Turkey hunting is a challenging but rewarding pursuit, demanding patience, skill, and the right equipment. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment is your locator call. A good locator call can help you pinpoint the location of gobblers, significantly increasing your chances of a successful hunt. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will explore some of the best turkey locator calls on the market, helping you make an informed decision for your next hunt.
Understanding Turkey Locator Calls
Before diving into specific calls, let's understand their purpose. Locator calls are designed to elicit a response from distant gobblers, helping you determine their location and gauge their interest. Unlike other calls that might mimic hens or distressed birds, locator calls typically use sounds that are less specific and more likely to pique a tom's curiosity from afar. They work by triggering the turkey's natural instinct to investigate unusual sounds within its territory.
These calls generally fall into two main categories:
1. Simple, Long-Range Calls:
These are designed to carry far and are less likely to spook a bird. Think of a simple owl hoot or a crow call, sounds that are intriguing but not overtly threatening to a cautious tom.
2. More Complex Locator Calls:
These may incorporate elements of hen yelps, clucks, or other turkey vocalizations, but in a simplified or less intense form to avoid sounding too aggressive or too close.
Top Turkey Locator Calls for 2024
Choosing the "best" call is subjective and depends on personal preferences, hunting conditions, and the specific type of turkey you're targeting. However, several calls consistently receive high praise from experienced turkey hunters. These are some of the standout contenders for 2024:
1. The Primos Hunting Double-Gobbler Locator:
This call features two distinct sides: one with a yelping sound and another with a crow call. The versatility of this call makes it suitable for different hunting situations and turkey behaviors. Its compact size and ease of use make it a popular choice among hunters of all skill levels.
2. The H.S. Strut Turkey Locator:
Known for its unique design and ability to produce clear, long-range sounds, the H.S. Strut offers a simple and effective approach to locating gobblers. The sound it produces often grabs the attention of toms even from considerable distances.
3. The Knight & Hale Turkey Locator Call:
This call typically features a range of yelps, clucks, and other turkey vocalizations in a short, easily repeated sequence. The key is that these sounds are simplified and not overly realistic, creating curiosity rather than alarm.
4. DIY Locator Calls:
Don't underestimate the power of a simple, homemade call. A well-placed owl hoot, often recreated with a simple mouth call or even a whistle, can be incredibly effective in pinpointing a gobbler's location. Many experienced hunters swear by these simple methods.
Choosing the Right Call for You
The best turkey locator call for you will depend on your hunting style and experience. Consider these factors:
- Range: How far do you need the call to carry?
- Ease of use: Are you comfortable using complex calls, or do you prefer something simple and straightforward?
- Versatility: Do you need a call that can be used in various situations, or are you focusing on a specific tactic?
- Sound profile: Different calls produce different sounds. Consider experimenting to find one that matches your local turkey's vocalizations.
Beyond the Call: Strategies for Success
Even the best locator call won't guarantee success. Remember these key strategies:
- Wind Direction: Always call with the wind at your back to prevent the gobblers from detecting your scent.
- Timing: The best time to use locator calls is typically during the early morning and late evening hours, when turkeys are most active.
- Patience: Give gobblers time to respond. Don't overcall.
- Concealment: Always remain concealed while calling.
By combining the right locator call with smart hunting strategies, you'll significantly improve your chances of locating and harvesting a mature tom. Happy hunting!
