Down And Dirty Outdoors Turkey Calls

Down And Dirty Outdoors Turkey Calls: A Comprehensive Guide

Turkey hunting is a demanding pursuit, requiring patience, skill, and the right equipment. Among the essential gear for any turkey hunter, the turkey call stands out as a critical tool for enticing wary gobblers within range. Down And Dirty Outdoors (DADO) has established a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and effective turkey calls, catering to a wide range of hunting styles and skill levels. This article will delve into the various types of DADO turkey calls, exploring their features, advantages, and suitable applications for different hunting scenarios.

Understanding the Range of DADO Turkey Calls

DADO offers a diverse selection of turkey calls, each designed to replicate specific turkey vocalizations. This variety allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy based on the prevailing environmental conditions, the maturity of the birds they are targeting, and their personal preferences. The primary categories of DADO turkey calls include diaphragm calls (also known as mouth calls), pot calls (including slate, glass, and crystal surfaces), box calls, and push-button calls. Each type possesses unique characteristics in terms of sound quality, ease of use, and overall versatility.

Diaphragm calls are favored by experienced hunters due to their hands-free operation and ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. A diaphragm call consists of a frame with one or more layers of latex stretched across it. The hunter places the call against the roof of their mouth and uses their tongue and air pressure to create different sounds. Mastering diaphragm calls requires practice, but the resulting versatility makes them invaluable for mimicking subtle turkey vocalizations and adapting to changing hunting situations.

Pot calls, also known as friction calls, are another popular choice. These calls consist of a pot made from wood, acrylic, or other materials, with a striking surface made of slate, glass, crystal, or aluminum. A striker made of wood, carbon fiber, or other materials is used to create friction against the surface, producing turkey sounds. Pot calls are known for their ease of use and ability to produce clear, realistic tones. Different surface materials create varying sounds, allowing hunters to select a call that suits their specific needs.

Box calls are arguably the easiest type of turkey call to operate. They consist of a wooden box with a hinged lid. The hunter slides the lid across the box to create friction, producing the sounds of a turkey. Box calls are known for their loud, raspy tones, making them effective for reaching turkeys at a distance. While they may not offer the same level of subtlety as diaphragm calls, their simplicity and volume make them a valuable addition to any hunter's arsenal.

Push-button calls are another simple option for novice turkey hunters. These calls typically consist of a small box with a button or plunger that, when pressed, creates a realistic turkey sound. Push-button calls are easy to use and require minimal practice, making them a good choice for hunters who are new to turkey hunting or who prefer a simple, straightforward call.

Advantages of Using DADO Turkey Calls

DADO turkey calls offer several key advantages over competing products. The company prioritizes quality craftsmanship, using premium materials and meticulous manufacturing processes to ensure durability and consistent performance. The calls are designed to produce realistic turkey sounds, mimicking the vocalizations of hens and gobblers with exceptional accuracy.

One of the primary advantages of DADO calls is their responsiveness. The calls are designed to be easily manipulated, allowing hunters to create a wide range of sounds with minimal effort. This responsiveness is particularly important when using diaphragm calls, where subtle adjustments in tongue pressure and air flow can significantly affect the sound. Similarly, DADO pot calls and box calls are designed to provide consistent friction and clear tones, ensuring that the hunter can produce realistic turkey sounds with ease.

Durability is another critical factor. Turkey hunting often takes place in challenging environments, exposing gear to harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain. DADO calls are built to withstand these challenges, using high-quality materials and robust construction techniques. This durability ensures that the calls will perform reliably season after season, providing hunters with a dependable tool for attracting turkeys.

Furthermore, DADO offers a variety of call designs tailored to different hunting scenarios. Whether the hunter is pursuing pressured birds in heavily hunted areas or calling to gobblers in open fields, DADO has a call to suit the situation. This adaptability is crucial for success, as different turkey populations and hunting environments may require different calling strategies.

Choosing the Right DADO Turkey Call for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate DADO turkey call depends on several factors, including the hunter's skill level, the type of terrain being hunted, and the specific turkey vocalizations that are most effective in the area. Novice hunters may benefit from starting with a box call or push-button call, which are relatively easy to master. These calls provide a simple introduction to turkey calling and allow hunters to practice basic techniques without the complexity of a diaphragm call.

Experienced hunters often prefer diaphragm calls or pot calls, which offer greater versatility and control over the sound. Diaphragm calls are particularly useful for mimicking subtle turkey vocalizations and for calling to birds that are close by. Pot calls are effective for producing a wide range of sounds, from soft clucks and purrs to loud yelps and cuts.

The terrain being hunted also plays a role in call selection. In open areas, box calls and pot calls with loud striking surfaces can be effective for reaching turkeys at a distance. In wooded areas, diaphragm calls and softer pot calls may be more appropriate for creating subtle sounds that won't spook nearby birds.

Understanding the specific turkey vocalizations that are most effective in the area is also crucial. Different turkey populations may respond to different calls, and it is important to experiment with different sounds to determine what works best. Listening to live turkeys in the area can provide valuable insights into their vocalizations and preferences. Additionally, studying the behavior and interactions of turkeys can help the hunter determine the most effective calling strategy.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right DADO turkey call is to experiment with different types and find the calls that the hunter is most comfortable using and that produce the most realistic turkey sounds. Practicing regularly with the chosen calls will help the hunter develop the skills necessary to effectively attract turkeys in a variety of hunting scenarios.

The quality of materials used in the construction of a turkey call significantly impacts its sound and durability. DADO uses various materials, each with its own acoustic properties. For example, slate pot calls produce softer, more mellow tones, while glass and crystal pot calls offer brighter, sharper sounds that carry further. Box calls typically use hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or maple, which contribute to their resonant and loud calls. Call selection should consider the typical hunting environment and the desired sound profile.

Hunting pressure can significantly influence a turkey's responsiveness to different calls. Heavily pressured turkeys often become wary of generic yelps and cuts. In such situations, subtle and realistic calling techniques become crucial. Diaphragm calls excel in producing those subtle nuances, while well-tuned pot calls can mimic the soft purrs and clucks that reassure wary birds. Varying calling sequences and employing less frequently used calls, such as kee-kees or lost hen calls, can also increase success.

Maintenance is essential for preserving the sound quality and extending the lifespan of turkey calls. Diaphragm calls should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent latex from drying out or becoming brittle. Pot calls should be periodically cleaned with a specialized abrasive pad to remove moisture or debris that could affect their sound. Box calls benefit from occasional chalking on the paddle to maintain consistent friction. Proper storage and maintenance ensure that DADO calls continue to perform optimally for years.