Callmakers Influence/mentors

[triune]

Have you all had the privilege of having someone "show you the ropes" when you got the callmaking fever?  Or did you just go at it and learn from trial and error.
Kenny

[gbblr-killer]

i am a BEGINNING callmaker, been focusing soley on long boxe and there are 2 guys that have helped me imensley, still have a long ways to go, but i guess you can say the obsession has set in, a big thanx to Jeff McKamey and Marlin Watkins, thanx guys for puttin up with me, i have tried not to be annoying...

 

[callmakerman]

I started pot calls on my own and it's stayed that way for the most part. I have had a number of talks with some real good friends about pot calls such as Jessie Newsom,Ed Terefencko and Mike P who have been great sounding boards when I needed to vent.I had the pleasure of spending time with Randy Sullivan in his shop learning the steps needed to make box calls.

[West Augusta]

I didn't know that custom calls existed when I started.  I just started making strikers.  Took me a few years to find you all..

[3CB]

Jeff has helped a BUNCH and Zumer challenges me to some odd ball things. And of course Neil's books and videos offer many hints when I hit a tough patch!!!! But the best teacher has been nature. She humbles me daily when I'm chasing turkey's.


Thanks, Jeff and Zum!!!!!!!!!!

[Ferguson]

The history and background of our local making came from Dan Searcy and Jake McCormac. Jack burrus has also influenced me. The tuning I basically have learned what I know on my own through trail and error along with advice on sound from other folks. Customer/hunters are a big help in what they like and how they play a call but turkeys are the ultimate judge and there is such a wide variety of sounds a turkey makes that it's a constant learning curve.

David

[misfire]

I cant tell you what I would have given to have had a mentor. For me, it has ALL been trial and more errors than I care to remember.

[AlabamaDave]

A couple of guys have influenced me...Roger Liscomb and Brad Loyd started makin me want to make wood calls and Mike Gaughtney got me into making mouth calls...All three of them infuenced me A bunch!....Learned A lot from these fellows!

[GR8CALLS]

 I'm on the outside looking in on call making.....LOL! But of all the call makers I have known, I only met one that wasn't helpful or educational. That is a real quality, you don't find often in this world!  

Bill

[firedup]

Starting out it was all trial and error.  No web then. Taking old calls apart...building....throwing alot of rejects away....starting over again.  Then there were the Cost books, and good friends like Charlie Parrish and Joe Ross, the internet and the absolute wealth of knowledge and generosity that it has provided.  Living out here in the hinter lands surrounded by Wally world calls, the web in general and this site and its callmakers in particular are a real blessing and inspiration. Lord only knows how many ideas I have ripped off.....

[triune]

Awesome posts!  I pretty much started out like LT.  Trial and error, with many errors.  Had no shortage of fire starters during my first couple of years and my wood heated shop was pretty toasty to say the least.  The Old Lynch fool proof was my first "model".
Then I entered my first NWTF call competition in 2001 and met some great callmakers.  But the one who impacted me the most that year was Mr. Don Chancey.  He took the time to walk over to my box calls, run 'em, and give his once over.  He'd give me some things to try and hints.  Thankfully, this became a yearly thing for us and I appreciated his willingness to take the time to take me aside and talk box calls.  Sure do miss Don.  The other, for me, would be Mr. Doug Camp.  Again our talks were at the NWTF conventions and I'll always remember one talk we had when we talked about cedar for almost an hour.  Their willingness to share their many years of knowledge with me was so much appreciated.  Have to also mention Albert Paul, He has throwm tips my way and they have stuck.
 
I haven't entered any calls since the passing of my Dad in '09, the NWTF convention was something we went to together and just didn't feel the same.  However, in my last conversation with Don Chancey his words to me were, "just don't give up."  Guess it's time for me to get back in the ring.  In all the years of competing, I've received one medal so I'm no threat.  It's not the medals for me, it's more about meeting up with fellow callmakers and friends.  Been trying to figure out these box calls for over ten years and still need help!  Thanks to all who have helped me over the years!
Kenny

[trb136]

Early on in my Callmaking I asked alot of questions and ruined alot of good wood...lol Marlin Watkins was a huge influence and mentor..I was fortunate enough to spend some shop time with Marlin and his knowledge helped greatly...I also have to say a BIG thanks to Mike Lapp who has also helped and challenged me the past few years...And last but not least  Ole SNAKEBOOT!!!  Jeff has not only been a great friend but a big help in getting me started in callmaking...These 3 guys are as good as they come and more than anything I say Thank You for being such good friends above all else...

[Old Geezer]

Earl Mickel, Parker Whedon, and Larry Proffitt, all who tolerated my endless questions and opened their collections to me.  Jim Stephenson for sharing his knowledge.  Howard Harlan, his book and the other authors of the famous four.

Ralph

[jmck]

In my experience in building calls for well over 18 years now--- if I remember right....Bill is dead on with his comment.
 This is a great faternity(for lack of better explination). Its not hardly any hobby that gets competative, that most all that are involved are so open to help as this group of guys.
I got my initial start with advice from Neil who I was getting calls from back then....they were shortboxes. I never was honored as Lamar and Steve were to truely mentor under him over a period of time, but Neils advice ,drawings and experience helped my learning curve profoundlly.
I like, Tim, owe alot of what I do these days to a dear friend and top shelf callmaker, Marlin.
Marlin has taken time to share his techniques with me as well as many other makers. I owe alot to him.

There is not a single callmaker I have ever met that was not willing to critique and offer sound advice to anyone that is wanting it, as I said, a GREAT buch of folks to be associated with.

[strutnrut]

heck everyone one knows I just copied COX . If you don't beleive me ask him.