Turkeys have simple brains and their "language" is, likewise, pretty simple. The "yelp" and the "cluck" are the basic building blocks of most advanced calls. The two-syllable yelp sounds like "kee-awk" and the cluck is a single note sounding like "pock" or "puck." It often helps to mouth these sounds when learning a diaphragm type call. The "lost/assembly call" is a fairly long and rhythmic series of yelps given to assemble the flock or by a lonesome adult turkey. The "kee-kee" is the lost whistle of a young poult. The dreaded "alarm putt" is just a loud cluck, the actual warning is communicated by the alert posture of the turkey making it. "Cutting," which indicates excitement, is a series of loud, sharp clucks with an irregular rhythm. "Cackling" is a short series of rapid yelps given when the turkey flies. The "purr" is a low, quavering call that keeps the flock in touch. However, a loud purr is a threat.

Given the choice of good woodsmanship or good calling for turkey hunting, a lot of Pros would have to grit their teeth and say woodsmanship is more important. In fact, really knowing the terrain and knowing the behavior of the local turkeys can make you look like a great caller. The simple truth is that it is hard to call a turkey to where he doesn't want to go no matter how good you are. However, it often seems easy to get a gobbler to come to an area he knows and is comfortable with. Survey your turkey hunting tract carefully. Learn the ridges and the hollows, creeks and fence lines and how best to get around on that piece of land. In the course of this, you should learn the movements of the local birds, where they roost, feed and loaf This makes you less dependent on finding that hot, gobbling bird. Even if he doesn't gobble, if you know where he hangs out, you can go hunt him there.

One of the most important and least talked about aspects of gobbler hunting is where and how to set up. An old-timer once said, "The easiest way to call a turkey is to get between him and where he wants to go." Lacking a crystal ball, we just have to make our best guess. Turkeys can be called downhill, but they seem to prefer to stay on their same level or walk uphill in mountainous terrain. Hunter concealment is critical. Some hunters carry pruning snips to set up a natural blind while others use commercial blinds. Either one is a good idea, and decoys can be a great help, too (check regulations). Being ready to shoot also is critical. Some Pros like to have my gun up and ready. The "90-degree rule" is for right handers to point their left shoulder toward the area where the bird is expected. Some shooters learn to shoot off both shoulders in case the gobbler throws them a curve on his approach.

At the peak of the turkey breeding season, a dominant gobbler is frequently "henned up" with all the hens he wants. The henned-up gobbler acts much like a call-shy bird, but you need to use different tactics. Dealing with a harem boss can be difficult. If he and the hens do not roost together, a tip off is when he goes in the same direction every morning to meet them. Give up on the roost and set up in the area he goes to instead. Another strategy is trying to call the hens. Usually the hens, not wanting competition, will lead the gobbler away from the calls. However, if the hen flock contains a super-dominant hen, aggressive calling may cause her to come looking for the challenger. The gobbler will be behind this sharp-eyed old hen, so you must be still and well camouflaged. Finally, you can just give up to the real hens early on and hunt this gobbler later in the morning after the hens have left him.

A gobbler will often "tell" you what he wants to hear. Try responding in kind to the turkey. For instance, if he is really roaring, Come back at him just as aggressively. However, if he is less than hot, Subdue your calling in both style and volume. If he continues to play hard to get, you might throw in some aggressive calling like cutting or the fighting purr to crank him up. If that doesn't do it, drop back to very conservative calling. Hens are much the same. To call hens, which is always a good idea in case there is a silent gobbler with them, simply imitate them. If they are calling softly, you do the same using the same calls. If there is a real loud mouth among them, chances are she's a dominant hen. Give her some raucous cutting and cackling to challenge her. The main thing is to try different calls until you find what works.