The Science of Sound and Wood’s Role
How a Box Call Creates Sound
The crisp morning air is filled with anticipation. The sun begins its climb, painting the forest in hues of gold and emerald. You settle into your hunting position, heart pounding with excitement. But your heart isn’t the only thing that’s racing. The crucial part of the hunt starts now: calling in that elusive gobbler. And at the heart of this art lies your box call. More than just a piece of wood, it’s your voice in the wild, a conduit for communication between you and the magnificent wild turkey. Selecting the perfect box call is essential for success, and a crucial element of that selection is the wood used in its construction. This article will delve deep into the selection process to help you find the best wood for your turkey box call, guiding you through the various types, their sonic properties, and how to choose the ideal timber for your hunting style. Understanding the nuances of each wood type will give you an advantage on your next turkey hunt, allowing you to replicate realistic hen sounds and lure in even the wariest of gobblers.
The Role of Density
Before diving into specific wood types, it’s crucial to understand how a box call works and the pivotal role the timber plays in shaping the sound. A turkey box call operates on a simple yet effective principle: friction. When you slide the lid (often called the striker) across the soundboard, it causes vibrations. These vibrations, amplified by the call’s hollow body, resonate to produce the turkey’s iconic yelps, cutts, and purrs. The soundboard itself, along with the lid, are the primary components responsible for the call’s tone. The design, including the dimensions, angles, and construction of these parts, will have an enormous effect on the sound produced. But the choice of wood, particularly its density, is one of the most influential factors. Wood is not homogenous; different types possess varying densities. This density directly influences how efficiently the wood vibrates and, consequently, the sound characteristics. Think of it like a string on a guitar. A denser string, when plucked, produces a higher-pitched, more cutting sound. Likewise, a dense wood in a box call tends to create a brighter, more assertive tone. Conversely, less dense wood yields a lower, mellower, and sometimes more subtle sound. Different types of wood also exhibit varying degrees of sound absorption and reflection. This means some woods will emphasize certain frequencies while dampening others, further shaping the acoustic output of your turkey box call. The combination of density, absorption, and reflection is the key to the unique sound signature of each wood species. Understanding this fundamental relationship between timber and sound is the first step towards making an informed choice.
Popular Wood Types and Their Individual Characteristics
Walnut: The Classic Choice
The market is saturated with various woods, each offering its unique tone and aesthetic appeal. Here, we’ll examine the most common types used in turkey box call construction, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Walnut, a favorite among call makers and turkey hunters alike, is prized for its rich, dark color and beautiful grain patterns. It often features a deep chocolate hue and sometimes exhibits swirls and burls, making each call visually distinct.
Walnut Sound Profile and Pros/Cons
Sound Profile: Walnut is known for its deep, mellow, and incredibly realistic turkey sounds. It’s the perfect choice for hunters looking for a call that produces a warm, resonant tone with excellent volume. The depth of sound often mimics the sounds of older hens, making it attractive to mature gobblers. Pros: Excellent tonal qualities, easy to work with, durable, and visually appealing. Walnut can be shaped and finished without issue. Cons: Often more expensive than other options, so can increase the overall cost of the call.
Mahogany: Warm and Resonant
Mahogany, often recognized by its reddish-brown color, offers a beautiful aesthetic and excellent tonal qualities. Its grain, while typically less flamboyant than walnut, can still exhibit a unique, appealing pattern.
Mahogany Sound Profile and Pros/Cons
Sound Profile: Mahogany produces a rich, warm, and resonant sound, making it suitable for a wide range of turkey calls. The warmth contributes to a more natural sound, which is effective at drawing in wary gobblers. Pros: Good tonal qualities, relatively affordable compared to some other premium woods, and easy to shape and finish. Cons: Might not cut as crisply as some other woods, meaning it might not be the best option for making the most cutting yelps.
Cherry: Crisp and Clear
Cherry offers a lighter hue, with a beautiful reddish tone that darkens with age, developing a rich patina over time. This wood type is a favorite for its workability and clean sound production.
Cherry Sound Profile and Pros/Cons
Sound Profile: Cherry is known for its crisp, clear, and user-friendly sound. It produces a versatile tone that can handle a wide range of calls, from soft purrs to loud cutts and yelps. It offers excellent sound clarity and good projection. Pros: Excellent clarity, good projection, relatively easy to control. Cons: May need a little extra time to break in as you develop the perfect sounds.
Maple: Bright and Cutting
Maple, with its pale, creamy color and dense structure, produces a bright, cutting sound that can effectively reach out across the woods. Maple is available in many different types, from hard to soft, so it is important to understand what type of maple is being utilized in the box call you purchase.
Maple Sound Profile and Pros/Cons
Sound Profile: Maple is known for its bright, sharp, and cutting sound, capable of producing high-pitched yelps and loud cutts. If you are looking for a call that will project far, then this is a great option to choose. Pros: Great for creating high-pitched yelps, offers good durability, and is readily available. Cons: Can be prone to warping if not properly seasoned and cared for and is known for being difficult to work with.
Cedar: Earthy and Subtle
Cedar, with its distinctive aroma and appealing grain, offers a softer, more nuanced sound. Commonly used for the body of box calls, the type used will vary widely but can include Western Red Cedar.
Cedar Sound Profile and Pros/Cons
Sound Profile: Cedar offers a mellow, earthy sound, and is especially suited to subtle calls that can lure in cautious birds. It adds a natural element to your calling. Pros: Beautiful grain, natural scent, sometimes inexpensive depending on the grade. Cons: Not always as durable, may be less suitable as the striker, and the sound can be less clear than other types of wood.
Other Woods: Exploring the Possibilities
Beyond the popular choices, other wood types can be used, offering unique properties: Osage Orange: Extremely dense and durable, producing a very bright and cutting sound. Purpleheart: Deep purple hues and a bright sound, providing a distinct aesthetic and tonal profile. These less common options allow for greater experimentation and the creation of truly unique and specialized box calls.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Specific Needs
Matching Wood to Hunting Style
The “best” wood for your turkey box call is not a universal truth. It is a personal preference based on your hunting style, the desired sound profile, and the specific conditions you hunt in. Several factors will affect your ideal choice: Are you a hunter who prefers to use a lot of aggressive, loud calls? Or do you prefer a more subtle approach? Some woods, like maple, are well-suited for louder calls, while cedar might be a better fit for soft calling.
Sound Profile and Target Audience
Do you want a call that can produce a variety of different sounds (yelps, cutts, purrs)? Some woods offer greater versatility than others. If you hunt heavily pressured birds or want a more realistic sound, select wood types like walnut or mahogany that are known for producing deep, natural tones. The price of various woods varies, and availability can change based on location and time of year. Walnut can be expensive, while cedar can be much more accessible. It’s also vital to remember that the wood of the lid (the striker) plays a critical role. The interaction of the striker with the soundboard affects the call’s tone. Consider experimenting with different lid materials, such as walnut, cherry, or even a composite material, to fine-tune the sound.
Factors Beyond Wood Type
Craftsmanship
The quality of the construction is paramount. A well-made call exhibits precise angles, careful alignment, and a smooth finish. These details contribute to the sound quality and ensure the call functions reliably.
Maintenance
Box calls should be stored at room temperature to avoid fluctuations in humidity, which can warp the wood. Cleaning the lid of dust and dirt is important. Also, the wooden surface of your soundboard should be kept clean.
Where to Find Your Perfect Turkey Box Call
Reputable call makers and suppliers offer a wide selection of turkey box calls. Seek out shops that specialize in outdoor equipment, where you can often test the calls to determine which one is right for you. Many vendors offer online sales. Be sure to check reviews, compare prices, and read the descriptions thoroughly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wood for your turkey box call is a key step towards success in the field. By understanding the sonic properties of each wood type and considering your hunting style, you can make an informed decision. Whether you opt for the rich tones of walnut or the crisp sound of maple, the goal is to find a call that helps you communicate effectively with those elusive gobblers. Experimentation is key. Do not be afraid to test different calls, explore various wood combinations, and discover the nuances of sound that are most appealing to you. Remember, the best wood for your turkey box call is the one that helps you bring home the bacon!
