Wing Bone Call: How to Make One (Beginner’s Guide)

• Informal
• Encouraging

Informal, Encouraging

Ever been curious about crafting your own turkey call? A wing bone call could be just the project for you, and let me tell you, it’s easier than you might think! The National Wild Turkey Federation recognizes the wing bone call as a traditional method, and this guide is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this heritage. Many seasoned hunters from states like Alabama swear by its unique sound. The process uses simple tools; even a basic dremel can help you shape the bones just right. Get ready to create a sound that brings those gobblers running!

Let’s Build a Wing Bone Call: Your Easy How-To Guide!

So, you’re thinking about crafting your very own wing bone call? Awesome! It’s a fantastic project, a real step into the heart of hunting heritage, and honestly, it’s not as hard as you might think. This guide is all about making that process simple, fun, and totally achievable, even if you’ve never made one before. We’ll walk through each step in a clear and easy way. Get ready to make some beautiful music in the woods!

Here’s how we’re going to break it down:

• Introduction (What’s the Big Deal?): Briefly introduce wing bone calls and why they’re cool. We’re talking about their history, the appeal, and what makes them special. A quick nod to their effectiveness as turkey calls is a must!
• Gathering Your Supplies (The Treasure Hunt Begins!): This is all about what you’ll need. We’ll keep it simple and focus on readily available materials.
• Cleaning the Bones (Getting Down and Dirty…Kinda): Okay, this part might seem a little yucky, but it’s essential! We’ll cover different cleaning methods, from the hands-on approach to the more automated.
• Preparing the Bones (Shaping Up!): This is where we’ll discuss how to prepare the bone pieces so they can be put together to form the call.
• Assembly (Putting the Puzzle Together): The fun part! We’ll go step-by-step through gluing or otherwise connecting the bones. Clear, concise instructions are key here.
• Testing and Tuning (Making Sweet Music): Once assembled, it’s time to see what it sounds like! We’ll discuss how to test the call and make adjustments for the best sound.

1. Introduction: Wing Bone Calls – A Piece of Hunting History!

Wing bone calls are way more than just turkey calls; they’re little pieces of history you can hold in your hand. Indigenous peoples and early settlers used these calls, and they’re still incredibly effective today. They have a unique sound, often described as raspy and realistic, which turkeys find irresistible. Besides, there’s something deeply satisfying about calling a turkey with something you made yourself. Seriously, the feeling is awesome! So, let’s get you started.

2. Gathering Your Supplies: The Tools of the Trade

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The beauty of making a wing bone call is that the supply list is pretty minimal. We are keeping it simple! Here’s the basic rundown:

• Wing Bones: Obviously! You’ll need the ulna, radius, and humerus bones from a turkey wing. You can get these after a successful hunt, from a buddy who hunts, or even from some online sources (but make sure it’s legal!).
• Cleaning Supplies: Think dish soap, water, maybe some Borax or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and whitening.
• Tools: A small saw (like a hobby saw or even a hacksaw) for trimming the bones, sandpaper for smoothing things out, and a drill with small bits if needed.
• Adhesive: Epoxy or super glue is your friend here. Choose something strong and waterproof.
• Optional: Some decorative items like thread, beads, or leather strips to add some flair to your finished call.

3. Cleaning the Bones: Getting Ready to Work

Okay, time to get those bones clean! This is super important for both hygiene and getting a good bond with your adhesive later on. Don’t worry, it’s not *too* gross!

1. Initial Rinse: Get as much of the tissue and sinew off as you can with your hands and a good rinse with water.
2. Soaking: Soak the bones in warm, soapy water for a few hours or even overnight. This will help loosen any remaining tissue.
3. Scrubbing: Use a brush (an old toothbrush works great) to scrub away any remaining tissue. You might need to use a bit of elbow grease!
4. Degreasing: For extra cleaning, you can soak the bones in a solution of Borax and water or hydrogen peroxide and water. This will help remove any grease and whiten the bones. Be careful with hydrogen peroxide, as it can weaken the bones if used in high concentrations or for too long.
5. Final Rinse and Dry: Give the bones a final rinse with clean water and let them dry completely before moving on to the next step. A well-ventilated area will speed up the drying process.

Pro Tip: Don’t boil the bones! Boiling can make them brittle and more prone to cracking.

4. Preparing the Bones: Getting Everything Ready

Now that your bones are clean, it’s time to get them ready for assembly. This involves trimming them to the right length and smoothing out any rough edges.

Bone	Preparation	Notes
Humerus	Cut the larger end to create a smooth opening. Sand down any sharp edges.	This will be the mouthpiece of your call.
Ulna	Trim both ends to the desired length. Sand down any sharp edges.	This will be the middle section of your call.
Radius	Trim both ends to the desired length. Sand down any sharp edges.	This will be the end piece that directs the sound.

Important: The lengths of the bones are up to you. Experiment with different lengths to see what sounds best to you. A good starting point is around 2-3 inches for each bone.

5. Assembly: Putting It All Together

Okay, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Time to assemble your wing bone call. This is where you get to see your hard work pay off.

1. Dry Fit: Before you glue anything, do a dry fit to make sure everything lines up the way you want it to. This is your chance to make any final adjustments.
2. Gluing: Apply a small amount of epoxy or super glue to the inside of the humerus (the mouthpiece) and insert one end of the ulna. Hold it in place until the glue sets.
3. Repeat: Apply glue to the other end of the ulna and insert the radius. Again, hold it in place until the glue sets.
4. Curing Time: Let the glue cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is crucial for a strong and durable call.

Pro Tip: Use masking tape to hold the bones together while the glue is drying. This will help ensure a tight and secure bond.

6. Testing and Tuning: Fine-Tuning Your Call

Alright, your wing bone call is assembled! Now it’s time to see what it sounds like and make any necessary adjustments. This is where you can really personalize your call and get it sounding just right.

• Testing: Put the mouthpiece to your lips and blow air through the call, experimenting with different amounts of pressure and lip positions. You should hear a raspy, turkey-like sound.
• Tuning: If the call sounds too high-pitched, you can try shortening the bones. If it sounds too low-pitched, you can try lengthening them (although this is harder to do once they’re glued together).
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different mouth positions, air pressures, and even different types of reeds (if you want to get really fancy). The key is to find what works best for you.

With a little practice, you’ll be making sweet turkey music in no time. Go have fun creating your Wing Bone Call!

So, there you have it! Building your own wing bone call might take a little practice, but trust me, that first gobble you pull in with something you crafted yourself? Totally worth it. Get out there, give it a shot, and good luck bagging a bird with your new wing bone call!