Ep. 68 | Speaking Spring Gobbler: Turkey Man’s Calling Tips

In this episode of Call of the Outdoors, host Matt welcomes legendary turkey hunter and calling expert Eddie Salter, a fixture in the Southern hunting community and two-time world champion caller, to discuss the art and science of spring turkey hunting. Salter shares his deep-rooted connection to the sport, tracing his passion back to childhood in rural Alabama, where he learned from observing turkeys, their behaviors, and the wisdom of elders. He recounts pivotal moments, including his first turkey kill using an orange balloon as a makeshift mouth call, and the profound emotional impact of helping an 82-year-old man finally harvest his first turkey. The conversation delves into practical advice—emphasizing scouting multiple locations, respecting other hunters, and mastering multi-call techniques like running a pot, box, and mouth call simultaneously. Salter also reflects on the importance of conservation, the role of state wildlife agencies, and the legacy of mentorship in hunting culture, highlighting stories of camaraderie like Ben Lee’s visit to a wounded veteran in the hospital. The episode closes with a heartfelt message: get out there, be prepared with diverse tools, and never stop learning from the turkeys themselves.