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SLate Calls

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JohnnyBond

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I am wanting to learn to call with one. Any suggestions or tips? I currently use a box call and mouth call.
 
they are really not very hard to figure out once you start trying them out.

key is finding the right angle to hold the striker and be consistent with it. keep it sanded and dont touch it with your fingers.

get comfortable holding the striker correctly ( i tend to hold it almost like a pencil) find the angle to create a 2 note yelp and move the striker in a clockwise or counterclockwise oval pattern. cuts are just crisp short strokes. once you get the cut down you can use somewhat the same motion to do purrs. once you get comfortable with it you really need to practice it sitting down and in awkward holding positions. Youtube i am sure has some how to videos to help out if you look.
 
The slate is a great call.


First of all to make any sound with a slate call take the striker and place its tip flat on the call, then tilt the call at about a 45 degree angle away from you. This will give you the angle you need to create sound on the slate. When holding the slate in your hand, use your fingers to keep it lifted off of your palm as not to muffle the sound.

Here are the four main calls to master:

1. Yelp- I draw dime size ovals.
2. Purr- lighten the pressure a bit and drag the striker over the slate in about half inch - 1 inch lines.
3. Cluck- shorte quick 1/8 inch drags.
4. Cutting- Basically the same as a cluck, just quicker strikes.

You can also kee kee and whine on a slate, but it takes some practice to get it down.

Also, a slate is like a box call in that it has a certain sweet spot on it.

You will enjoy adding this call to your arsenal.
 
Thanks for the info I looked at the yesterday while at Bass Pro and attempted to make sounds on them. Some were better than others and some could not make it work. I wanted some input on what calls are good or not before I purchaed anything.

I am wanting to learn how to call with one and also kill one with the slate call.
 
Slates that have a wood backing are going to sound better than slates that have a plastic backing, hands down. I would start on a glass or slate surface. They are probably the easiest two to create sound on.
 
I am in the process of showing my nine year old how to use one. The biggest problem I have, is he wants to make the sounds by moving the striker with his fingers, not with his wrist. Hold the striker kind firmly with your fingers and move your wrist. Your calling will be almost exactly the same everytime by doing this. What it does is, it keeps your striker in the same position through out the whole motion, thus creating the sound you will be looking for. It will produce a great two note yelp or whatever sound your looking for.
 
also dont go by the ones out at bass bro. MOST of those need to be sanded in a bad way same with the strikers. just get a decent one and start practicing with it, trust me if you can work a mouth call a slate is super easy to use. Just find the angle and pressure for the striker and make sure you can copy that same angle regardless of position your body is in.
 
JohnnyBond said:
Thanks for the info I looked at the yesterday while at Bass Pro and attempted to make sounds on them. Some were better than others and some could not make it work. I wanted some input on what calls are good or not before I purchaed anything.

I am wanting to learn how to call with one and also kill one with the slate call.
Click to expand...

First off, buy you a custom call or a high end production call(expensive). It will save you alot of aggravation by not having to deal with those cheaps one that sound like crap. It will frustrate you to no end if they won't produce the sound you are lookin for. Been there, done that. Cane Creek Calls make a very good slate for about $35.00. A good quality call is worth every cent you put into it.
 
For me, the slate is the best call for subtle clucks and purrs. If a bird answers it, put it down and get ready, because he's coming!

Also, don't be afraid to try different strikers. You would be amazed at how different they can sound.

Check out Youtube. Here's one I found on a quick search.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LhPNBcHSVI
 
If you wait until the vous to purchase one, there will be a few custom calls that were donated from call makers over on OldGobbler.com

So far I have a custom glass, a custom slate, and a scratch box.

There are a few more yet to arrive.

Also, one of the OG members donated some production calls he has had ..... several pot calls and box calls.
 

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