Guys, first I'd like to thank each and every one of ya'll for your support for Josh. You've made him feel much better about this situation.
I don't want to ramble on but would like to just share a little about our venture into this callmaking journey.. LOL When I first decided I was going to try to build turkey calls, Josh asked if he could help. I was shocked really! I said " Sure bud, you know as much about it as I do", which was nata!! I had some poplar from a tobacco barn, and some cherry boards a neighbor gave me. I had a 30 gallon trash can sittin' in the corner. I looked at it and told Josh " We'll just start trying to build calls and throwing them in that can". I'll never forget this, after about a week of trying to learn to build these dang boxes, I looked at Josh and said "That trash can ain't gonna cut it, we're gonna need a dump truck"!!!!! Which wasn't far from the truth..
He started out with me that day, and has never once asked to quit. He's always had that option, but he loves building calls and I have to say I couldn't be more proud of what he's accomplished!!! And especially the fine young man he's grown into!!! Yea, I know, Proud Dad!
In late 2008 we were in the shop and sort of burned out from building calls. We decided to make it a goof off day so to speak. Josh asked if he could try a canarywood paddle on a one sider he was starting to build.
I said sure, we've never tried it but go for it.. He worked on that call some that day, and the next day it was back to business filling orders as usual.
He worked on that one sider on and off whenever he had free time until he finished it. About two or three weeks later, I walked outside to get some air and in a couple of minutes I heard some yelping coming from the shop.
Man, it sounded good!!! I stood there and listened to Josh running a call, not knowing what call it was.
I walked closer to the shop and asked Josh what he was running. He said that onesider with the canarywood paddle.. He said " I really like this one". I had to agree!! To make a long story just a little shorter... He held on to that call and entered it into the 2009 NWTF National competition in Nashville and won 1st place with it.. That's one of few calls that Josh hasn't got from me. It remains in Ol' Dads collection.
I will say this.... Josh has kicked my butt in the comps with his one siders, but I couldn't get beat by a more humble young man!! Keep up the great work bud, I'm VERY proud of you!!!
Sorry for the rambling.
Dad
