How to Yelp on a Mouth Call: A Comprehensive Guide
Yelping on a mouth call is an essential skill for any turkey hunter looking to attract and decoy wild turkeys. The art of yelping involves mimicking the natural sounds of a turkey hen, which can be challenging but highly rewarding. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to yelp on a mouth call, helping you become a more effective turkey hunter.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the technique, it’s important to understand the basics of yelping. A mouth call is a device that allows hunters to produce turkey sounds by blowing through a reed. The primary sounds you’ll need to master are the yelp, cluck, and purr. The yelp is a high-pitched, descending call that turkeys use to communicate with each other. The cluck is a lower-pitched, soft sound that turkeys use to signal their presence. The purr is a low, guttural sound that turkeys use to show dominance or aggression.
Choosing the Right Mouth Call
The first step in learning how to yelp on a mouth call is to choose the right one for your needs. There are various types of mouth calls available, including diaphragm calls, plastic calls, and wood calls. Diaphragm calls are compact and easy to carry, while plastic calls are durable and produce a wide range of sounds. Wood calls, on the other hand, are known for their rich, natural tone. Experiment with different types to find the one that suits your style and preferences.
Mastering the Technique
Now that you have your mouth call, it’s time to learn the technique. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Blow Through the Reed: Hold the mouth call in your mouth with the reed between your lips. Blow gently through the reed to produce sound.
2. Practice Breathing: To produce a clear, consistent sound, you need to maintain a steady breath. Practice breathing deeply and slowly to develop good breath control.
3. Start with the Yelp: Begin by practicing the yelp sound. Inhale deeply, then exhale while descending from a high note to a lower note. The key is to maintain a steady, smooth tone.
4. Experiment with Speed and Pitch: Try varying the speed and pitch of your yelps to mimic different turkey behaviors. Faster yelps can sound more aggressive, while slower yelps can be more subtle.
5. Listen to Real Turkeys: Spend time listening to real turkeys in the field or on recordings to get a sense of their natural sounds. This will help you develop a better understanding of how to mimic them with your mouth call.
Building Confidence
Like any skill, mastering the art of yelping on a mouth call takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Remember to be patient and take your time to develop your technique.
Conclusion
Yelping on a mouth call is a valuable skill for turkey hunters looking to increase their chances of success. By understanding the basics, choosing the right mouth call, and practicing the technique, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more effective turkey hunter. So, grab your mouth call and start practicing – the rewards will be well worth the effort.
