Deer calls are a useful tool for hunting and attracting deer. They allow hunters to mimic the sounds that deer make in order to attract them or communicate with them.
Homemade deer calls can be a cost-effective and satisfying alternative to purchasing commercial calls. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating your own deer call out of wood.
Gathering Materials
Before you begin the process of creating your deer call, you will need to gather a few supplies. Here is a list of the tools and materials that you will need:
Wood:
Choose a type of wood that is durable and easy to carve. Some good options include cedar, cherry, and walnut.
Avoid using softwoods like pine or spruce, as they are more prone to breaking.
Carving tools:
You will need a variety of carving tools to shape your deer call. A knife, chisel, and gouge will all come in handy.
You can purchase these tools individually or as a set.
Sandpaper:
You will need various grits of sandpaper to smooth out the surface of your deer call and remove any rough edges.
Finish:
To protect your deer call and give it a polished appearance, you will need to apply a finish. You can use a product like tung oil, beeswax, or shellac.
Designing the Call
The next step in the process is to design your deer call. There are a few things to consider when designing your call:
Shape:
The shape of your deer call will affect the type of sound that it produces. A longer, narrower call will produce higher-pitched sounds, while a shorter, wider call will produce lower-pitched sounds. Consider the type of sound you want to produce when deciding on the shape of your call.
Size:
The size of your deer call will also affect the type of sound that it produces. A larger call will produce a louder sound, while a smaller call will produce a quieter sound. Consider the size of the deer you are trying to attract when deciding on the size of your call.
Type of sound:
There are many different sounds that deer make, including doe bleats, buck grunts, and fawn bawls. Decide on the type of sound you want your call to produce and design it accordingly.
Creating the Call
Now that you have gathered your materials and designed your deer call, it’s time to start carving. Here are the steps to follow:
Cut out the rough shape of your deer call.
Use a saw or carving knife to cut the basic shape of your call from a piece of wood. Make sure to leave some extra material around the edges so that you have room to shape and refine the call.
Shape the call using carving tools.
Use a knife, chisel, and gouge to shape the call into the desired shape and size. Start with rough cuts and gradually make finer and finer cuts until you achieve the desired shape.
Sand the call.
Use sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the call and remove any rough edges. Start with a low grit sandpaper (e.g. 80 grit) and work your way up to a higher grit (e.g. 220 grit).
Test the call.
Hold the call up to your mouth and blow into it to test the sound that it produces. Adjust the shape and size of the call as needed to achieve the desired sound.
Apply a finish.
Once you are satisfied with the shape and sound of your call, apply a finish to protect it and give it a polished appearance. Follow the instructions on the finish product that you choose.
Finishing Touches
There are a few optional steps that you can take to add some extra features to your deer call:
Add a handle:
If you want to make your deer call more comfortable to hold and use, you can add a handle to it. You can do this by drilling a hole in the side of the call and inserting a dowel or piece of wood into the hole.
Decorate the call:
If you want to add some decorative elements to your deer call, you can carve designs or patterns into the wood or inlay different types of wood.
Personalize the call:
If you are giving the deer call as a gift or want to add a personal touch to it, you can engrave your name or a special message on the call.
Using the Call
Now that your deer call is complete, it’s time to put it to use. Here are a few tips for using your deer call effectively:
Practice:
Like any skill, using a deer call takes practice. Spend some time practicing with your call to get a feel for it and learn how to produce different sounds.
Use the right call for the situation:
Different deer sounds are appropriate for different situations. For example, doe bleats are often used to attract bucks during the breeding season, while buck grunts are used to communicate with other bucks or establish dominance.
Use the call at the right time and place:
The timing and location of your deer call can make a big difference.
For example, using a doe bleat in the middle of the day may not be as effective as using it at dawn or dusk when deer are more active. Similarly, using a call in an area with a high concentration of deer is more likely to be effective than using it in an area with few deer.
Conclusion
Making your own deer call can be a fun and rewarding project. Not only will you have a unique and personalized call, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, a homemade deer call is a useful tool to have in your hunting arsenal. So, this is how you can make a deer call out of wood in a detailed and comprehensive way.
How do I know what type of wood to use for my deer call?
When choosing wood for your deer call, it’s important to select a type that is durable and easy to carve. Some good options include cedar, cherry, and walnut.
Avoid using softwoods like pine or spruce, as they are more prone to breaking. You should also consider the type of sound you want to produce, as different woods can produce slightly different tones.
Can I use a commercial deer call as a guide when designing my own call?
Yes, you can use a commercial deer call as a guide when designing your own call. Consider the shape, size, and type of sound that the commercial call produces, and try to replicate those characteristics in your own design.
Keep in mind that you may need to make some adjustments and experiment with different shapes and sizes to achieve the desired sound.
How do I know if I have achieved the desired sound with my deer call?
The best way to know if you have achieved the desired sound with your deer call is to test it out. Hold the call up to your mouth and blow into it to produce a sound.
If the sound is close to what you were aiming for, you can make small adjustments to the shape and size of the call to fine-tune the sound. If the sound is significantly different from what you were aiming for, you may need to make more significant changes to the design of the call.
Can I add a reed or other type of mechanical device to my deer call to produce a more realistic sound?
It is possible to add a reed or other type of mechanical device to your deer call to produce a more realistic sound.
However, this can be more complex and time-consuming than simply carving the call out of wood. If you are a beginner or don’t have access to the necessary materials, it may be easier to stick to a simpler design.
How do I care for my deer call to ensure that it lasts for a long time?
To care for your deer call and ensure that it lasts for a long time, you should follow a few simple steps:
- Store the call in a dry place: Exposure to moisture can cause the wood to warp or rot, so it’s important to store the call in a dry place when not in use.
- Clean the call after each use: Wipe the call down with a dry cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it.
- Reapply the finish as needed: Over time, the finish on your deer call may start to wear off. To protect the wood and give the call a polished appearance, you should reapply the finish as needed. Follow the instructions on the finish product that you used to apply the initial coat.