Video: How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call

Clay Newcomb kneeling by a campfire, stirring diced potatoes in a cast-iron pan

Clay NewcombClay Newcomb is an American outdoorsman, storyteller, and host of the Bear Grease Podcast. A 5th-generation Arkansan, Newcomb is an avid hunter, conservationist, and writer whose work explores the cultural and historical roots of hunting, rural life, and the American outdoors. He is passionate about conservation and hunting as a way to provide organic, ethically harvested game for his family. Before joining Meateater, he published Bear Hunting Magazine and produced video documentaries on bowhunting and wildlife conservation.Mar 30, 2021

The wingbone turkey call is a classic tool that’s as old as turkey hunting itself. These are a blast to make, fun to use, and most importantly, can help you kill a gobbler. Now that doesn’t mean I’ll be tossing out myPhelps Jake Brakeorbox callanytime soon. Using a crafted wingbone is like shooting traditional archery—there are far better options, but it still has its time and place.

I prefer to use the wingbone to supplement my diaphragm. A wingbone call makes authentic, unique, soft sounds that will add some diversity to vocalizations.

In this video, I'll show you how to joint out a turkey wing, cut the bones, and easily make them into an effective call. To build the call you'll need a turkey wing, epoxy, super glue, saw, and string. To whiten the bones, you'll need some dish soap and high-powered hydrogen peroxide called 40 Volume Developer.