The Best Turkey Calls For the 2025 Season: Box, Slate, and Mouth Calls Reviewed
My (JD) 2022 Wisconsin Tom.
That feeling… If you are a turkey hunter, you know it—the moment when the morning's first gobble shatters the dawn's stillness. When a gobbler cuts off your subtle yelp with a tinge of frustration in its response, those moments are why we keep coming back, season after season.
Countless factors lead you to those encounters, but one thing is sure: having the right call for the right moment will make all the difference between just hearing gobbles and tagging out.
Finding your next—or first—turkey call for the season can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve sifted through the top-rated and most popular calls to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your vest this spring.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, let’s break down the best box, slate, and mouth calls of 2025 to help you make the most of your time in the woods.
As someone who’s partial to Woodhaven calls (I’ve used them for years!), I couldn’t help but feature a few of my personal favorites, too. If you’ve had success with any of these calls—or have a favorite that didn’t make the list—let us know in the comments!
JUST A HEADS-UP
Many of the calls on this list aren’t brand new for 2025, but that’s exactly why they deserve a spot in your turkey vest. These calls have earned their reputation over years of consistent performance in the field, delivering lifelike sounds that seasoned hunters swear by. While the market always brings fresh innovations, sometimes you just can’t beat a proven tool that works as well today as it did when it was first released. Whether it’s the realistic rasp of the Woodhaven Red Wasp or the reliable versatility of the Zink Thunder Ridge Series, these calls have stood the test of time—and are still some of the best options to bring into the turkey woods this season.
Best Box Calls FOR 2025
Tall Timber Gabriel
This is one of Primos best. Staple call to have in your turkey vest.
1. Primos Tall Timber Gabriel
Why It's a Favorite: This box call has become a go-to for hunters because of its realistic sound and user-friendly design. Its double-sided box gives you a variety of tones for different calling scenarios, from soft clucks to aggressive cuts.
Hunter Feedback: Hunters consistently praise its durability and reliable performance, even in damp or wet conditions—a crucial factor for early spring hunts.
+XP: If you don’t use a mouth call or don’t have one handy, you can set the box call right next to you as the tom approaches and, with slow movements, get that soft cluck with just a gentle brush of the paddle.
2. Lynch World Champion Turkey Box Call - Legendary!
Why It's a Favorite: A classic for a reason, this mahogany and walnut call has been a favorite for decades. Its raspy tones and easy-to-use design make it perfect for hunters at any skill level.
Hunter Feedback: Many hunters highlight its ability to produce natural yelps with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for quick, confident calling in the field.
Best Slate Calls For 2025
This was a tough call; there are so many good slate calls out there, but we wanted to narrow it down to two for you based on getting quality and reliability in the field out of your purchase. If you’ve got a favorite drop it in the comments.
1. Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Series Pot Call
Why It's a Favorite: This call combines a premium slate surface with a high-quality wood pot for unmatched versatility. From soft tree yelps to raspy cuts, it delivers a wide range of lifelike turkey sounds.
Hunter Feedback: Smooth performance and fine control over subtle turkey sounds are what make this call a top pick. Hunters also appreciate its ease of use for creating softer, close-range calls.
Differences Between the Zink Pot Calls: Striker, Blaster, and Rocker
The Zink Pot Call lineup is known for delivering high-quality sound and versatility, but each model brings its own unique strengths to the table. The Striker is perfect for hunters who value control and precision, offering a slate surface designed for softer, more subtle calling, ideal for close encounters. The Blaster, on the other hand, emphasizes volume and raspy tones, making it an excellent choice for long-distance gobbler locating. Meanwhile, the Rocker stands out for its hybrid versatility, delivering a balance of crisp, high-pitched yelps and deeper rasps. Each call is built with Zink’s signature craftsmanship, allowing hunters to choose the tool that best fits their hunting style.
CHECK STRICKER PRICE | CHECK BLASTER PRICE | CHECK ROCKER PRICE
Wood Haven Cherry Classic Slate
This is a call you are gonna want when the mouth call and the box call aren’t getting it done.
Why It's a Favorite: Built with a cherry wood pot and premium slate surface, this call produces rich, raspy tones perfect for long-distance locating or subtle coaxing.
Hunter Feedback: Hunters consistently rave about its crisp tones and ability to cut through noisy, windy conditions.
Best Mouth Calls For 2025
1. Pittman Game Calls Black Diamond Mouth Call
Why It's a Favorite: Designed with a triple-reed system, this mouth call gives you incredible control over volume and tone. Whether you need soft clucks or aggressive cuts, this call delivers.
Hunter Feedback: Hunters appreciate how easy it is to use, even for intermediate callers, and its ability to switch between different sounds effortlessly.
2. Woodhaven Red Wasp
Why It's a Favorite: The Red Wasp is famous among turkey hunters for its sharp, crisp yelps and impressive versatility. Its red latex reed and unique cut make it a go-to for experienced hunters.
Hunter Feedback: Hunters love its realistic tone and note that it’s one of the louder mouth calls, making it perfect for locating birds at a distance.
Runner-Up: Woodhaven Ninja Series Mouth Calls (J.D.'s Favorite)
Why It's a Favorite: The Ninja Series features triple-reed designs and versatile cuts that produce soft, subtle clucks and high-pitched cuts with ease. As a longtime fan of Woodhaven, I personally keep a Ninja Green in my vest every season. It’s a reliable choice when the pressure’s on, and it’s my go-to for sealing the deal on a hung-up gobbler.
How to Choose the Right Turkey Call
Selecting the best turkey call for your hunts depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and the hunting conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each type:
Box Calls: Best for beginners or long-distance calling. They’re easy to use, durable, and reliable in most conditions.
Slate Calls: Ideal for close-range work. Slate calls are great for producing subtle, lifelike tones, but they require a bit more practice.
Mouth Calls: Perfect for hands-free calling and creating a variety of sounds. These calls are better suited for experienced hunters due to their steeper learning curve.
Conclusion
The right turkey call can make all the difference when you’re in the woods this spring. From the classic reliability of the Lynch World Champion Box Call to the cutting-edge design of the Woodhaven Ninja Series, each of these calls has earned its reputation for helping hunters seal the deal. Practice your technique, pick the call that fits your style, and you’ll be ready to outsmart even the most cautious toms this season.
PRO TIP - Don’t wait for a week before the season to get these. Get them now, and start getting comfortable with it. I keep mine in the truck and when I am alone on a commute (or don’t mind annoying the heck out of my family, ha) I will pull them out and run through some call sequences.
What about you? Have you used any of these calls, or do you have a go-to that didn’t make the list? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear your take!
