Another often-overlooked key to using these calls is the striker. There are so many different ones that again, you need to play with them and see what you like best. Different woods, or materials, will produce vastly different sounds even on the same call.

I will usually carry four different strikers with me. One is primarily for long-range, high-pitch calling. One for moderate-volume calling. One for wet weather. And one is a homemade corncob-topped peg that makes the softest, most subtle purrs and clucks I've ever heard.

I carry so many different kinds of strikers because much of the key to the music from these calls is in the striker. The type of material, striker length and the shape of the heavy end of the striker all come into play.

You're looking for the right vibration from the striker on the call and what you prefer may be different than what another hunter will prefer. Each hunter will play the call slightly differently, so experiment with call types and striker lengths. Don't be hesitant to trim length off wooden strikers until you get the sound you need.

Also, when you are hunting, carry sandpaper or some material to rough up the striker and the call from time to time. A long day of hunting without touching up these calls can cause the dreaded "squeak or squeal" at precisely the worst moment. I've been there, done that, and advise you to avoid it.

The only downside is the obvious one of movement. Often you can give a gobbler such a good dose of sweet talk that by the time they get into view, they're committed to come all the way. But again, it reinforces the occasional need for a hands-free call at times. If you're calling for a buddy, you can hide the call behind your knees and call the longbeard all the way in.

BOX CALLS
Perhaps the classic photograph that most hunters have ingrained in their minds of a turkey hunter and a call is a hunter dressed in full camo with a paddle-style box call in hand. This call is certainly one for the ages; it's been around for a long time and will be here for the duration.

In the hands of a skilled hunter, there's essentially nothing a box call can't do in terms of producing turkey calls. It will make loud or soft clucks, fantastic yelps (for which is most commonly used), but it also creates excellent cutts, cackles and even gobbles. A big box and paddle will crank out a loud, long-distance locator call, but in the right hands the same call will purr and cluck so low that only a gobbler can hear it at 40 yards.

Box calls come in myriad of sizes and wood types. You can spend as much as you want or go the economy route. While the high-dollar calls certainly have incredible sounding potential, you can't buy perfection in any call. With a paddle box, like any other call, you'll have to earn the quality of sound you make. Economy calls in the hands of a skilled player will call turkeys like crazy. But if you're into getting all you can out of a box call, consider the craftsman-style calls. There is a difference, but it's only apparent if you're willing to commit time and practice.