Turkey Hunting Tips: How to Ready a Glass Call

Photos by Luke Nilsson, Turkey photo by Sam Zierke/Windigo Images

Take on this little project before turkey season starts: Get your glass call ready for natural yelps, clucks, and purrs. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Before You Begin
You’ll always want to scratch the call in the same direction, either up and down or side to side. (You will work the call by running the striker perpendicular to the direction you’ve scratched.)

Also, scratching near the outer edge makes a high-pitched sound; the center yields a lower pitch.

Start Scratching
Using 100-grit sandpaper, rough up the surface with moderate pressure. Stop periodically to blow away any dust. New glass calls often require substantial conditioning. Make test calls as you go, and continue as necessary.