Unlocking the Secrets of Turkey Calls: How Striker Materials Affect Your Sound

Turkey hunting is an art that depends heavily on the sounds you produce. One of the most overlooked factors in creating the perfect turkey call is the material of the striker you use. Did you know that each striker made from different woods produces a unique sound when used on your crystal or slate turkey call? Moreover, using a crystal call over slate tends to carry your sounds farther than slate over glass. This post explores how changing your striker material can help you produce different sounds that will attract the gobbler you’re after.

Our calls come with 2 strikers but I would suggest adding a few exotics to your pack.

How Striker Materials Influence Turkey Call Sounds

The striker is the tool you use to rub against the surface of your turkey call, creating the sounds that mimic turkey vocalizations. The material of the striker directly affects the tone, volume, and pitch of the sound produced. Different woods have varying densities, textures, and hardness, which change the friction and resonance when rubbed against the call surface.

Common Striker Materials and Their Characteristics

• Hardwoods (Maple, Hickory, Cherry)

These woods are dense and produce sharp, clear sounds. They are great for calls that need to carry over long distances. For example, a maple striker on a crystal call can create a bright, piercing yelp that travels far.

• Softer Woods (Cedar, Pine, Basswood)

Softer woods create a warmer, softer tone. They are useful for close-range calling or when you want to sound less aggressive. A cedar striker on slate can produce gentle clucks and purrs that entice a curious gobbler.

• Exotic Woods (Rosewood, Ebony, Cocobolo)

These woods are prized for their unique tonal qualities and durability. They often produce a rich, complex sound that can mimic subtle turkey vocalizations better than common woods.

Why Crystal Over Slate Sounds Carry Farther

Crystal calls are made from glass-like materials that create a sharp, resonant sound. When paired with a striker, especially a hardwood one, the sound waves travel farther through the air. Slate calls, while excellent for softer sounds, tend to absorb some of the sound energy, making them better for close-range calling.

Using a crystal call over slate means the sound has a clearer, more penetrating quality. This combination is ideal when you want to reach turkeys at a distance or in open terrain.

Experimenting with Strikers to Find Your Perfect Sound

Every turkey hunting situation is different. Weather, terrain, and turkey behavior all influence which sounds will work best. Changing your striker material allows you to adapt your calling style to these conditions.

Tips for Testing Different Strikers

• Start with a variety of woods

Carry a few strikers made from different woods. Try each on your crystal and slate calls to hear how the sound changes.

• Listen for pitch and tone

Pay attention to whether the sound is sharp, mellow, loud, or soft. Some woods produce a higher pitch that mimics excited turkeys, while others create low, soothing tones.

• Match sound to turkey behavior

If turkeys are cautious, softer sounds from a cedar striker on slate might work better. If they are aggressive, a loud yelp from a maple striker on crystal can provoke a response.

• Practice your technique

The pressure and speed you use with the striker also affect the sound. Experiment with different strokes to find what works best with each wood type.

Practical Examples from the Field

One hunter shared how switching from a pine striker to a rosewood striker on his crystal call changed his success rate. The rosewood produced a richer yelp that carried farther and sounded more natural to the gobblers. Another hunter found that using a basswood striker on slate helped him produce soft clucks that brought in turkeys hiding nearby.

These examples show that small changes in striker material can make a big difference in your calling effectiveness.

Caring for Your Strikers and Calls

To keep your striker and calls performing well, proper care is essential.

• Keep strikers smooth

Sand your striker lightly to remove rough spots that can damage your call surface or produce unwanted sounds.

• Store calls properly

Protect crystal and slate calls from drops and extreme temperatures to avoid cracks.

• Clean calls regularly

Dirt and oils can affect sound quality. Wipe your calls with a soft cloth after use, or use a light green pad to rough the surface back up to get the friction call to get the rasp you are looking for.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Striker

The material of your striker is a powerful tool in your turkey hunting arsenal. By understanding how different woods affect sound and experimenting with combinations on your crystal or slate calls, you can find the perfect tone to attract gobblers. Remember, the goal is to produce sounds that sound natural and carry well in your hunting environment.

Try switching up your striker next time you head out. You might discover a new sound that brings the gobbler running.