Looking back......

[M Sharpe]

While doing the thankless part of preparing wingbones, I had time to reflect back over the last couple years of my call making venture. I got to thinking back to the people that had purchased my calls, to the ones I had built as gifts and to the ones that had encouraged and helped me in the beginning. I thought it would be interesting to see where others got their start. Who encouraged you? The ones that you went to for questions. The ones that you aggrivated the most by calling them up to ask how a particular call sounded.

For me, it was Jeff Erb for all of the encouragement and guidance on how to build one. Gerry Bramblett for bones when I didn't have any. All of you that have sent me bones the last couple years. Jeff Erb, Russell Beard, Richard Hudson, and Jay Minor for being on the other end of the phone while I caused them to go tone deaf with hours of playing calls.

Who got you started??

[K]

my passion for turkey hunting & this guy...

[West Augusta]

I got myself started when I made the first custom turkey striker ever. 
Then I found the OG and the Roost and realized that there have been many thousands of custom call makers before me.
My family doesn't turkey hunt and I know very few locals that do either.
You all have kept me going and I do appreciate it.  Thanks to all of you.

[Turkeybuster]

K what is the shotgun your carring a model 12?

Jon

[B-Ready]

I got my start from an idea I had to use scrap wood from banjos to make turkey calls. While that venture turned out bad, I still had the want to be a Callmaker. With the help of some great friends they took me under there wing and saved me a lot of time and material. Those include Bob Fulcher, Jeff McKamey and my big eared brother FKIII. Thanks to those guys for all the help... I couldn't have done it without you all.  I got a invite to Osage Roost by an another great friend Mike "bulldog Mikey" Mims. Mike was awesome to talk to and was always ready to lend a hand were he could. I really miss him. 

[M Sharpe]

K what is the shotgun your carring a model 12?

Jon

 

 

[M Sharpe]

my passion for turkey hunting & this guy...

Kenny, if you'd just start turning trumpets now......

[strutnrut]

I would flip this the other way and would like to thank all of the guys who help me continue to build calls. Without those of you who buy multiple calls from me I would be nothing. I know you don't need another call but you continue to support me. THANK YOU for your support. 

As for who, I'd have to start with Mr. Kenny Morgan (RIP), the midget himself (Old Jimmy Dale), Mark Sharp, Al and Josh Shoemaker, Matt Mclain, JBird form the DarkSide, DragonFly, I would have to even (as bad as it taste) I would have to thank the guy in the picture above (not for advice as much as pissing me off) but most of all I would have to thank Steve Lumma, who movates me to expand my thinking to try new ways. And Jerry Ziliak for keeping me in wood...

[Beard Hunter]

Been making box calls about 12 years and have I learned a lot about wood. It is a challenge every time I build a box call just to see what I can learn. But looking back over the years is that the quality of people that I have met in the Turkey world.  The call makers that I have called and ask questions on problems that I have run across,not a one has every turn me down on sharing their knowledge and what they have experienced. I would like to tell ever one thanks to the past, present ,future friendship of the Turkey industry.....     Russell Beard

[Spring Dragon]

Interesting post and though I have been absent from the forums due to hard times in my life I still enjoy it when I get around to checking in.

I was inspired to collect calls first by my x-wife Lisa who bought me my first true custom call made by none other than DAD, Jerry White whom I struck a friendship with and grew to respect a lot and then Irving Whitt who I was also very fortunate to get to know quite well.

My interest in call collecting, art and then carving came around big time by being awe-struck & inspired by the likes of DAD, Herb Hornstra, Mike Battey, Matt Mclain, Albert Paul, Irving Whitt and Dave Constantine who shared and taught me a lot along the way. And to all of you who supported my art through comments or purchases I am truly thankful.  

As for all other things in this hobby we all love of collecting and making....  the names and friends who have had an impact on my love of custom calls is long but those who stick out to me the most are Jason Booser, Matt Mclain, Ralph Permar, Irving Whitt, Dave C., DAD, AL Shoemaker, Preston Lawson, Bill Henkle, AJ-Arnie Johnathon, JBird, Job Seger, Dunn Zummer, Mike Battey, Albert Paul and so many more.

I have been very fortunate and blessed in my life having met so many wonderful people and making so many friends in this crazy fraternity...even with all the bad times and stupid tiffs-I still appreciate each and every person I have met.  I sure miss a lot of the old days, lost friendships and get togethers.---Jason

[mmclain]

Curiosity got me started and the fact that no one at the time made a slate call that was rounded over on the bottom edges......a friend of mine had a lathe and made rolling pins and bowls mainly he urged me to get a lathe........so I went out and found an old Delta/Rockwell 46-450 lathe at an Amish shop.......and bought some books on wood turning....which I still highly recommend to all new turners and if you have never read them I still suggest you do.........back when I started the only web sight was Custom Calls and it was only a Q&A text only forum....not at all like it is today......no one to learn from ......all I had was a broken Preston Pitman plastic pot..........and it took several tries to get a sound that resembled a turkey....and even longer to become extremely consistent.  Along the way I have met some really fine individuals......and well......the guy in the pic....I'm glad he never told me anything about call building.....



 

[Lonnie Sneed Jr.]

The first call I ever made was a cow horn yelper, I got the idea from Mike Jones, from VA. Pot calls copping off my  Dad,  I know I had to drive my Dad nuts asking things.