Calling in a gobbler is especially gratifying when you do it with a peg you’ve made. Materials aren’t fancy: a ¼-inch oak dowel plus a corncob; a solid fiberglass rod (white bicycle flagstaffs are great) or a broken carbon arrow shaft plus a ¾-inch oak dowel. Experiment with striker-tip angles, overall lengths, and materials—including hard plastics, laminates, and even hard rubber—to get a tone that works.
1. Corncob With Oak Shaft
A dried corncob (sprayed with acrylic sealer) and a ¼” oak dowel gives a traditional mellow tone. A great striker for close-in work.
2. Oak With Acrylic Shaft
A ¾” oak handle and a ¼” solid acrylic peg make high-pitched, true sounds that travel long distances. Ideal for windy days.
3. Corncob With Carbon Shaft
A dried corncob (with acrylic sealer) plus a ¼” carbon arrow shaft has an edgy, gritty sound, with all the rasp of an older hen.
4. Oak With Fiberglass Shaft
A ¾” oak handle and a ¼” solid fiberglass rod provides clear, high-pitched notes. Good for long-distance calling.
Instructions > A Homemade Striker
[1] Cut the handle 3½ inches long and the shaft 5½ inches.
[2] Drill a ¼-inch hole 2¼ inches deep in the handle, and insert the shaft.
[3] Ring the joint with hot glue, and spray the handle with acrylic sealer to finish.
Note: There is no need to drill a hole in a corncob. Simply cut the dowel at a 45-degree angle and push that end into the center of the cob 2¼ inches.