Mouth calls can dry out if not cleaned and storred properly during the off season. Here's what to do.

As the season comes to a close, one way to get a jump on next year is to make sure you keep your calls in good working order. This is particularly true of your mouth calls, which can dry out if not properly stored.

Mouth call care should begin as soon as the call comes out of the package. It should be washed with warm water to remove any latex residue. Then, if you like, spray it with an antiseptic.

After use, put your mouth call in a case or a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. This will provide a dark, cool environment, and the colder temperature will tighten the latex reeds, which will provide optimum sound.

A flat toothpick is also helpful in mouth call care before and during storage. Run the toothpick between the reeds to clean them, always being careful not to tear the latex. When storing, place a toothpick between the reeds, so they won’t stick together between uses.

A word of caution: store your mouth calls away from heat sources. Heat will cause the latex to expand, lose pliability and create too much vibration when used.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a great resource for turkey hunting tips and other wild turkey information. Visit the NWTF’s website at www.nwtf.org for information or call (800) THE-NWTF to become a NWTF member and receive one of our great magazines filled with turkey hunting tips and stories. 

About the NWTF: In 1973 when the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Thanks to the work of state wildlife agencies and the NWTF's many volunteers and partners, today there are an estimated 5.4 million wild turkeys and approximately 2.6 million turkey hunters. Since 1985, more than
$135 million NWTF and cooperator dollars have been spent on over 15,000 projects benefiting wild turkeys throughout North America.

The NWTF is a 390,000-member grassroots, nonprofit organization with members in 50 states, Canada and 11 foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.