First things first - If one doesn't already understand it, the its time to learn that there are several different turkey calls available. Hunters have been using turkey calls for centuries to lure a gobbler into range be it a bow and arrow or shotgun. The different types of turkey calls available all have different methods for use and of course each will have their pros and cons that the turkey caller must consider when taking to the field each spring. Understanding the types of turkey calls available will help to understand which call may be best for you when starting to call turkeys. Here's a brief look at the types of turkey calls available. 

Mouth Calls - Mouth Calls for Turkeys or Diaphragm calls as some refer to them are a popular choice for many hunters. Mouth calling turkeys can be challenging but quite rewarding.  Turkey Mouth call are constructed with thin latex reeds stacked strategically on top each other, stretched and crimped together to offer a hunter a versatile and hands free approach to hunting turkeys. Many new hunters struggle with understanding how to use a mouth turkey call. While it does take a bit of patience and practice, anyone can effectively call turkeys using a mouth call. 

Pot Calls - Pots calls have a rich history with turkey hunters. Pot call get their name because of the simple bowl or "pot" shape with a striking surface glued to the top. Pot calls can be topped with Slate, Glass, Ceramic, Aluminum, Copper, and many other popular choices. A pot call utilizes a striker that essentially strikes the friction surface and creates a sound that resonates from the sound board to produce the hen turkey sounds. Some of the classic designs like a walnut pot topped with slate over  a glass sound board are designs that have been proven for many decades as a lethal combination. Pot calls can produce purrs, clucks, yelps and kee kees with ease given the right striker and techniques used. 

Box Calls - Box calls are notably some of the oldest forms of calls used by turkey hunters. A box call generally consist of two parts, a box or boat, and the lid. The lid runs across the top of the box and resonates sound much the same way a violin would to produce the authentic sounds of the wild hen. Box calls come in many different shapes, sizes and such and are a tried and true addition to most any turkey hunters set up.  

Other Calls - Many other types of calls are popular choices for the spring turkey woods. Wingbone yelpers, tube calls or snuff cans, trough calls and soft callers along with a whole spectrum of other calls that designers have created to mimic the sound of the wild turkey. Many of these specialty calls are handmade and have limited availability and often a hunter may find a call that they really like, only to find its nearly impossible to get in later years. Seems to be the story of many things for turkey hunters though.