Calls that can be done with a wing...

[jbennett]

I've read a lot in the last few days about the different ways a wing could be implemented into a calling sequence. Most refer to it as "flapping". Not an actual fly down, but described more as something done by hens while feeding through the woods. Could anyone give me any advice/tips on how to use this, and how its actually done? I am trying to discipline myself into calling softer and more sparingly than in the past with hopes of an encounter or two with these over called public land birds around here and plan to implement scratching and any other techniques that I can add to the list. Thanks in advance for replies.

[jakebird]

Use it sparingly to simulate a bird "stretching" their wings . Give three to six short rapid flaps. I have always suspected this as a form of posturing too. You see it in flocks including chickens. I think they do it to tell another bird to stop crowding them as they feed and scratch but they also do it just to stretch so its a common sound for turkeys and a good sound effect . To simulate gobbler fight mix aggressive purring with lots of wing flapping and really give it hell Rustle the leaves and bushes and even throw a gobble or two in there. For a hen fly down, start with your tree talk and build up slowly as sky gets brighter. When you are almost ready for the fly down give a few stretch flaps and scrape the tree trunk a couple times for a unique sound effect . Then giv e your flydown cackle with accompanying wingbeats .Use your imagination and visualize that you are a real hen. Many champion callers find success by learning to play the part and get into the role of their character similar to an Oscar winning actor preparing for a difficult role . Good luck !

[jbennett]

Thanks man! That's exactly what I needed to hear. Plan to use this for sure this year.

[duckaholic25]

What kind of sequence do you use when scratching in the leaves.

[jakebird]

I use one long stroke followed by two quick short ones and a pause . This mimics the cadence that real turkeys use to scratch in the leaves . It  would sound like a shhhhhhhhhhhhh.shhhh, shhhh. Pause ..... Shhhhhhhhhhh. Shhhh, shhhh.

[duckaholic25]

Thanks