How to Make a Turkey Call Box from Scratch

As an avid turkey hunter, I know that having the right turkey calls can make all the difference in bagging that big tom While you can buy manufactured box calls, making your own allows you to customize the design and tune it just how you like In this detailed guide, I’ll walk through the complete process of crafting a homemade turkey call box using basic tools.

Step 1: Select the Wood

Choosing the right wood is crucial for getting the proper acoustics from your turkey call. Here are some top options to consider:

• Poplar – Affordable and easy to carve. Creates a mellow, muted cluck and yelp.

• Cherry or Walnut – Dense hardwoods that produce clear, crisp game calls.

• Cedar – Lightweight and very resonant for loud volumes.

• Mahogany – Rich reddish color and projects sound well. A versatile choice.

I prefer using a softer wood like poplar or cedar for the box itself. For the paddle, pick a harder wood like maple, purpleheart or osage orange. This contrast creates the best acoustics. Shop for 3/4″ to 1″ thick boards about 5″ wide to get started.

Step 2: Cut the Box Pieces to Size

Using a miter or table saw, cut your box wood into lengths between 7-8 inches. This allows extra material for shaping. For the ends of the box, cut two pieces from a contrasting wood type around 3/4″ wide – I like maple or walnut accents.

Glue the end pieces onto the box blank using wood glue and clamps. Let it cure fully overnight before continuing.

Step 3: Shape the Box Exterior

Now it’s time to shape the exterior of the box. Draw diagonal lines marking a 5-10 degree slope on the sides. Carefully cut along these marks using a band saw, jigsaw or handsaw to create angled sides. Use a rasp and sandpaper to smooth and refine the box shape.

Cut an arched, curved shape from the top of the box to form the “roof” profile. Take your time to get a symmetrical arch on both sides.

Step 4: Add Decorative Details

Here you can get creative with decorative touches:

• Wood burn a logo or pattern onto the box sides

• Inlay a contrasting wood into the sides for accent stripes

• Texture the surface with checkering or chisel work

• Stain, paint or burn different colors

Step 5: Hollow Out the Sound Chamber

Layout the interior dimensions of the hollow sound chamber. Leave the walls approximately 3/8” thick to start. Use a Forstner bit to bore out most of the wood, hollowing the inside. Then finely shape and smooth the chamber interior with a carving knife, chisel and sandpaper.

Step 6: Create the Paddle Channel

On the underside of the box’s arched “roof”, carve a channel that extends side-to-side. Make it approximately 1/4” deep to allow the paddle to move freely. Use a knife, file or rotary tool to form the channel.

Step 7: Craft the Paddle

The paddle is key for producing sounds. Cut your chosen wood into a blank around 1 5/8” wide x 3/8” thick. On one end, draw the handle shape and use a band saw to cut it out.

On the bottom of the paddle, mark a curved radius. Use a sander to shape the rounded bottom edge. Smooth until flawless.

Step 8: Add Hardware

Drill a 1/8” hole in the paddle handle for the securing screw. On the box end, drill a larger countersunk hole for the screw to pass through and attach the paddle.

Place a coiled spring in the countersunk hole. Set the paddle in place and insert screw to hold while allowing tension.

Step 9: Install Bottom

Measure the interior base of the box. Cut a thin wood piece around 1/4” thick to fit snugly as the cover plate. Glue into place fully before moving forward.

Step 10: Tuning and Finish

The final steps are tuning and applying a protective finish:

• With paddle attached, use sandpaper and carving tools to adjust the box interior and paddle position. Tweak until you achieve realistic turkey sounds.

• Round over interior edges of the sound chamber for better acoustics. Test frequently while tuning.

• Use an oil or spar varnish to seal and waterproof the wood. Apply multiple coats for durability.

Once your custom turkey call box is tuned and finished, you’ll be ready to bag that tom! With patience and practice, you can build a homemade game call that looks and sounds amazing.