learning to use a diaphragm call

[vitalbowhunter]

so i have never used a diaphragm call and really want to add one to my arsenal of calls for the spring season. i picked up a primos a-frame true double mouth call at wal-mart, but i can't seem to get away from sounding like something between a wounded hawk and a choking hen.

anybody have any favorite mouth calls that might be good for a beginner? also any tips or tricks of the trade for using these would be very appreciated. not trying to steal your secrets, just trying to learn to use one!

[kentuckyshooter]

I have one of these as well i get a very good raspy sound from them.. Sounds like your pushing up to much with your tongue ..
Not letting the reeds do the work..

[jettdog68]

start out with a simple double reed call, push your tongue up against the call to seat it in the roof of your mouth. Keep light pressure on the call and use the word..Heeeeeeeeee to achieve a high squealing note. Practice this over and over until you can do it easily. then all you have to do is drop your jaw while still keeping the tongue pressure, by dropping your jaw you will achieve the rasp. Do this slow ant first and GRADUALY pick up the speed. Example: heeeee awwwwwk, heeeee awwwwk, hee awwwk, hee awwk, heawwk, heawk, heawk, heawk ..until is just yalk, yalk, yalk.
Hope this helps.
Rich Y.

[philipfleek]

start out with a simple double reed call, push your tongue up against the call to seat it in the roof of your mouth. Keep light pressure on the call and use the word..Heeeeeeeeee to achieve a high squealing note. Practice this over and over until you can do it easily. then all you have to do is drop your jaw while still keeping the tongue pressure, by dropping your jaw you will achieve the rasp. Do this slow ant first and GRADUALY pick up the speed. Example: heeeee awwwwwk, heeeee awwwwk, hee awwwk, hee awwk, heawwk, heawk, heawk, heawk ..until is just yalk, yalk, yalk.
Hope this helps.
Rich Y.
Here is what i did when i started. Dont anyone laugh at me!
I tried to get the key awkk crap down and it didnt work. I got so sick of the pros tips, this is what I did... Keep the call in your mouth free floating. And start singing a song with the call., like- we will we will rock you. Or say a sentance.. I think you suck. get the pitch/ tone where you want it. then try I LOVE YOU... And i'm being serious--- then go back and try the keeee awk crap... you will like what i'm telling you/ this crap works!!!!!!:cool:

[stratos907]

Quaker Boy Old Boss Hen is a great call to learn on. Wal-mart should stock them and their not to expensive. The old Primos True Triple is a great call as well for beginners to cut on. I tried listening to tapes and all that jazz....tried saying everything from cholk to plock to yee-olk ect. Practice making turkey sounds without the call in your mouth. And I maen try to sound like a turkey. Not words or phrases. This is the best advice I can give. Yelp, cut, cackle...you get the picture. Get by yourself in the truck driving or at home and do this. Get the motor skills down. Then learn to position the call in the roof of your mouth and get comfortable with it being there. Let the call break in some before you get too into it. Forget about words and perform the same vocalizations as you did before using the call. Then practice. And remember, contest calling does not kill turkeys! Don't be afraid to hit bad notes in the woods. If you have heard many old hens in the wild you know what Im talking about.
Good luck and God bless.

[roleksy]

I love the Primos Limb Hanger. Had a buddy that couldn't call with a diaphram till he put it in his mouth. Its a little smaller, helps some people. It's a favorite of many.

[vitalbowhunter]

Thanks a lot guys!

[Big_country]

I got one of those multi packs from primos and it came with a cassette tape along time ago.. thats how i learned to call, i saw simular ones the other night at wal-mart with a CD.. it helped me to hear the sound i was suppose to make before i tried to make it..;)

[Kybirdman]

Do you have a wide or narrow palette? Does the call fit properly in the roof of your mouth? Are you bringing your air from your diaphram?

[boonectyhunter5618]

i found iteasy to start off with the raspy old hen call and make the sound of "chick" over and over again. that will help you with your basic yelps and you can go from there

[rcnjarrod]

The biggest thing to remember when practicing is sounding like the birds. Get a dvd and listen to the birds and the sounds that people are making when calling them. Once you pick up the sounds try to mimic them and go from there. Its just like listening to ducks, but the number one tip I can give you is dont make sounds with grunts. I like like to use chic and pic pac and chalk. Good Luck.