In this episode of Call the Wild, we explore an alternative method for producing the purr using a lip buzz rather than rolling the tongue. While the traditional fluttering tongue technique creates a great-sounding purr, it can be difficult for some hunters to achieve. The lip buzz method offers another way to produce this soft, content turkey vocalization, though it requires practice and control to get it just right.

The key to making the lip buzz work is finding the right balance between air pressure and lip tightness. The best way to describe the proper mouth position is somewhere between making a loose, relaxed face and a puckered "kissy" face. To practice, start by buzzing your lips loosely, then gradually tighten them until you find the sweet spot where the sound mimics a natural turkey purr. If your lips are too tight, the buzz won’t work, and if they’re too loose, the sound will lack definition.

Listening to real turkey sounds can help fine-tune your technique, as you’ll need to adjust your air pressure to match the natural tone of a wild turkey’s purr. Once you develop consistency with the buzzing sound, you can start incorporating clucks to create a more realistic calling sequence. Alternating between a buzz and a cluck mimics the natural rhythm of a turkey’s content vocalizations and can be an effective way to reassure a gobbler in the field.

Although this method requires patience and control, with enough practice, it becomes a valuable skill in your turkey-calling arsenal. Keep working on it, focus on making small adjustments, and soon the lip buzz technique will feel natural. Check out the full exercise video to fine-tune your approach, and stay tuned for more calling tips from Call the Wild by Slayer Calls!