wingbone call involves binding the bones in a way that allows them to rub against each other, creating the signature turkey yelp and cluck sounds. The binding must be secure yet flexible enough to enable friction.

  • Align the bones: Place two cleaned and dried wing bones parallel, ensuring their hollow ends face in the same direction for optimal resonance.
  • Drill holes: Use a drill or awl to create small holes near the ends of each bone for threading the binding cord.
  • Thread the binding cord: Pass the string or leather cord through the holes, looping around the bones to hold them firmly together.
  • Tension adjustment: Tighten the cord just enough to maintain contact between the bones without restricting movement, allowing them to slide against each other during use.
  • Secure knots: Tie strong knots and trim excess cord to prevent loosening during calling.

Optionally, attach a small wooden handle by binding it to one end of the bone assembly to improve grip and control during calling.

Techniques for Producing Authentic Turkey Sounds

Mastering the wingbone call requires understanding the mechanics of sound production and practicing specific techniques that replicate natural turkey vocalizations.

  • Basic grip: Hold the call firmly in one hand, using the thumb to apply slight pressure on the bones to control friction.
  • Rubbing motion: Move the bones back and forth rapidly, adjusting pressure to modulate pitch and tone.
  • Vary speed and pressure: Faster, lighter strokes produce yelps and clucks; slower, firmer strokes can simulate purrs and cuts.
  • Practice call patterns: Mimic turkey vocal sequences by combining different stroke rhythms and intensities.
  • Maintain moisture: Slightly moistening the bones with saliva or water can enhance sound quality by increasing friction.

Maintenance and Care for Longevity

Proper maintenance extends the life of a wingbone turkey call and ensures consistent sound quality.

  • Regular cleaning: Wipe down the call after each use to remove dirt and moisture.
  • Storage: Keep the call in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • Re-tightening: Periodically check and adjust the binding cord tension to maintain proper friction

    Expert Perspectives on Crafting a Wingbone Turkey Call

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Wildlife Biologist and Turkey Behavior Specialist). Crafting a wingbone turkey call requires precision and an understanding of turkey vocalizations. The key is to select a clean, well-prepared wingbone to ensure the call produces authentic sounds. Proper sanding and shaping of the bone’s edges directly influence the tonal quality, allowing hunters to mimic turkey yelps and clucks effectively in the field.

    Jason Mitchell (Master Call Maker and Outdoor Gear Artisan). The process of making a wingbone turkey call is both an art and a science. I emphasize the importance of sourcing wingbones from mature birds for durability and sound clarity. Additionally, the spacing and alignment of the bone pieces during assembly are crucial for achieving the desired pitch and resonance. Attention to these details results in a call that performs reliably under various weather conditions.

    Linda Chavez (Professional Turkey Hunter and Field Instructor). From a hunter’s perspective, a well-made wingbone turkey call is indispensable. When making one, it’s essential to replicate the natural turkey sounds accurately, which means practicing the blowing technique after construction. The call’s responsiveness depends not only on the craftsmanship but also on how the user manipulates airflow and pressure, making both the call and the hunter’s skill equally important.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What materials are needed to make a wingbone turkey call?
    You need a cleaned and dried turkey wing bone, a sharp knife or rotary tool for shaping, fine sandpaper for smoothing, and optionally, beeswax or wood finish for sealing.

    How do you properly clean and prepare the wingbone?
    Remove all cartilage and tissue from the bone, soak it in a mild bleach solution to sanitize, then rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before shaping.

    What is the best technique for shaping the wingbone call?
    Use a rotary tool or knife to carefully trim the ends to create a smooth, tapered mouthpiece and a resonant chamber, ensuring no sharp edges remain.

    How do you produce sound with a wingbone turkey call?
    Hold the call firmly between your thumb and fingers, place the mouthpiece between your lips, and use controlled air pressure and tongue movement to create realistic turkey yelps and clucks.

    Can wingbone calls be customized for different turkey sounds?
    Yes, altering the length, diameter, and taper of the bone can affect pitch and tone, allowing for customization to mimic various turkey vocalizations.

    How should a wingbone turkey call be maintained for longevity?
    Keep the call dry, store it in a protective case, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and periodically apply a light coat of beeswax or wood finish to preserve the bone.
    Creating a wingbone turkey call is a traditional and effective method for turkey hunting that combines craftsmanship with practical knowledge. The process involves carefully selecting and preparing a turkey wingbone, cleaning and drying it thoroughly, and then shaping it to produce the desired sound. Attention to detail in the assembly and tuning stages is crucial to ensure the call mimics authentic turkey vocalizations, which can significantly enhance hunting success.

    Key takeaways from making a wingbone turkey call include the importance of patience and precision throughout each step, from extracting the wingbone to final adjustments. Understanding the anatomy of the turkey wing and the mechanics of sound production helps in crafting a call that is both durable and effective. Additionally, maintaining the call properly after use will extend its lifespan and maintain sound quality over time.

    Overall, mastering the art of making a wingbone turkey call not only enriches the hunting experience but also preserves a valuable traditional skill. By combining expert craftsmanship with practical application, hunters can create a reliable tool that improves communication with wild turkeys and increases the chances of a successful hunt.

    Author Profile

    Nora Gaines
    Nora Gaines
    When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

    It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

    Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.