How to Clean a Turkey Mouth Call
Turkey hunting requires a certain level of expertise as well as the right equipment. And, turkey mouth call is one of those turkey hunting accessories that you should always carry. However, to have the best possible output from the call, you must take good care of it. Well, do you know how to clean a turkey mouth call properly?
Cleaning the turkey call isn’t that hard, and there are many base techniques that you can follow. Many people use normal clothes and with some cleaning agents. While many people even soak the mouth-call piece in lukewarm water and leave it like that the night before the hunt.
However, that is not all there is to cleaning the turkey mouth call. So, are you interested in learning the entire step-by-step process? Well, you are in the right place to get all your answers!
How to Clean a Turkey Mouth Call
Turkey mouth calls are used to make turkey sounds that will end, allowing turkeys in the wild to lay down their guard so that you can hunt them. The mouth calls come in contact with our mouth. Therefore it is important that they are kept clean at all times, if not before every use.
However, the diaphragm of the mouth call can be damaged without proper cleaning methods. You can look at the step-by-step procedure given below and gain an idea of how to clean a turkey mouth call properly.
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
While you can use lukewarm water for the preparation phase, it isn’t the best fluid for the job. Make a solution of mouthwash and water in the ratio of 1:1. You can also use disinfectants instead of mouthwash.
Step 2: Soak the Call
Pour the mixture into a container of a flask and then soak the call in it for a time interval of 15-20 minutes. Make sure not to soak for too long since this will interfere with the density of the diaphragm.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once the mouth call is not in contact with the fluid anymore, rinse it well and then pat it to dry. You can also use paper towels to ensure that there is no excess mixture in the call that could affect the time needed to dry.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Once you have dried up the call, put it in the refrigerator. Refrigeration allows the density of the call to return to normal so that the sound output will not be affected later on.
How Do You Separate Turkey Call Reeds?
Reeds are the small components that are established on a turkey mouth call. They are the alternative to diaphragm turkey mouth calls and are mainly used for individual turkeys that might have strayed from the flock.
The thing about reed’s mouth calls is that they are thin and uncountable and so can get stuck to each other very easily. Once stuck, you won’t be able to use the call properly. However, if you have a reed separator with you, you will be able to fix it in no time and use them properly.
However, reed separators aren’t the only way to separate reeds from each other. Alternatively, you can also peel them back manually with the use of toothpicks. In fact, most people who don’t have a reel separator make use of this technique.
How Do You Take Care of Your Diaphragm Call?
Similar to the reed turkey mouth call, the diaphragm mouth call is another bird calling apparatus. However, while reeds are used for individual turkeys, diaphragms are used on flocks of turkeys.
One of the most common practices of ensuring that the diaphragm lasts for an extended period of time is to keep it encased inside a container or case whenever the call is not in use. Other than this practice, there are several other tips that you can follow.
Always Wash Them Before Use
Mouth calls are highly prone to getting in contact with germs and other bacteria. That is why you must wash the call that you are going to use beforehand. Typical hunters prepare the calls the night before their hunt. You can also choose to soak the call instead of washing it.
Dry and Rinse Them
When you are done with the washing, you can opt to dry the mouth call using paper towels or leave it below the fan for some time. However, never expose it to the heat since this will cause the diaphragm to contract.
Refrigerate the Call
Diaphragms are very susceptible to temperature changes, and even the smallest of changes can cause the density to change. As the density changes, this could cause the sound intensity output to change permanently.
That is why you are advised to store the turkey mouth call in the regular refrigerator for some time. As the diaphragm contracts and expands, it will return to its original density.
How Long Does A Turkey Mouth Call Last?
The amount of time a turkey mouth call can last will depend on the material it is made from and how well maintained it is. Typical mouth calls last between 2 to 3 years. However, it can also last even longer.
Do note that even though the call lasts for a long time, the tape and latex cover might not have the same life expectancy. You might need to replace them once every few months, depending on the extent of damage they face.
How Do You Master A Turkey Mouth Call?
While there are no fixed techniques that you can follow to use your mouth call proficiently, there are several tips that you can follow to become a master at the craft.
- Make sounds with an interval of two reed calls.
- Moisten the reeds with saliva every time you use them.
- Make sure that the reeds face forward towards your teeth when you use them.
- Use the appropriate sound for when there are individual turkeys or flocks.
- Change the latex and tape when damaged, or it will affect the hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you master a turkey mouth call?
A turkey mouth call is made by forming the lips into an ‘O’ and blowing air through the hole. The harder you blow, the higher the pitch of the call. To create a quack, purse your lips and blow quickly and sharply.
Do any fuel injector cleaners actually work?
There isn’t a simple solution to this problem. Some people swear by fuel injector cleaners, while others dispute their effectiveness. In the end, you should try one and see if it improves your car’s performance.
How do you clean a rope
Ropes are made of different fibers, so cleaning anchor rope is different from cleaning cleaning dog leash rope. To clean most commonly used cotton rope, there are two ways – with a wet sponge or with a vacuum cleaner. If you use a wet sponge, make sure to wring it out well before using it. If you use a vacuum cleaner, be sure to use the hose attachment and not the brush attachment.
Is a turkey a pheasant?
No. Turkeys are a domesticated bird that is a relative of the pheasant, but they are not the same species. Additionally, cleaning a pheasant for transport is much simpler than cleaning a turkey because the latter has extra internal organs. Finally, the taste of these two birds is also quite different; pheasants are considered more flavorful than turkeys.
Conclusion
Turkey mouth calls are usually made from a mixture of materials like latex and silicone, while the base disc is made from slate, glass, wood, or aluminum, depending on the manufacturer. While the materials are designed for extended periods of usage without any need for maintenance, you must keep them clean.
Regarding turkey hunting, there are a few different ways to make calls. You can use your mouth, a glass call, or a slate call. Each method has its advantages, and if you are wondering how to clean a slate turkey call or how to clean a glass call, think no more; we’ve got your back.
It is vital that you learn how to clean a turkey mouth call to eliminate possible pathogens that could affect the user when in contact with the mouth. Happy turkey hunting!
