Wisconsin Sportsman - Inside a Turkey Call with Gobbler Ridge Calls

In this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman Podcast, host Pierce Nellis welcomes Josh Irmer of Gobbler Ridge Calls for an in-depth conversation about turkey hunting and the art of crafting high-performance turkey calls. The episode begins with sponsor segments from Interstate Batteries, Lone Wolf Custom Gear, OnX Hunt, Huntworth Gear, Good Chance Fly Fishing, and the Wisconsin chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, highlighting gear, apps, and conservation efforts. Pierce shares personal stories from his recent youth turkey hunting weekend, emphasizing the thrill and unpredictability of chasing gobblers. The core of the episode dives into Josh Irmer’s journey from welder and woodworker to artisan call maker, detailing his process of crafting box calls and mouth calls with precision. He discusses the importance of wood grain, density, and acoustics in call design, the significance of one-sided box calls for authentic turkey-like sounds, and the nuances of mouth call cuts like the Batwing, Split V, and Ghost Cut. The conversation explores the psychology of turkey calling—how imperfections can be effective, why realism beats perfection, and how calling strategies shift based on terrain, time of day, and whether hunting public or private land. Pierce and Josh reflect on nemesis birds, the lessons learned from failed hunts, and the ever-changing nature of turkey behavior. The episode closes with practical advice on roosting strategies, remote scouting, and the importance of adapting to the environment. Both hosts express deep passion for the sport and the connection to nature it fosters.