Turkey Pot Calls Demystified
Choosing the right turkey call is a lot like choosing the right shotgun. While appearance may be important to some, it is not the primary concern. What truly matters is function, reliability, versatility, user-friendliness, maintenance level, and, most importantly, sound—specifically, a natural sound.
The two most significant factors when selecting a turkey pot call are how it sounds and how easy it is to use. Fortunately, the tried-and-true pot-style call excels in both areas. It produces realistic, natural tones and is accessible to anyone capable of writing—or even scribbling—with an ordinary #2 pencil. It sounds great and is easy to use—a winning combination!
The Pot Call
A pot-style call, or simply a pot call, belongs to the family of friction turkey calls. Essentially, a pot call operates much like an old-school record player. A striker or peg—the turkey call equivalent of a record player’s needle—is dragged over grooves scraped or “conditioned” into the call’s surface (face). This action creates vibrations, which in turn produce the sounds that both hunters and turkeys hear. Running your finger along the teeth of a comb—bbbrrrppp…bbbrrrppp—works in much the same way.
To use a pot call, hold the pot in the palm of one hand and grip the striker like a pencil in the other. Drag the tip of the striker across the surface, and the call does the rest.
Pot calls come in various materials. Common pot materials include different types of wood such as walnut, hickory, cocobolo, and osage orange (hedge). The surface or face of the call can also be made from a variety of materials, with slate, glass, crystal, and aluminum being among the most popular. Each material produces a distinct tone—crystal for clarity, slate for a soft and mellow sound, and hard-conditioned glass for a raspy effect.
The Strikers
Strikers—also known as pegs or sticks—come in a variety of materials, each with a unique feel and sound. Wooden strikers are the most traditional and are commonly made from hickory, walnut, purpleheart, Alaskan yellow cedar, ebony, and the laminated Diamond Wood. Other materials include acrylic, plastic, carbon, and aluminum.
For hunters who often find themselves calling in the rain, a pot call with a non-slate surface (e.g., glass) paired with a non-wooden striker (e.g., acrylic) can be used in wet conditions with little to no change in sound quality.
Pros & Cons
Like most hunting gear, pot-style calls have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Very user-friendly—if you can operate a pencil, you can operate a pot call.
- Versatile in terms of volume.
- Waterproof when used with a non-slate surface and a non-wooden striker.
- Great for beginners or those unable to use a mouth (diaphragm) call.
- Wide price range.
Cons
- Requires two hands to operate.
- Some minor and occasional maintenance is needed.
Conditioning Your Pot Call
Before using a pot call, you must scratch the surface to create grooves that allow the striker to “skip” across it. This process is called conditioning or “roughing up” the call surface.
For slate calls, use a small (2” square) piece of Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad with light pressure. Hold the call with the top at 12 o’clock and the bottom at 6 o’clock, then scratch in one direction only (e.g., 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock). To run the call, drag the striker perpendicular to the scratches (12 o’clock to 6 o’clock). As with any skill, practice makes perfect.
For harder surfaces like aluminum or crystal, a conditioning stone, 100-grit sandpaper, or a small piece of drywall sanding screen works best. Again, scratch in one direction only and operate the striker perpendicular to the scratches for the best results.
As a bonus, the Crystal Queen Pot Call from Slayer Calls comes pre-conditioned to produce razor sharp high-pitched tones and incredible range—perfect for cutting through windy conditions and reaching out ‘n touching those far-off longbeards.
Pot Call Care
To keep your pot call in top condition, carry it in a protective case or pouch—preferably something zippered that keeps it safe and clean while allowing quick access. Avoid touching the call’s surface with bare fingers, as oils and dirt can fill the grooves and degrade the sound quality.
Pot calls are just one tool in the turkey hunter’s arsenal, but they are among the most effective. They offer versatility, sound great, and are the second-easiest turkey call to master—second only to the box call. With practice, you’ll be playing the role of the seductive hen in no time!
