How To Make A Slate Turkey Call

How to Make a Slate Turkey Call: A DIY Guide for Hunters

Calling turkeys is a crucial skill for any hunter, and a well-crafted slate call can significantly increase your success rate. While you can purchase high-quality slate calls, making your own offers a rewarding experience and allows for customization. This guide will walk you through the process of crafting your own slate turkey call.

Gathering Your Materials

Before you begin, gather these essential materials:

• Slate: The core of your call. Look for a smooth, relatively flat piece of slate. Thickness is important; aim for about 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Too thin and it'll be too fragile; too thick and it'll be difficult to work with. The size should be roughly 2" x 3", though you can adjust this based on your preference.
• Wood: This will form the body of your call. You can use various types of hardwood, such as cherry, walnut, or maple. Choose a piece approximately 4" x 2" x 1/2".
• Adhesive: A strong adhesive like epoxy is necessary to securely bond the slate to the wood.
• Sandpaper: Assorted grits for smoothing the wood and slate (e.g., 80, 120, 220).
• Finishing Oil: A high-quality wood finishing oil like linseed oil or tung oil to protect the wood.
• Tools: You'll need a saw (hand saw or coping saw works well) to cut the wood, a file or rasp to shape the wood, and a pencil for marking. Clamps will also prove very helpful.

Crafting Your Slate Turkey Call: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Wood

1. Cut the wood to your desired shape and size. A slightly curved or rounded design is often comfortable to hold.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth all surfaces of the wood. Start with a coarser grit and gradually move to finer grits for a smooth finish.

Step 2: Preparing the Slate

1. Clean the slate thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. A mild detergent and water are sufficient.
2. Use sandpaper to gently smooth the edges of the slate. You don't want to remove too much material. Focus on removing any sharp edges.

Step 3: Assembling the Call

1. Apply a generous layer of epoxy to the back of the slate and to the area on the wood where the slate will be attached.
2. Carefully position the slate onto the wood, ensuring it is centered and level.
3. Clamp the slate in place and allow the epoxy to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24-48 hours).

Step 4: Finishing the Call

1. Once the epoxy is cured, use sandpaper to smooth any excess epoxy around the edges of the slate.
2. Apply the wood finishing oil to the entire wooden body of the call. Allow it to soak in, then wipe off any excess. Multiple coats may be needed for a deep, protective finish.
3. Let the oil cure completely before using the call.

Testing and Tuning Your Call

After the finishing oil has dried, it's time to test your handcrafted slate turkey call. Experiment with different techniques—varying the pressure and angle of your striker (typically another piece of slate, glass, or a similar material) against the slate surface. Practice making various turkey calls, like yelps, clucks, and purrs.

Troubleshooting:

• Call is too quiet: The slate may be too thick, or the striker may not be smooth enough. Try using a smoother striker or sanding the slate down slightly.
• Call is too loud or harsh: The slate might be too thin, or you might be applying too much pressure. Try using less pressure or using a less abrasive striker.

With practice, you'll develop the skill to produce realistic turkey sounds that will enhance your hunting experience. Remember, the key to a successful homemade slate turkey call is patience and practice. Happy hunting!