How to Choose A Turkey Diaphragm Call – Foundry Outdoors

How to Choose A Turkey Diaphragm Call

turkey sitting on tree branch

Besides a bow or shotgun, the most important tool in a turkey hunter’s arsenal is a call. Each type of turkey call has its own advantages, and a great one to learn to use is the diaphragm call. Keeping still is so important in turkey hunting, since the birds have incredible eyesight that can pick off the movement of a hand striking a box call. With a diaphragm, there is little to no movement and the hunter can make an amazing variety of sounds to call in birds. 

Box Call:

A box call is one of the oldest and most straightforward turkey calls. Typically made of wood, it consists of a hollow box with a paddle on top. To produce sound, hunters drag the paddle across the lip of the box, creating realistic hen yelps, clucks, purrs, and even gobbles. While box calls are effective and easy to use, they lack the hands-free operation of diaphragm calls, making them less practical in certain hunting scenarios.

Slate Call:

Also known as pot calls, slate calls consist of a small, circular surface made of slate, glass, or aluminum, housed in a pot-like structure. Hunters produce sounds by running a striker, often made of wood or carbon, across the surface. Slate calls offer versatility, allowing hunters to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations, including soft purrs and aggressive yelps. However, like box calls, they require the use of both hands.

wild turkey fan

Mouth Call (Diaphragm Call):

Diaphragm calls, often referred to as mouth calls or mouth diaphragms, are perhaps the most versatile and popular turkey calls among seasoned hunters. These calls consist of a latex or polyurethane reed stretched between two frames, with a horseshoe-shaped metal or plastic frame holding it in place. The hunter places the frame in their mouth, using their tongue and airflow to manipulate the reed and produce lifelike turkey sounds. Diaphragm calls offer unmatched hands-free operation, allowing hunters to minimize movement and hold the shotgun ready instead of fiddling with calls. 

Types of Diaphragm Calls:

  • Single Reed: The simplest type of diaphragm call, consisting of a single latex reed. Single reed calls are easy to use and produce clear, consistent sounds, making them ideal for beginners or hunters looking for simplicity.
  • Double Reed: Double reed calls feature two latex reeds stacked on top of each other. These calls offer slightly more versatility than single reed calls, allowing hunters to produce a wider range of tones and pitches.
  • Triple Reed: Triple reed calls contain three latex reeds, offering even greater flexibility and control over sound production. Experienced hunters often prefer triple reed calls for their ability to mimic a variety of turkey vocalizations with precision.
  • Split V: Split V calls feature a unique V-shaped cut in the latex reed, designed to mimic the natural sounds of a turkey's vocal cords. These calls produce crisp, realistic yelps and clucks, making them highly effective in the field.

wild turkey fan

Advantages of Diaphragm Calls:

  • Hands-Free Operation: Diaphragm calls allow hunters to keep their hands free, enabling them to maintain their aim and make subtle adjustments without sacrificing sound quality.
  • Versatility: With practice, hunters can produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations using diaphragm calls, from soft purrs and clucks to aggressive yelps and gobbles.
  • Portability: Diaphragm calls are compact and lightweight, easily fitting into a pocket or hunting vest for convenient access in the field.
  • Durability: Constructed from durable materials such as latex and plastic, diaphragm calls are built to withstand the rigors of hunting season after season.




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