How to Use a Turkey Mouth Call—Expert Tips

What Is a Turkey Mouth Call?

A turkey mouth call (or diaphragm call) fits inside your mouth and uses a combination of air pressure and tongue control to produce turkey vocalizations like yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. Because it’s operated without using your hands, it’s perfect for those final moments when a gobbler is closing the distance.

While it’s one of the hardest turkey calls to learn, it’s also the most versatile once you get the hang of it.

Choosing the Right Mouth Call

If you’re just learning how to use a turkey mouth call, start simple. Scott recommends a single- or double-reed call instead of a multi-reed design. Fewer reeds make it easier to produce clean sounds and build confidence before advancing to more complex calls.

The sound of each call varies depending on:

• Number of reeds: Fewer reeds create clearer tones; more reeds add rasp.

• Material: Latex or prophylactic materials affect pitch and durability.

• Cut style: Different reed cuts change the raspiness and tone.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Use a Turkey Mouth Call

1. Position the Call: Place the mouth call with the reeds facing outward (toward your lips) and the open end toward your throat. Press it gently to the roof of your mouth with your tongue.

2. Create Air Pressure: Push air across the reeds while keeping your lips closed. You’ll feel the vibration that produces sound. Adjust tongue pressure to change pitch.

3. Make a Basic Yelp: The yelp is the foundation of all turkey sounds. Start by applying firm tongue pressure to hit a high note, then drop your jaw slightly to create the low note.

   • Practice a slow, exaggerated version first.

   • Once you get the rhythm, speed it up to sound more realistic.

4. Add Clucks and Purrs:

   • Cluck: Relax your mouth and puff short bursts of air while letting your tongue flutter over the reeds.

   • Purr: Use a soft, steady airflow with a gentle tongue flutter to mimic a content hen.

5. Experiment with Cuts & Gobbles: Once you’re comfortable, try loud cuts by giving sharp, quick bursts of air—or even a gobble by cutting off airflow and vibrating your throat slightly. Each call has its own unique tone, so test a few to find what works best.

Diaphragm calls have one of the steepest learning curves among all turkey calls, but they also offer the most realistic range of sounds once mastered. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your calling for spring turkey season, SCHEELS offers a wide selection of turkey mouth calls from top brands like Primos, Woodhaven, and more. If you have additional questions about choosing a turkey call, visit your local SCHEELS for Expert advice.