Learning how to use a turkey box call is relatively simple, but proper hand position, lid movement, and maintenance can make a significant difference in the sound you produce. These instructions apply to The Grind turkey box calls and can also be used with many other traditional box calls.
Use the guide below to learn how to hold a box call, produce common hen vocalizations, maintain the call, and make basic adjustments to its tuning.
Quick Navigation
Holding the Box Call
Hold the box call in one hand and the lid in the other hand, with the handle toward you. The box should be held sideways so you can see the bottom of the lid and the rounded curve of the box.
Making a Hen Yelp with a Turkey Box Call
Hold the bottom of the box with one hand, making sure not to touch the sides of the box. Touching the sides may distort your calls. Making a hen yelp is as easy as opening and closing the box with the lid.
Move the lid forward first across the arch of the box with light pressure, then, without picking up the lid, return it toward you. Speed up the sequence for faster yelps, and use more lid-to-box pressure for louder calls.
Making a Hen Cluck with a Turkey Box Call
Hold the box the same way you would when making a hen yelp, but apply a little more downward pressure to the lid. Hold the box so you can see where the lid and box make contact.
While applying downward pressure, twist the lid inward and forward with a quick popping motion. To produce the excited cutting call of a hen, repeat the same procedure a little faster.
Maintaining Your Turkey Box Call
Take care of your box call to keep it producing consistent sounds and tones. The lid should be chalked regularly as the chalk will wear off with use.
Most box calls come pre-chalked and ready to hunt, but with regular use your box call will eventually require additional chalk. The best chalk to use is carpenter's chalk that comes in a stick. Do not use chalkboard chalk, because it can become sticky or gummy when exposed to moisture.
Tuning Your Turkey Box Call
Your box call lid should be held in place with a single screw that allows the lid to pivot and lift slightly from the box. Turn this screw 1/8 turn at a time to tighten or loosen the lid action.
Test the call after each adjustment and repeat the process until you reach your desired pitch and calling response.