Ever heard that eerie, sharp “caw” echoing through the woods just before sunrise? That sound belongs to the crow, and for turkey hunters, it can be a secret weapon or a total distraction. Many hunters know that crows can sometimes signal danger to a wary gobbler, but they also hold the key to unlocking surprising turkey behavior. Choosing the right crow call feels like a guessing game. Do you need a loud, piercing call, or something softer? Using the wrong one can scare off the very bird you are trying to lure in, leading to frustrating, empty mornings.
This confusion stops right here. We are diving deep into the world of crow calls specifically for turkey hunting. You will learn exactly how these calls work, which styles match different hunting situations, and how to use them effectively without spooking the flock. By the end of this guide, you will feel confident picking up a crow call and using its power to your advantage. Get ready to transform those silent stalks into successful hunts as we explore the best crow call strategies for your next turkey outing.
Table of Contents
Top Crow Call For Turkey Hunting Recommendations
- Sounding like a crow is a perfect way to entice a springtime gobbler into giving away his location by gobbling back at you
- You can then move closer and attempt to lure the gobbler into range. The Crow Call is also perfect for calling and hunting crows
- Just as people have different voices, crows produce different sounds also. The Primos Crow Call makes the subtle accurate sounds of crows. It is perfect for locating that monster gobbler or just callin' in the crows
- Super raspy, excellent turkey locator, great for calling crows
- Primos Hunting is the leader in the design and manufacturing of game calls for elk, deer, turkey, predator and waterfowl. Our commitment in game calls -- to make great products built by hunters, for hunters
- Designed to replicate the exact sound and volume of a crow
- By stirring up crows, you can get a weary tom to gobble without giving up your position
- Easy to use and you'll have toms gobbling in no time
- Makes a great, highly realistic crow sound
- Invokes shock gobbles to locate turkeys
- Efficient Spring Turkey Hunting Tool: includes one crow call and one hunter-designed hen box call; This is an excellent way to lure spring gobblers by imitating realistic crow calls, causing them to gobble and reveal their location, making your hunt easier
- Quality Materials: crow call is made of ABS material, which is sturdy, durable, and reliable for long-term outdoor use; Hen box call is made of solid wood, maximizing effectiveness of each call, producing realistic and consistent sounds
- Compact and Convenient: bird call is compact, measuring 4.72 inches long and 1.18 inches wide; Wooden box call measures 8.39 x 1.48 inches / 21.3 x 3.75 cm
- Easy to Use: this crow call has a simple design; Simply blow into the whistle to produce realistic crow calls; The wooden sounder produces low-pitched imitation calls through friction, attracting turkeys; It's easy to use for both beginners and experienced hunters
- Ideal Gift for Hunting Enthusiasts: this realistic crow hunting set is a great gift for birdwatchers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts; It produces fun and engaging sounds, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, holidays, or other occasions, meeting diverse needs for outdoor hunting and birdwatching
- 100 percent designed and tested for the toughest situations and environments
- oudest locator available
- Can be used as a turkey locator call or a crow hunting call
- EFFECTIVE HUNTING CALL - Hunters Specialties Strut Loco Crow call features an ergonomic wood barrel and is an excellent gobbler locator call, producing loud and authentic crow calls on demand. It has everything the hunter needs to locate and call a turkey
- ERGONOMIC CONSTRUCTION - This call features ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand. The call is constructed of engineered wood, which is pressure treated, turned, and then sealed for weather protection. No two calls look exactly the same
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - The Loco Crow hunting game call from Hunters Specialties produces loud, realistic crow sounds that will induce a shock gobble from even the wariest toms. This call is also very easy to blow
- EASY TO MASTER - Whether you're a beginner or a pro hunter, this Hunter's Specialties Loco Crow call makes deep-rich realistic sounds with excellent volume. Even a beginner hunter can utilize these expert calls
- TURKEY HUNTER MUST-HAVE - When it's time to head to the turkey woods make sure you have one of Hunter's Specialties calls in your vest to help you bag your next prey; This HS game call is also an ideal gift for all the turkey hunters in your life!
- TURKEY CALLING SOLUTION - This kit includes essential calls such as the Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call, Hammerin Crow Call, Hooter Owl Call, and Premium Double D call, ensuring hunters have all the tools necessary for a successful hunt
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - The Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call is expertly designed to replicate authentic turkey sounds, enhancing your ability to lure wild turkeys effectively, whether you're seeking to entice a distant tom or coax in a wary hen
- VERSATILE CROW AND OWL CALLS - The Hammerin Crow Call and Hooter Owl Call expand your hunting strategy by offering versatile options for drawing in turkeys as well as other game species, allowing you to adapt your approach depending on the conditions
- PREMIUM DIAPHRAGM CALL - The Premium Double D diaphragm call is crafted for ease of use, enabling hunters to produce a wide variety of turkey sounds with minimal effort, making it a fantastic option to improve calling skills
- DURABILITY FOR FIELD USE - Each call in the Super Strut Combo Kit is made from high-quality materials that ensure they can withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions, providing reliable performance throughout the hunting season
- Hand turned birch barrel
- Tuned with proper reed and mouth pieces, it produces the most realistic crow sound of any call of its type
- Tuned with proper reed and mouth pieces
- Hand turned birch barrel
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Turkey Crow Call
Calling in a gobbler requires the right tools. A good crow call is a secret weapon for turkey hunters. Turkeys often react to crow sounds. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a crow call, certain features make a big difference in success. You want a call that sounds real and is easy to use.
1. Sound Realism (Authenticity)
- A great call mimics the real caw of a wild crow. Listen for sharp, clear notes.
- Look for calls that produce a range of sounds, from soft clucks to loud, excited caws. This variety helps trick the turkey.
2. Ease of Use (Playability)
- Beginners need simple calls. Diaphragm calls require practice. Stick calls are often easier to master quickly.
- Test how much air pressure the call needs. A good call should not make you feel breathless right away.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
- Your call will face rain, mud, and cold. Choose materials that handle tough conditions well.
- A call that swells or cracks when wet will not work right.
Important Materials in Crow Calls
The material used directly impacts how the call sounds and how long it lasts.
Wood vs. Plastic
- Wood Calls: Many traditional hunters prefer wood. Wood often produces a deeper, richer tone. However, wood can warp if it gets too wet.
- Plastic/Acrylic Calls: These are very durable and waterproof. Modern acrylic calls can sound very realistic. They are usually easier to clean and maintain.
Reed Material (For Diaphragm Calls)
- If you choose a mouth-blown call, check the reed. Thin latex or specialized plastic reeds are common. Better reeds vibrate more easily, creating a clearer sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details separate a great call from a frustrating one.
What Makes a Quality Call?
- Precision Machining: Calls made with exact measurements sound better. Poorly fitted parts cause squeaks instead of caws.
- Tuning/Adjustability: Some stick calls allow you to slightly adjust the sound by twisting parts. This helps hunters match local crow dialects.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Rough Edges: Sharp or unfinished edges on plastic calls can interfere with the seal or your grip.
- Sticking Reeds: If a diaphragm reed sticks together after use (especially in humidity), the call becomes unusable until dried out.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to use your crow call.
When to Use a Crow Call
- Locating Turkeys: A loud, excited caw often provokes a distant gobbler into answering. This tells you where the birds are holding.
- Exciting Hesitant Birds: If a tom is silent or hung up, a few sharp caws might convince him the coast is clear or that other hens are nearby.
Choosing Based on Style
- The Silent Hunter: If you move a lot, a stick call that hangs easily on a lanyard is best. You can use it quickly without taking your eyes off your target area.
- The Patient Caller: If you set up in one spot for hours, a diaphragm call might offer the most realistic, hands-free control over subtle sound variations.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey Crow Calls
Q: Why do I need a crow call for turkey hunting?
A: Turkeys react to crow sounds. A loud caw often makes a nearby tom gobble back to challenge the sound or check out the commotion.
Q: Are crow calls the same as owl calls?
A: No. Crow calls make sharp, loud caws. Owl calls mimic hoots. Both are useful, but they serve different purposes in your calling strategy.
Q: Which is easier for a beginner: stick or diaphragm?
A: Stick calls are generally easier for beginners. You blow into them like a whistle, while diaphragm calls require precise tongue and mouth placement.
Q: Can cold weather ruin my crow call?
A: Extreme cold can make some plastics brittle. Wood calls can swell or crack if they get very wet and then freeze. Always keep your call protected.
Q: How loud should my crow call be?
A: You need it loud enough to carry over long distances when locating, but you must also be able to make softer, closer sounds.
Q: Do I need to clean my crow call?
A: Yes. Moisture and residue build up, especially in reed calls. Wipe down your call after every use to keep the sound clear.
Q: What sound should I make first when I hear a turkey?
A: Start with one or two sharp, loud caws. If the tom answers, switch to softer clucks or wait before calling again.
Q: Does the color of the call matter?
A: For stick calls, color usually does not affect the sound. However, choose dark, non-reflective colors if you are worried about spooking birds visually.
Q: What is “squeaking” when I use my call?
A: Squeaking usually means you are blowing too hard or that the parts of the call are not aligned correctly. Reduce air pressure to fix it.
Q: How long should I use a crow call during a hunt?
A: Use loud calls sparingly, mostly at dawn to locate. During mid-day, use quieter, more realistic calling sequences.