Box Call Tune Up Tips

by Rob Keck
Box calls, like automobiles, need regular tune-ups. Even new boxes might need some service. Glazing striking surfaces, changing lid screw tension, or possibly dirt or moisture on the lid can cause sour notes. A turn of the screw, light sanding or a few rubs of chalk can put you back in the driver’s seat. 

Try These Tips: 

  • Using fine sandpaper, sand the box’s feathered edges on top of the lip. Lightly sand along the whole length of the curve. 
  • Turn the box upside down and sand the underside (curved) part of the lid. Use medium or rough sandpaper, sanding across the grain. 
  • Chalk the lid thoroughly, using a soft, talc chalk (greaseless). 
  • With a screwdriver adjust the box’s lid screw so that the handle end is slightly downward. 
Test the call for sound until satisfied. Pitch is an important factor to consider when tuning. Listen to a recording of wild turkeys to get it right. Wild turkey sounds are available on Spittin’ Feathers, a CD sold through the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), that provides a wealth of real wild turkey sounds. You can purchase Spittin’ Feathers and other turkey related products by calling 800-THE-NWTF.—Rob Keck

For more information contact: www.nwtf.org
 
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Box Call Tune-Up Tips

Box calls, like automobiles, need regular tune-ups. Even new boxes might need some service.

Glazing striking surfaces, changing lid screw tension, or possibly dirt or moisture on the lid can cause sour notes.

A turn of the screw, light sanding or a few rubs of chalk can put you back in the driver’s seat.

Try these tips:

Using fine sandpaper, sand the box’s feathered edges on top of the lip. Lightly sand along the whole length of the curve.

Turn the box upside down and sand the underside (curved) part of the lid. Use medium or rough sandpaper, sanding across the grain.

Chalk the lid thoroughly, using a soft, talc chalk (greaseless).

With a screwdriver adjust the box’s lid screw so that the handle end is slightly downward.

Test the call for sound until satisfied. Pitch is an important factor to consider when tuning. Listen to a recording of wild turkeys to get it right. Wild turkey sounds are available on Spittin’ Feathers, a CD sold through the NWTF, that provides a wealth of real wild turkey sounds. You can purchase Spittin’ Feathers and other turkey related products by calling 800-THE-NWTF.—Rob Keck