In this episode of Call the Wild, we explore the gargle technique for producing the purr, a quiet and highly effective turkey call. This method is particularly useful in close-quarters hunting situations when you need to keep your calling soft and controlled. Unlike rolling your tongue or using the lip buzz, the gargle technique relies on fluttering the back of your throat, creating a natural and subtle purr that reassures a wary gobbler as it approaches.

Practicing this method requires relaxation. If your throat is tense, it will be much harder to produce the correct fluttering sound. A good way to think about it is mimicking a light snoring noise, allowing the uvula and back of the palate to vibrate gently. To start, practice making the gargle sound without a call. Once you can control it, introduce a diaphragm call and direct soft airflow through the cut side of the reed, using minimal air pressure to maintain a steady, natural purr.

This technique takes time to develop, as small changes in mouth pressure and tongue position can affect control. Start by focusing solely on achieving the gargle before worrying about adding clucks or lengthening the call. Once you gain control, you can mix in soft bubble clucks by gently directing short bursts of air over the call’s reed. The result is a quiet and natural-sounding sequence that helps create the final bit of realism needed to bring a gobbler into shooting range.

Although this is one of the most difficult purring methods to learn on a mouth diaphragm, it is also one of the most rewarding. With patience and consistent practice, you’ll develop a highly effective call that works in those critical close-range encounters. Keep working at it, refine your control, and watch how this technique helps you seal the deal on more turkeys in the field.