diaphragm calls

R

rusty wilcox

New member
I got a Dennis Kirk predator diaphragm call a couple of weeks ago after seeing Byron South use one on Coming to the Call and I was wondering if there are different catagories for these calls such as one exclusively for turkeys and one for predators or are they all pretty much the same thing. If they are different what makes them different? I keep practicing with mine and like it what is anyone elses opinion on them for predators?
 
I tried over at Primos to get an answer as to the difference between turkey and elk diaphragms and never could get a definitive answer. That was a year or so ago. Now we have predator diaphragms. I hope somebody can answer this question.
 
I build mouth calls so I will try to expalin this the best I can.

There is a diffrence in calls. You haft to build the mouth call to get the sound you want. If you want a call to use for predators, and wanted a raspy cotton tail I would build you a two reed call and make a small cut in it to get the rasp. I wouldnt stretch it so tight and not as much back pull on the call to get the sound you would want. Also the latex comes in diffrent sizes...001 to .010 or more. So, you use this to get the sound you want also. The main diffrence in calls is just the way they are built and the size of the latex and the cutt in the call for the sound.

I also build alot of turkey calls out of proof, this wouldnt be any good for elk or predator calls because it would blow out easy. It makes an awsome turkey call though. Most predator and elk calls are one or two reed calls, they are easy to control the sound and have a higher pitch to them, the more reeds you add the harder they are to blow and the deeper the sound is to. I have built some three reed calls but most people like the two reed calls the best.

Also, the way that the reeds set on top of each other makes a diffrence in the sound to. If I build a mouth call to howl on then I want the very top reed to be about 3/32 longer than the bottom reed this gives the call "Break" It lets the sound change very easy and that give you the change in pitch of the call.

Reed strech is the biggiest thing ( in my opention) that effects the sound. The strech from side to side and front to back is what makes a call and gives it the pitch you want.

I have use Turkey calls for elk calls and predator calls before. Most of the time they dont stand up to the pressure and then just dont last very long. But you beef up the call by going thicker on the latex and a little more break on the reed set and it will call easyer and last longer. But "yes" you can use it for both.

As for how well they work....A good mouth call will give an awsome dieing rabbit and in the right hands will have alot of diffrent sounds and pitches all in one call. They are very effective and the volumme changes very easy to. They work very well in areas that get called hard. And have a sound all of there own. And can give a good howl with a little practice.

Hope this helps out.This is a hard on the explane! If I can help out anymore just ask.

Rusty...What part of Ohio you in? What area do you work out of?

Kee /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Can you recommend a diaphram predator call to start with? I have been calling turkeys with a diaphram since I was eight years old and know that I could do just fine on a predator call. The turkey calls that I use are just a couple of the same brand/model of calls I have used forever and do not sound all that good for predator calling. I am aware that a diaphram sound different for each user, but just looking for a recomendation. Would want it for rabbit distress as primary sound.
 
I haven't heard or seen a diaphram call that's tuned for rabbit, but I can tell you I've been charged by coyotes when calling turkeys with a raspy hen or cutting call in the springtime.

Judging from quills in scats hereabouts, certain bobcats also seem to favor turkey and quail above all else. I've even heard tell of bobcats climbing up trees to get to roosting turkeys at night, then tumbling to the ground with one. (Now THAT'S a sight I'd like to see!)

Although turkeys are bold, love-struck and stupid during mating season, I'm doubtful a charging coyote would readily catch a wild tom out in the open any other time of the year. So if one was to make a strategy of predator calling like this, it'd probably work best during turkey-calling time. (IOW, while I almost always have a diaphram call with me, I tend to only use for spring turkeys--and incidental predators.)

Typically, the first time I reach for it in the spring, I'm reminded that a diaphram call needs replaced every now and again (the latex has rotted since I last used it). Which is probably how I first learned to do a credible throat call. Kills my voice for several days afterwards, though.

LionHo
 
Knight and Hale UTH 142 is what I use.. I can howl with it, distressed puppy cries, hurt dog cries, distressed rabbit, whatever......

All it takes is practice, practice, practice and then more practice.

It all has to do with the way that you position it in your mouth and the location of the call..

Forward in the mouth will give you a more raspy tone while further back will give you more tension and a higher pitch. Or at least that is how I manage mine.....

Did I mention practice????? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

As far as longevity goes...It matters how you take care of the diaphram.. Latex breaks down and begins to rot after the first use... If you just throw it up on your dash, the sunlight will destroy it also.. I keep mine in the original package but I do go to the trouble of washing it off with water after I am done using it for the day..

I have seen varmit hunter (the man that taught ne how to use a diaphram over the pone) mention that he uses mouth wash to clean his with. Keep them from direct sunlight and they last a lot longer than one would realize..

Some of mine are over three years old and sound just as good as a new one.

Something that you need to realize... What may sound good to you or I, doesn't always turn a coyote or bobcat on...........James L.
 
...does anyone have any experience with how your local Game Warden feels about you using a diaphragm caller????

The reason I ask, is that every year, about 2 weeks before coyote season ends, my son and I can count on being checked by an Agent. They want to see all the callers we are using, including having us turn pockets inside out, looking inside hatbands, etc.

I understand why they do it. In this area, we have several..how-would-you-say..."pre-season hunters"...(okay, POACHERS) who are after turkeys, as soon as they start gobbling. The agents are just doing their job, to try to stop the poaching. In the course of them doing their job, anyone in the woods with a gun is looked on as a poacher. As a result of us being out there, we are checked, and we have always cooperated fully with them. Our calls were always open- or closed reeds, and howlers.

I have wanted to try a predator diaphragm call, but it looks just like a turkey call, so I have never tried it. I figured it may just avoid a problem, by not having anything that even resembles a turkey call.

Has anyone ever been checked by an Agent/Game Warden, while having in possession, a diaphragm call??? If so, how did they view the diaphragm call??? (NO, I'm not looking for a loophole.)
 
There are several companys that make good predator dia calls.. Knight&Hale, HS Strutt, Chestnut ridge calls, all make good calls. I would recomend any of them, the main thing is like James said practice,practice,practice. You can get all the sounds you will need out of a dia call if you practice with it.

As for care of the call...Keep the case that comes with the call and take a marker and right on the front of the case the name of the company you got it from and the type or number of the call. This way you know what to buy when it does go bad. Keep the call away from sun light and heat, when you get done using it wash it off with water. Get you a couple tooth picks and break them in half. When you get it washed off slide the tooth picks between the reeds on both sides of the call, if its a double or triple reed place them between all the reeds. And let it dry. This will keep the reeds from sticking togeather, and will also let air between the reeds and let it dry. Stick it back in the case and stick it in the frig. This will extend the life of the call.

I havent had any trouble with the wardens here in Oh or Ky. I have been checked several times in the spring but have not had any of them say anything about my dia calls. I can see were you are coming from though! If they think there turkey calls they may get upset. Maybe try talking to the local wardens and let them know what you are doing and what calls you use before that time of year rolls around and be ok. Just a thought.

Kee
 


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