As a seasoned hunter and outdoor writer with over a decade spent exploring the American backcountry, I’ve learned that successfully calling a mature tom turkey requires more than just blowing a call. It demands understanding turkey behavior, mastering various calling techniques, and choosing the right equipment. For many serious turkey hunters, that equipment starts with Matt Van Cise turkey calls. I’ve personally used and tested a wide range of calls over the years, and the craftsmanship and tonal quality of a Matt Van Cise call consistently stand out. This article will delve into the world of turkey hunting, focusing on how to effectively utilize Matt Van Cise calls to increase your chances of success, covering everything from call selection to advanced hunting strategies.
Why Matt Van Cise Turkey Calls? A Hunter's Perspective
The turkey call market is saturated, so why choose a Matt Van Cise turkey call? In my experience, it boils down to three key factors: authenticity, responsiveness, and durability. Van Cise calls are renowned for replicating the nuanced sounds of real turkeys – from soft purrs and clucks to aggressive yelps and cuts. This isn’t accidental; each call is meticulously handcrafted, often from exotic woods, and tuned to produce a realistic sound. I’ve found the responsiveness particularly impressive; even subtle changes in air pressure translate into variations in the call, allowing for a more dynamic and lifelike presentation. Finally, these calls are built to last. They can withstand the rigors of the field, season after season. You can find more information about the craftsmanship at Matt Van Cise’s official website.
Types of Matt Van Cise Turkey Calls: Finding Your Perfect Match
Matt Van Cise offers a diverse range of calls to suit different hunting styles and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Box Calls: These are arguably the easiest to learn and produce a loud, clear yelp, ideal for covering distance. Van Cise box calls are known for their crisp, clean cuts.
- Slate Calls (Pot Calls): Slate calls offer greater versatility, allowing for a wider range of sounds, including soft purrs and clucks. The surface texture (glass, ceramic, crystal) impacts the tone.
- Crystal Calls: Considered by many to be the most responsive and realistic, crystal calls produce a high-pitched, clear sound that carries well. They require more practice to master.
- Diaphragm Calls: These mouth calls are the most challenging to learn but offer the ultimate in hands-free operation. Van Cise diaphragm calls are designed for comfort and precise control.
- Push Button Calls: A newer style, these calls are easy to use and produce a variety of sounds with minimal effort.
Choosing the right call depends on your experience level and hunting situation. Beginners often start with a box call, while experienced hunters may prefer the versatility of a slate or crystal call. Diaphragm calls are essential for run-and-gun hunting.
Mastering the Basic Turkey Calls
Regardless of the Matt Van Cise turkey call you choose, mastering the fundamental sounds is crucial. Here’s a guide to the most important calls:
The Yelp: The Foundation of Turkey Communication
The yelp is the most common turkey vocalization and serves as a location call, signaling to other turkeys that you’re in the area. To produce a yelp, focus on controlling your air pressure and creating a rising and falling tone. Start with a soft, breathy sound and gradually increase the volume. Practice varying the cadence and pitch to create a more realistic yelp. REI Expert Advice offers excellent resources on practicing yelps: REI Turkey Calling Guide.
The Cluck: A Subtle but Effective Call
Clucks are short, sharp sounds used to get a turkey’s attention. They’re often used in conjunction with yelps to add realism. To cluck, use a quick burst of air pressure and a short, staccato sound. Vary the volume and cadence to create different types of clucks (soft clucks, cutting clucks).
The Purr: A Contented Turkey's Sound
The purr is a soft, contented sound that turkeys make when they’re comfortable and relaxed. It’s a subtle call that can be very effective in close quarters. To purr, use a very soft, breathy sound and a slow, rolling tone.
The Cut: An Excited Turkey's Vocalization
Cuts are sharp, aggressive sounds that turkeys make when they’re excited or agitated. They’re often used to provoke a response from a gobbler. To cut, use a quick, forceful burst of air pressure and a sharp, staccato sound.
Advanced Turkey Hunting Strategies with Matt Van Cise Calls
Once you’ve mastered the basic calls, you can start incorporating more advanced strategies to increase your success. These strategies often involve using a Matt Van Cise turkey call in specific ways to manipulate a gobbler’s behavior.
Calling Sequence: Building the Illusion
Don’t just randomly yelp and hope for the best. Develop a calling sequence that mimics a real turkey’s behavior. Start with a few soft yelps, followed by some clucks and purrs. Gradually increase the volume and intensity of your calls, adding cuts to provoke a response. The National Park Service provides valuable information on ethical hunting practices: NPS Hunting Information.
The Soft Call: Close-Range Success
When a gobbler is close, switch to soft calls – purrs, clucks, and soft yelps. Avoid loud, aggressive calls, as they may spook the bird. The goal is to create the illusion of a hen that’s just out of sight. A crystal or slate Matt Van Cise turkey call is particularly effective for soft calling.
The Run-and-Gun Technique
This aggressive technique involves using a diaphragm call to locate and call turkeys while moving quickly through the woods. It’s best suited for experienced hunters who are comfortable with a variety of calling techniques. A Matt Van Cise diaphragm call offers the hands-free operation needed for this style of hunting.
Reading Turkey Body Language
Calling is only half the battle. Pay attention to the turkey’s body language. A fanned-out tail, puffed-up chest, and strutting gait indicate a dominant gobbler who is likely to respond to your calls. A turkey that is hesitant or cautious may require a more subtle approach.
Turkey Hunting Ethics and Conservation
Responsible turkey hunting is essential for maintaining healthy populations. Always follow all applicable hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting principles. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides guidelines for minimizing your impact on the environment: Leave No Trace Principles. The USDA Forest Service also offers resources on responsible hunting on public lands: USDA Forest Service Hunting.
Maintaining Your Matt Van Cise Turkey Call
To ensure your Matt Van Cise turkey call continues to perform optimally, proper maintenance is key. Clean your call after each use to remove moisture and debris. For slate and crystal calls, use a fine abrasive to maintain the striking surface. Store your call in a protective case to prevent damage. Following these simple steps will help extend the life of your call and ensure it continues to produce realistic sounds for years to come.
Investing in a quality Matt Van Cise turkey call is a significant step towards becoming a more successful turkey hunter. However, remember that calling is just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding turkey behavior, mastering various calling techniques, and practicing ethical hunting principles are all essential for a rewarding and sustainable hunting experience. For further reading on turkey hunting tactics, consider exploring articles on scouting techniques and camouflage strategies. (See also: Advanced Turkey Scouting Techniques and Choosing the Right Camouflage for Turkey Hunting – imaginary internal links).