Directions for Preparing and Using your Phelps Pot CallUpdated 4 months ago

Prepare your Pot Call: 

1. Use the supplied conditioning stone or scuff pad to prepare the playing surface.

2. You will want to make a conditioned area about 1 inch by 1 inch. For a right-handed caller, the area will be to the right of center. For a left-handed caller, the area will be to the left of center. Feel free to adjust the conditioned area as needed for comfort and feel.

3. Run the conditioning stone/scuff pad in a left to right motion until the crystal/aluminum/slate appears white and frosted. 

Using and Caring for Your Turkey Calls

Let’s go over how to use your calls properly, as well as some key care tips to keep them in top shape.

Using a Slate or Glass Pot Call

1. Grip It Right – Hold the call by your fingertips, not your palm, so the sound holes in the back can project properly. Rest your hand on the side for stability.
2. Positioning the Striker – Hold the peg at a slight angle and move it across and down to create sound.
3. Creating Yelps – Use short, quick strokes in a J-hook, fishhook, or small circular motion. The key is to keep the rhythm consistent.
4. Clucks and Cutting – Keep the peg on the surface and pop it—do not lift the peg off, or you’ll get unwanted clicking sounds.
5. Purring – Drag the peg lightly across the surface in a skipping motion to create a natural, soft purr.

Maintaining Your Call

• Over time, the surface may become too slick. Use a green conditioning pad and rub back and forth to rough it up again.
• Clean the end of your striker occasionally by rubbing off residue buildup.

Proper Care for Longevity

• Your call is made of natural materials like wood and slate, which are affected by heat, moisture, and humidity.
• Treat it like a fine rifle or shotgun—do not leave it in extreme heat, on the dash of your truck, or exposed to the elements.
• Aluminum-surfaced calls are weather-resistant, but if the pot is wood, it still needs the same careful handling.

Calling Strategy – Finding a Gobbler

1. If you’re in a new area, start softly—there may be a turkey close by. A few light yelps can test the waters.
2. If there’s no response, gradually increase volume to reach further distances.
3. Turn in different directions while calling—turkeys respond better depending on where the sound travels.
4. If you’re trying to reach across a valley or call from a long distance, switch to an aluminum surface call. Its higher pitch carries farther than slate.
5. Mix it up – Change calls, swap strikers, adjust your rhythm—sometimes, a small tweak is what it takes to trigger a response.

By mastering these techniques and taking care of your calls, you’ll improve your success in the field. Best of luck this spring—I hope it's a great season for you!

The video below is a step by step tutorial created by Steve Morgenstern around Pot Calls. We would highly recommend giving it a watch if you have any further questions!