Gobbler calls???

[bmc]

I've never used a gobbler call and am curious as to the when, where, and why aspect of this call. I know, that it can be dangerous to use because of other hunters. Does this call create "jealousy" in toms, especially if you do a jake gobble? I think it would be a good locator call during the day...

Thanks,

Brian

[duckhuntr21]

I used to use one in the mornings to locate birds on the roost until I learned that my box or slate are usually just as effective. I have tried them during the day without any success but that could have been due to the time of year as well.

[Dave S]

I only use one when my movement is concealed. Mainly for the safety factor as you already stated.

As to why, it can be to agitate the toms into thinking there's a subordinate bird lovin' up his hens, again as you already stated to create that jealousy. But it can also create a sense of confidence there's birds in the area.

Before trying a gobble call, I would maybe do a ki-ki-run, or gathering call. Then gobble. It may lead to a race to see which tom gets there first.

[goblueM]

i've used one before, in the middle of the day - i've had 2 or 3 gobblers yelling back and forth at me, but they didn't seem to ever come closer. they'd just gobble as soon as i did

[MNpurple]

Last year I had two Toms start gobbling on the roost and stayed there gobbling for over an hour. I threw all the calls I had at them but they essentially just ingorned me, gobbling at my calls only occasionally and they were across the property line so moving closer wasnt an option. As a last resort, I hit them with some cutts and then threw in a shaker gobble.

That was all it took, they came in fast on a string to 20 yards. I was shocked how they quickly they responded to that gobble. It was obviously a jealousy, dominance thing and they were not standing for that. I think if it was a less dominant bird, it may have had the opposite result and chased him away, but now I wont be in the woods without one.

As others have already said, be a little careful especially on public land.

[ylekiot]

if you don't have a gobbler call in your arsenal you could be one of the 75% out there that only comes home with a story instead of the trophy.

[paceman]

Sounds like I had better go pick one up........

[Borch]

I used to carry a shaker. But now just use my box when I feel that I need to gobble.

[bmc]

Borch,

How tight of a rubber band do you use on your box call so you can gobble with it?

Thanks,

Brian

[Borch]

I don't like the rubber band too tight. Tight enough so that the board makes good contact with the box but still gives that gobbling sound. I always sounds horrible to me but the birds don't seem to mind.

[SETDAHOOK]

I, by no means am a pro turkey hunter, but I have had a lot of success with a gobbler call (until this season)....I have used it to take 3 different Toms, and all of them appeared to be the dominate Tom in the area, including the one I harvested 2 years ago that scored 73.875 with the NWTF.

I always use my hens calls first, and if they don't respond well to those, I give the shaker a try....You do have to be a bit careful though it can scare some of the lesser dominate birds away.

It also works well, as mentioned previously, as a locator call...It drives the other Toms crazy.

[delzz7]

I used it last thursday. There was a flock with 3 Toms and 8 hens walking down a fence line about 200 yards away. I shaked the gobbler call a couple of times. The flock turned and came right in.