We slow cook them in a crock pot until they fall apart, then add BBQ sauce and make something like a pulled pork sandwich with the meat. Very good stuff.
Turkey Season
- Thread starter RM Anderson
- Start date
I'm curious to know what calls others like to use for hunting turkey. I'm a little old fashioned so box and pot calls for me. Can't stand how a mouth call tickles the pallet plus they get fouled with chewing tobacco. Last year at the NWTF convention in Nashville I picked up a David Holloran long box. Anxious to use it in the Black Hills. I have several of his pot and box calls and can't say enough good things about them. If you haven't tried a custom call you owe it to yourself to try one. Richard
I like to have the standard call types at my disposal, but 95% of birds are killed or at least finished with a diaphragm. I use a Halloran long box (with a holster, love that holster) and a Woodhaven cherry crystal as a slate. Mainly I like to have a box and slate along to mess with when calling cold and the box to gobble with, if needed. I've gotten my gear real tight and paired down over the years.
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jode hillman
Well-known member
I was trout fishing Saturday, on the way home went by a few fields the used to have birds. The last couple they have been dry. Much to my surprise as around the Bend I was shocked to see no less than 25 birds and what looked to be seven longbeards in the group!
jode hillman
Well-known member
I love calls as much as ducks decoys. I use a bunch of different ones I make, some fancy, some not. But one of my go to's is always a slate or brass/ copper oyster. Made my first 10 years ago and guys just love 'em.
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jode hillman
Well-known member
Tod, I see the zebra light! I've had them for quite a few years. Super compact and enough light to get the job done
The 18650 batteries are the game changer and the Zebralights are a nice addition on top. For big game hunts and backpacking up to 10 days, it is nice to not have to consider battery charge and the ability to have a LOT of light on hand. I was carrying a second small backup headlamp (tikka petzel) in case I lost my headlamp and a backup 18650 battery, but I cut my overall weight and bulk using the handheld as a backup light and a case to carry a second 18650. Love the system.
I use a Primos box call and slate, and use Woodhaven youth size diaphragms. I can't make turkey sounds with a full sized mouth call. I would also rather just use my mouth for yelping as I would a diaphragm. The Primos box and slate set I have had since I started and they have called in a few birds in their lifetimes.
Tod,
Now that you live in Wyoming you will love that Holloran Long Box. It really reaches out. In my home state of Minnesota some of the areas we hunt are quite open.Last spring two hours before the season ended we called in a whole flock from three quarters of a mile away. My wife and I both filled our tags at the same time after a long hard season. Richard
jode hillman
Well-known member
Oh nice. I still have the old AA version. Didn't know they came out with 18 650. I do love those batteries in other lamps. time to upgrade
Those who are using Zebra lights, which version do you use? None of my layout boats have lights. Currently use a Petzl but it's a little lacking. Richard
Are you familiar with 18650s? that is where I'd start. It takes a few bucks to get set up with the batteries and charger, but more than worth it, especially since these lights throw 1000 plus lumens and will run an insanely looong time and are tiny. They are kind of boutique and change models quite a bit, so you have to deal with that, somewhat.
I have a bunch of the lights and have settled into a system I like. Use their comparison spreadsheet (linked below) to pick a light.
Pick battery (18650). Pick as high of a CRI as possible. For use in the woods, I would get a "FLOODY" (this is a frosted lens that gives a nice even light). For something like a spotlight, get a "SPILL + SPOT". All my headlamps are FLOODY and my side clickies are SPILL + SPOT.
You can see how insanely lightweight they are, that is what drew me to them. They are really well made with glass lenses and are tough. When I put one in a pack, you can give the battery compartment cover a 1/4 turn and they wont' accidentally come on.
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BACKORDER. They get shipments a couple times a week, I've never had to wait long for a backorder.
ZebraLight Product Comparison
For batteries, get unprotected generic like a Panasonic/Sanyo NCR18650 that is what most of the good batteries are, just wrapped and upcharged.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768WY3ZN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_41
Tell me about the brass/copper oyster - haven't seen one of those before.
I don't get out like I used to, but favorites was a Scott Ritter box call and some slates a friend makes.
They sound great in the videos I've seen, maybe Jode can put up a link to an instagram.
jode hillman
Well-known member
Hi Henry, I started making Oystershell calls about 10 years ago. As far as I can tell I'm the first/ only one that makes them.
I was looking for an easily accessible natural material that had good acoustic properties. I tried lots of other shells but I settled on the oysters. The idea stemmed from the natural turtle shell Calls that have been made for years. I made a few of those. And then I quickly realized the supply of natural box turtle shells is quite limited. Plus when trying to sell them it is a Species of concern and trade in such shells is not legal in many areas.
The brass copper are louder and more metallic. But they work good for birds that have heard the standard slates etc.
Slates are great soft close working calls.
But many guys prefer the range of sounds and the very easy to play surface.
I generally make them in March and April every year. The slates or $60 the metal versions are $80.
They come with a corn cob striker and shipping is included.
jode hillman
Well-known member
Thanks Tod.
Here's a link to a YouTube of one of my Slate versions. If you click around there should be other sound files of the metallic versions.
Those are fantastic, Jode!
jode hillman
Well-known member
Thanks so much!