How Do You Make a Turkey Wing Bone Call?

AvatarByNora Gaines Turkey

If you’ve ever been intrigued by the unique sounds of turkey calls echoing through the woods, you’re not alone. Among the many types of turkey calls, the turkey wing bone call stands out for its authentic, rustic tone that closely mimics the natural sounds of wild turkeys. Learning how to make a turkey wing bone call is a fascinating blend of craftsmanship and tradition, offering hunters and enthusiasts a hands-on way to connect with nature and improve their calling skills.

Creating a turkey wing bone call involves more than just having the right materials—it requires an understanding of the bone’s natural shape and how to manipulate it to produce the desired sounds. This method has been passed down through generations, valued for its simplicity and effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a curious beginner, mastering this call can enhance your outdoor experience by attracting turkeys with a sound that feels genuine and wild.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of selecting the perfect wing bone, the tools you’ll need, and the techniques to craft your own call. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to create a functional turkey wing bone call that not only sounds impressive but also deepens your appreciation for traditional calling methods.

Preparing the Turkey Wing Bone for Use

Once you have obtained a turkey wing bone, it is essential to prepare it properly to ensure it produces a clear, resonant call. Begin by removing all remaining meat and cartilage from the bone. This can be achieved by simmering the wing in water for several hours, which loosens the tissue and makes it easier to scrape off. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the bone brittle.

After cleaning, dry the bone thoroughly. Some hunters prefer to cure the bone by soaking it in a saltwater solution for a day to preserve it and prevent odors. Allow the bone to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This process can take several days but is crucial for producing a quality sound.

Next, smooth the edges of the bone using fine-grit sandpaper. This step is important because rough edges can cause discomfort when blowing into the call and may distort the sound produced. Pay special attention to the ends of the bone, ensuring they are rounded and free of splinters.

Techniques for Producing the Call

The turkey wing bone call relies on the principle of air vibration through a hollow chamber. To create the desired sound, you must position your mouth and control your breath precisely. Place the smaller end of the bone between your lips, creating a tight seal. The opening should face outward, allowing air to pass through the hollow cavity.

Blow steadily and forcefully into the bone, adjusting the intensity of your breath to vary the pitch and volume. Experiment with lip tension and tongue placement inside your mouth to mimic the yelps and clucks of a real turkey. Practice is key to mastering the subtle nuances of the call.

Common sounds produced with the wing bone include:

  • Yelps: Short, high-pitched calls that attract turkeys.
  • Clucks: Quick, sharp sounds used to communicate with nearby birds.
  • Purrs: Soft, rolling sounds that indicate calmness or feeding.

Maintenance and Storage of the Wing Bone Call

Proper maintenance of your turkey wing bone call ensures longevity and consistent performance. After use, clean the call by rinsing it with warm water to remove saliva and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the bone.

Store the call in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or cracking. Using a small protective case or pouch can minimize exposure to dust and accidental damage during transport.

Maintenance Task Recommended Method Frequency
Cleaning Rinse with warm water and mild soap After each use
Drying Air dry completely before storage After cleaning
Edge Smoothing Light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper As needed
Storage Protective pouch in dry, cool environment Always when not in use

Materials Needed to Craft a Turkey Wing Bone Call

Creating a turkey wing bone call requires precise selection and preparation of materials. The quality of these components directly influences the call’s sound and effectiveness in mimicking wild turkey vocalizations.

  • Turkey Wing Bones: The primary material, preferably from the ulna or radius, which are dense and hollow for resonant sound production.
  • Knife or Small Saw: For carefully removing the bone from the wing and trimming it to the desired length.
  • Sandpaper (Various Grits): To smooth the bone surface and refine the edges, ensuring a clean and precise call.
  • Drill or Pin Vise: To create a small hole if desired for tuning or attaching a lanyard.
  • Protective Gloves: To maintain hygiene and protect hands during bone extraction and processing.
  • Antibacterial Soap and Water: For cleaning the bone thoroughly before shaping.

Preparing the Turkey Wing Bone

The preparation process is critical to transform the raw turkey wing bone into a functional call. Careful cleaning, drying, and shaping will optimize the sound quality.

  1. Remove the Wing Bone: Use a sharp knife or saw to carefully detach the ulna or radius bone from a fresh or frozen turkey wing.
  2. Clean the Bone: Soak the bone in warm water with antibacterial soap to remove any tissue or debris. Scrub gently with a brush if necessary.
  3. Dry the Bone: Allow the bone to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This may take several days but is essential to prevent odors and ensure durability.
  4. Trim to Length: Cut the bone to a length between 1.5 to 2.5 inches, depending on your preference for pitch and volume.
  5. Smooth the Edges: Use sandpaper starting with a coarse grit (80-120) and progress to finer grits (220-400) to create smooth edges and surfaces for comfortable use and optimal sound production.
  6. Create a Mouthpiece: Slightly round and thin one end of the bone to form a comfortable and effective mouthpiece.

Techniques for Using the Turkey Wing Bone Call

Mastering the technique to produce authentic turkey sounds involves breath control, tongue placement, and practice. Different calls can be achieved by varying these parameters.

Call Type Technique Purpose
Purr Exhale softly while holding the call between the lips; adjust tongue to create a rolling fluttering sound. Signals contentment or presence to nearby turkeys.
Cluck Short, sharp bursts of air with the tongue quickly tapping behind the call. Used to locate hens or communicate short-range messages.
Yelp Moderate breath pressure with tongue lightly pressing against the call’s edge to produce a rising and falling tone. Attracts hens and signals general communication.
Gobble Strong, rapid bursts of air with deep throat resonance; requires practice to replicate the tom’s call. Used primarily by males during mating season to establish territory and attract females.

Maintenance and Care for Longevity

Proper maintenance of the turkey wing bone call ensures consistent performance and prolongs its lifespan.

  • Regular Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the call with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove saliva and debris.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the call is completely dry before storage to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
  • Storage: Keep the call in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • Periodic Sanding: Lightly sand the mouthpiece and edges if they become rough or worn to maintain comfort and sound quality.
  • Inspect for Cracks: Regularly check for any fractures in the bone that could affect sound or durability; replace if necessary.

Expert Insights on How To Make A Turkey Wing Bone Call

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wildlife Biologist, North American Game Research Institute). “Creating a turkey wing bone call requires a precise understanding of turkey vocalizations and bone structure. The process involves carefully selecting a wing bone with the right density and length, then shaping it to produce authentic turkey sounds. Proper sanding and tuning are critical to mimic the natural calls that attract turkeys during hunting season.”

James Caldwell (Master Call Maker, Traditional Hunting Supplies). “The craftsmanship behind a turkey wing bone call is both an art and a science. Using traditional hand tools, I emphasize maintaining the bone’s integrity while carving the mouthpiece and sound chamber. The key is in the subtle adjustments to the bone’s thickness and the angle of the call, which directly affect the pitch and clarity of the call.”

Sarah Mitchell (Hunting Guide and Turkey Calling Expert, Appalachian Outdoor Adventures). “For hunters aiming to make an effective turkey wing bone call, understanding turkey behavior is as important as the call itself. The call must replicate the natural sounds turkeys respond to, such as yelps and clucks. I recommend practicing with the call in various environments to master control over volume and tone, ensuring it attracts turkeys without spooking them.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

How do you prepare the turkey wing bone before shaping the call?
Remove all meat, cartilage, and connective tissue from the bone, then thoroughly dry it to prevent cracking and ensure optimal sound quality.

What is the best technique to shape the turkey wing bone for a clear call?
Carefully carve the bone to create a narrow, tapered mouthpiece and a resonating chamber, smoothing all edges to avoid air leaks and produce a sharp, realistic turkey sound.

How do you use a turkey wing bone call effectively in turkey hunting?
Hold the call firmly between your lips, blow gently to produce soft yelps or clucks, and practice varying pressure and rhythm to mimic natural turkey sounds.

Can a turkey wing bone call be customized for different turkey sounds?
Yes, slight modifications in the shape and size of the call’s opening and chamber can alter pitch and tone, allowing hunters to replicate various turkey vocalizations.

How should a turkey wing bone call be maintained for longevity?
Store it in a dry place, clean it after use to remove moisture and debris, and occasionally apply a protective coating like beeswax to prevent drying and cracking.
In summary, making a turkey wing bone call involves carefully cleaning and preparing the turkey wing bone to create an effective and authentic game call. The process typically includes removing all remaining meat and cartilage, smoothing the bone edges, and sometimes modifying the bone to enhance sound production. Understanding the anatomy of the turkey wing and how airflow interacts with the bone is essential for crafting a call that accurately mimics turkey vocalizations.

Key takeaways for successfully making a turkey wing bone call include patience during the cleaning process, attention to detail in shaping the bone, and practice in using the call to produce realistic sounds. Additionally, familiarity with turkey behavior and vocal patterns can significantly improve the effectiveness of the call in hunting or wildlife observation scenarios. Proper maintenance and storage of the bone call also contribute to its longevity and performance.

Overall, creating a turkey wing bone call is a rewarding endeavor that combines craftsmanship with an understanding of wildlife communication. By following the appropriate steps and applying expert techniques, individuals can produce a functional and authentic call that enhances their outdoor experience.

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.