Are you interested in learning how to make a turkey pot call? Whether you’re a passionate turkey hunter or a DIY enthusiast looking for a new project, crafting your own turkey pot call can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you gain a deeper appreciation for the art of turkey hunting, but you’ll also create a personalized tool that can help you call in more birds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a turkey pot call—from choosing the right materials to assembling and finishing your call. Let’s get started!
Contents
What Is a Turkey Pot Call?
A turkey pot call, sometimes called a slate call, is a type of friction call used by turkey hunters to mimic the sounds of wild turkeys. It consists of a round “pot” (usually made of wood) that holds a playing surface, such as slate, glass, or ceramic. A striker (a small stick-like tool) is then used to rub against the surface, producing realistic turkey sounds like yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Why Make Your Own Turkey Pot Call?
- Customization: Choose your favorite wood and surface for a unique sound and look.
- Pride in Craftsmanship: There’s nothing like calling in a gobbler with something you made yourself.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own can be less expensive than buying high-end commercial calls.
- Fun Project: It’s a satisfying hands-on project for hunters and crafters alike.
Materials You’ll Need
- Pot Blank: Usually made of hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or maple.
- Playing Surface: Slate, glass, ceramic, or aluminum (choose based on the sound you want).
- Soundboard: Thin piece of wood or glass placed under the playing surface.
- Epoxy or Super Glue: For securing the surfaces.
- Sandpaper: Various grits for smoothing and finishing.
- Wood Finish or Oil: To protect and enhance the wood.
- Drill and Forstner Bits: For creating recesses in the pot blank.
- Lathe (optional): For shaping the pot (can also buy pre-shaped blanks).
- Striker Material: Wood dowel or rod for making your own striker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pot Blank
If you’re starting with a rough block of wood, use a lathe to shape it into a round disc about 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. If you don’t have access to a lathe, you can purchase pre-made pot blanks online or at hunting supply stores. Drill a shallow recess in the top of the pot to fit your playing surface (about 3-4 inches wide and 1/8-1/4 inch deep). On the bottom side, drill another recess for the soundboard and several small holes to allow sound to escape.
2. Sand and Finish the Pot
Smooth all surfaces with sandpaper, starting with a coarse grit and moving up to fine grit (220-400). Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Apply your chosen wood finish or oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This not only enhances the appearance but also protects the wood from moisture and wear.
3. Install the Soundboard
The soundboard sits inside the bottom recess of your pot. Cut it to fit snugly and glue it in place with epoxy or super glue. Popular soundboard materials include thin pieces of glass, slate, or even plywood—each produces slightly different tones. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving to the next step.
4. Attach the Playing Surface
Select your playing surface based on the type of sound you want your call to make:
- Slate: Soft, mellow tones; great for beginners.
- Glass: Louder, sharper sounds; good for windy days.
- Ceramic/Aluminum: Unique tones; often used for specific calling situations.
Cut your chosen material to fit the top recess of the pot. Apply a thin layer of epoxy or super glue around the edge (not too much—you don’t want glue oozing onto the surface), then press it into place. Allow it to cure fully according to glue instructions.
5. Make or Buy a Striker
You can purchase a striker or make your own from a wooden dowel. To make one:
- Cut a dowel about 6-7 inches long.
- Taper one end so it’s comfortable to hold and tapers to a point (the part that contacts the playing surface).
- Smooth with sandpaper and finish with oil if desired.
6. Test Your Turkey Pot Call
Once everything is dry and assembled, it’s time to test your call! Hold the pot in one hand and use the striker in your other hand. Drag the tip of the striker across the playing surface in small circles or short strokes to create yelps, clucks, purrs, and other turkey sounds. Experiment with different angles and pressures until you find what works best for you.
Tips for Success
- Experiment with Materials: Different woods and surfaces create unique sounds—try various combinations!
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Dirt or oils can affect sound quality. Wipe surfaces regularly with a dry cloth.
- Tune Your Call: If your call sounds dull, lightly sand the playing surface or striker tip.
- PRACTICE!: The more you practice using your call, the more realistic your turkey sounds will become.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- No Sound or Muffled Sound: Check that all parts are glued securely and that there’s no excess glue on sound-producing surfaces.
- Squeaky Sounds: Try sanding your striker tip or using less pressure when calling.
- Dull Tone: Lightly rough up the playing surface with fine sandpaper or scuff pad.
Caring for Your Turkey Pot Call
- Avoid getting your call wet—moisture can damage both wood and playing surfaces.
- Store your call in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If using oil finishes, reapply occasionally to keep wood protected and looking great.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best wood for making a turkey pot call?
Hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and maple are popular choices because they’re durable and produce clear tones. Each wood has its own acoustic properties—try experimenting to see which you prefer!
Can I use other materials for the playing surface?
Absolutely! While slate is classic, glass, ceramic, and aluminum each offer distinct sounds that can be useful in different hunting situations.
I don’t have woodworking tools—can I still make one?
You can buy pre-shaped pot blanks and striker kits online. This way, you just need some basic tools like sandpaper and glue to assemble your call.
How do I clean my turkey pot call?
A dry cloth will remove most dust and debris. For tough buildup on glass or ceramic surfaces, use fine sandpaper or a scuff pad—never use water on wood parts!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Custom Turkey Pot Call!
Making your own turkey pot call is not only fun but also gives you an edge in the field with a truly personalized tool. With some basic materials and patience, you’ll have a handcrafted call that’s ready for spring gobbler season—or just for showing off to friends! Happy calling!