The Only 3 Turkey Calls A Turkey Hunter Needs

Published on March 17, 2026
Duration: 10:04

This guide, presented by an expert from Mossberg, details the three essential turkey calls: the yelp, cluck, and cut. It emphasizes that perfect calls are less important than sounding like a hen and highlights the critical role of silence in successful turkey hunting. The instruction draws on wisdom from legendary hunters like Tom Kelly and Ben Rogers Lee.

Quick Summary

Master the three essential turkey calls: yelp, cluck, and cut. Learn from Mossberg experts that woodsmanship and knowing when to be silent are as crucial as vocalizations. Perfecting these sounds, along with understanding turkey behavior, significantly enhances your hunting success.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Tom Kelly's Turkey Wisdom
  2. 00:31Calling Disclaimer & Woodsmanship
  3. 01:29Essential Turkey Calls for Hunters
  4. 01:52The Yelp: Mouth Calls & Technique
  5. 02:37Yelp Demonstration & Muted Yelps
  6. 03:25Yelp with Pot Call & Common Mistakes
  7. 04:32The Cluck: Bubble Cluck & Research
  8. 05:08Cluck Variation & Simple Clucks
  9. 05:43Cluck vs. Putt & Adding Context
  10. 06:31Simple Cluck with Mouth Call
  11. 06:59The Cut: Midday Call & Listening
  12. 07:31Cut Demonstration & Sealing the Deal
  13. 08:05The Fourth Essential Call: Silence
  14. 08:29Turkey's Perception & When to Stop Calling

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three essential turkey calls a hunter needs to know?

The three essential turkey calls are the yelp, the cluck, and the cut. The yelp is fundamental, the cluck is versatile, and the cut can be effective for drawing attention, especially midday. Mastering these sounds is key to successful turkey hunting.

Why is silence considered an important 'call' in turkey hunting?

Silence is crucial because once a turkey is actively responding and moving towards your location, continuing to call can make it hesitant or cause it to veer off. Knowing when to stop calling and letting the turkey approach requires discipline and significantly increases your chances of success.

What is the difference between a plain yelp and an assembly yelp?

A plain yelp typically consists of 3-7 calls and imitates a single hen. An assembly yelp is longer, usually 10-15 calls, and is used to gather multiple turkeys, serving a different communication purpose than a simple yelp.

How important is perfect calling technique versus woodsmanship in turkey hunting?

While effective calling is important, the video emphasizes that woodsmanship—understanding turkey behavior, terrain, and movement—is more critical for success. You don't need to be the greatest caller to harvest a turkey; good woodsmanship often compensates for calling imperfections.

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