How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call: A Step-by-Step Guide

The wingbone turkey call is a time-honored tool used by hunters to lure in wary gobblers during spring mating season. This simple suction-style call dates back generations and continues to be an effective locating call today. Made from actual turkey bones, the wingbone creates soft, authentic yelps and clucks that pique a tom’s interest.

While more modern calls like box calls or slate calls have largely replaced them, the primitive wingbone still has a place in every turkey hunter’s vest. In this complete guide we’ll cover how to make your own wingbone call using materials you likely already have on hand after a successful hunt.

What You’ll Need

Constructing a functional wingbone call requires just a few key items

• Turkey wing bones – The radius and ulna bones work best. Use bones from a mature tom or hen.

• Hacksaw or rotary tool – For cutting bones to size

• Sandpaper – To smooth cut bone edges.

• Super glue or epoxy – For bonding the bones.

• Thread or artificial sinew – To wrap joints.

• Drill or knife – For hollowing out the middle bone.

Optional items include lanyard material, camouflage tape, and clear nail polish to seal threads.

Step 1: Cut the Wing Bones

The first step is removing and cleaning the wing bones. Carefully cut or twist the wing at the joint to disconnect it. Cut off any muscle, tendons, or cartilage. Wash and dry the bones fully.

You’ll need the two long, straight bones from the lower wing section. Using a hacksaw or rotary tool, cut the bones to your desired length. For a 2-piece call, keep them longer around 5-6 inches. For a 3-piece, trim to around 4 inches.

File the cut ends with sandpaper so the bones fit snugly when assembled.

Step 2: Hollow Out the Largest Bone

Select the largest and thickest of the two bones. Using a drill or narrow knife, carefully hollow out the marrow and interior spongy bone. Take care not to penetrate the hard outer cortex.

Cleaning out the inside allows air to pass through to create suction when using the call. Discard the bone marrow debris.

Step 3: Glue the Bones Together

Test fit the bones to ensure the ends join tightly. You may need to sand small edges for a flush fit.

Use super glue, epoxy, or acrylic resin to permanently bond the two bones end-to-end. Rotate the joint to spread glue evenly. Apply pressure and let cure fully before handling.

Step 4: Wrap the Joints

Binding the joints with strong thread or artificial sinew gives added strength and stability. Tightly wrap each glued intersection with the material. Apply super glue over the finished threads to harden permanently.

Nail polish provides another sealing option for a smooth finish. Let all glue dry completely before use.

Step 5: Add a Lanyard

Tie a loop of parachute cord or leather string around the middle of the assembled bones. This allows you to wear the call around your neck hands-free in the field.

You can also wrap the entire call in camouflage cloth tape to protect and conceal it.

How to Use the Wingbone Call

This simple call utilizes suction rather than blowing to produce turkey sounds.

• Grip the tapered end between your thumb and forefinger.

• Enclose the flared end completely in your cupped hand.

• Place the sanded tip against your slightly open lips or in the corner of your mouth.

• Make rapid kissing noises to force air over the tip.

• Open and close your cupped hand to change pitch.

It takes practice to master yelps, clucks, and purrs. Eventually it will become second nature. Don’t overcall – use it sparingly to pique interest.

Constructing your own wingbone call gives you a hands-on connection to turkey hunting’s roots. Though not as loud or versatile as modern calls, it adds lifelike vocals to your spring hunting arsenal. Follow these steps to craft a polished, functional turkey call straight from the bones of last season’s harvest. Then test your homemade call in the spring woods and enjoy its almost magical draw on receptive toms.

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