Turkey hunting is full of exciting challenges, and every seasoned hunter knows that having the right tools and strategies can make all the difference. While many focus on mastering various turkey calls like yelps, clucks, and purrs, there’s one often-overlooked locator call that can be a game-changer: the crow call.
Yes, you read that right – a crow call! It might seem counter-intuitive to mimic a crow when you’re after a gobbler, but these calls are incredibly effective at provoking a “shock gobble” from turkeys. A shock gobble is an involuntary reaction, a loud gobble a turkey lets out when startled or hearing a sudden, loud noise. It’s their way of asserting dominance or responding to a perceived threat or intrusion, giving away their position without them intending to communicate with another turkey.
So, when exactly should you reach for this unique locator call? Let’s dive into the scenarios where a crow call can be your secret weapon.
Contents
When It’s Your Go-To Tool: Unlocking Turkey Locations
The Pre-Dawn Patrol: Locating Roosted Birds
One of the most effective times to use a crow call is in the pre-dawn darkness. Before the woods are fully awake, turkeys are often still roosted high in the trees. As faint light begins to pierce the gloom, let out a few realistic crow calls. The loud, sharp caw can often elicit a shock gobble from a nearby tom, giving away his position before he even flies down. This early morning reconnaissance is crucial for setting up a successful ambush.
Mid-Morning Silence Breaker
As the morning progresses, turkeys can sometimes go silent. The early morning gobbling frenzy might die down, and you could find yourself wondering where the birds have gone. This is another prime opportunity for your crow call. When the woods seem quiet, a sudden series of crow caws can often spark a gobble from a tom that was otherwise unwilling to make a sound. It’s a fantastic way to break the silence and re-engage with silent birds.
Post-Shot Reconnaissance
It’s every hunter’s nightmare: you take a shot, and the bird flies off, or the flock scatters. In the chaos that ensues, it can be tough to know where to focus your efforts. A crow call can help you pinpoint scattered birds. After the initial commotion, give a few sharp crow caws. If the turkeys regroup nearby or are simply startled, you might hear a responsive gobble, helping you re-establish their location and strategize your next move.
Finding the Silent Slinkers
Not all turkeys are loud and proud. Some gobblers are notoriously quiet, especially in pressured areas or during certain phases of the season. When you’re scouting new territory or hunting an area known for silent birds, the crow call is invaluable. It allows you to cover ground and probe for responses without having to make turkey sounds that might alert wary birds to your presence too early.
Dealing with Stubborn “Hang-Ups”
Every turkey hunter has experienced it: a tom gobbling his head off but refusing to commit and come into range. These “hang-up” birds can be incredibly frustrating. Sometimes, introducing a neutral, non-threatening sound like a crow call can be just enough to provoke a shock gobble, helping you re-confirm his exact location or even nudge him into a slightly different position, creating a new opportunity for you to adjust your setup.
How to Master Your Crow Call: Technique & Strategy
Using a crow call effectively isn’t just about making noise; it’s about strategic application:
- Volume Control is Key: Start with softer calls, then gradually increase the volume. This mimics natural crow behavior and prevents you from potentially spooking a close-by bird right off the bat.
- Listen, Wait, Repeat (But Don’t Overdo It!): After each series of calls, pause and listen intently for a gobble. Turkeys need a moment to respond. Wait a few minutes before calling again. Overcalling can be detrimental, making your presence obvious and potentially scaring birds away.
- Mind Your Distance: Avoid using a loud crow call when you suspect a gobbler is very close. The sudden, intense sound could alarm him. It’s best used from a distance to pinpoint locations.
Pro Tips for Crow Call Success
- Practice Makes Perfect: Just like any other call, practice makes your crow calls sound more natural and effective. Mimic real crows to perfect your cadence and tone.
- Learn the Language: Crows have various calls – distress calls, warning calls, gathering calls. Learning a few different crow sounds can make your calling more realistic and less monotonous.
- Mix It Up with Other Calls: Don’t rely solely on the crow call. Use it in conjunction with other locator calls like owl hoots or coyote howls to vary your approach and see what gets a reaction.
- Patience Pays Off: Turkeys don’t always gobble instantly. Be patient, wait for responses, and give them time to react to your calls.
- Buddy System Advantage: Hunting with a partner can be beneficial. One person can call while the other listens carefully for faint gobbles, especially in dense woods or windy conditions.
When to Keep It Quiet: Situations to Avoid
While incredibly useful, there are times when a crow call should stay tucked away:
- Too Close for Comfort: If you’re already very close to a gobbling turkey, a loud crow call can startle and spook him, sending him running in the opposite direction. Stick to subtle turkey calls in these close-quarters situations.
- When They’re Already Chatty: If turkeys are actively gobbling and communicating with each other or hens, there’s no need to introduce a crow call. They’re already giving away their location, and you should focus on actual turkey sounds to draw them in.
- Unsure of Your Skills: If you’re not confident in making realistic crow sounds, it might be better to hold off. An unnatural or poorly executed call could alert turkeys to your presence in a negative way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is a “shock gobble”?
A shock gobble is an involuntary gobble a turkey emits when it hears a sudden, loud, or startling sound. It’s a reflexive response, not an intentional communication with other turkeys, making it a perfect way for hunters to locate birds.
Can a crow call scare turkeys?
If used improperly (e.g., too loudly when a turkey is very close, or if the call sounds completely unnatural), a crow call can indeed spook turkeys. The key is realistic volume, good timing, and natural sounds.
How loud should I use my crow call?
Start soft and gradually increase volume if you don’t get a response. Mimic the natural volume of crows you hear in the woods. You want it loud enough to travel, but not so aggressive that it’s alarming.
Are there other locator calls I can use besides a crow call?
Absolutely! Owl hoots (especially pre-dawn and dusk), coyote howls, and even hawk or woodpecker calls can also be effective shock gobble locators. Many hunters carry a variety to see what gets the best reaction.
Your Next Secret Weapon
Adding a crow call to your turkey hunting arsenal is a smart move. It’s a versatile, non-threatening locator call that can give you a significant advantage, especially when turkeys are being tight-lipped or when you’re trying to cover ground. Master its use, understand when and when not to deploy it, and you’ll soon find yourself pinpointing gobblers with newfound precision, making your next turkey hunt even more rewarding.