Turkey hunters typically are not fans of heavyweight gear. They’d rather choose flyweight, bantamweight or welterweight equipment instead.
Compact box calls measure about 6 inches or less in length and 1½ inches high, compared to standard-sized boxes, which measure 7 to 8 inches long and 2 inches high. As a result, these smaller calls have a shallow chamber that produce higher tones and shrilly pitches, because there’s less acoustical material to resonate.
For big sound from a small call, try these undersized but not underrated recommendations:
[1] Flextone Turkey Man Series Ol’ School box call
Overall size: 5 ⅝ inches by 1¾ inches (box), 8 3⁄16 inches by 1¾ inches (lid)
Sound chamber inside measurements: 3½ inches long, 1¼ inches wide, 1 inch deep
Materials: Cedar box and walnut lid
Special feature: Rounded, ergonomic base offers extra comfort in your hand
[2] Tom Teasers Dominant Hen box turkey call
Overall size: 8 inches by 1¾ inches (box with handle), 8 ¼ inches by 1 ⅝ inches (lid)
Sound chamber inside measurements: 4 3⁄8 inches long, 15⁄16 inches wide, ⅞ inch deep
Materials: Walnut box and pecan lid
Special feature: Rope lanyard silences call during transport; moves for undisturbed calling
[3] Quaker Boy Turkey Thugs Lil’ Big Time waterproof box call
Overall size: 5 ½ inches by 1½ inches (box), 8 inches by 1 3⁄8 inches (lid)
Sound chamber inside measurements: 3 ⅝ inches long, ¾ inch wide, ⅞ inch deep
Materials: Cherry box and walnut lid with waterproof treatment on its lid and side walls
Special feature: Equipped with an O-ring call silencer to keep it quiet when on the go
Smaller calls transport easily in a shirt or vest pocket. They’re also more comfortable to hold when scratching out turkey sounds, especially if you have smaller hands.
There are more compact box calls available, such as the Mystic Mini Wet Hen from Woods Wise Hunting Calls and several other options. Try one, and see for yourself.