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Turkey Calls => Turkey Calls => Topic started by: Rzrbac on August 27, 2019, 04:35:42 PM

Title: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Rzrbac on August 27, 2019, 04:35:42 PM
I received a snake / black limba from Matt Fulkerson this summer. It's the best sounding call I've ever heard. I can't wait to run it this spring, it's sure to drive a gobbler or two crazy.

I have decided I want another one. Not that I think another one will sound better than this one but one that will contrast. Matt has recommended snake/teak, snake/walnut and snake/apple.

For those who own multiple boxes from Matt what are some of your favorite combos and would contrast to snake/black limba.  Perhaps it's just the way he tunes them and not the wood at all.  I'm new to hen boxes but not turkey calling and I know enough that he makes an incredible call. I'm sure they don't all sound the same so I want to be able to mix it up some. Thanks.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Pooh4459 on August 27, 2019, 05:54:34 PM
I'd recommend bloodwood/ English walnut but if you must have snakewood then snake/ teak or snake apple in a M2. All very great calls.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Rzrbac on August 27, 2019, 05:57:13 PM
Snake isn't a requirement but so far that's what Matt has recommended.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Sir-diealot on August 27, 2019, 06:39:22 PM
He had a teak at Turkey Trot, I came very close to buying that one instead, but that is just going on looks. They both sounded great.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: bulian82 on August 27, 2019, 06:46:03 PM
Snake wood over Teak or Bloodwood over walnut. He also has some amazing Mahoe. Anything you get from Matt will be great and packed with turkeys. He's a great guy to deal with also.


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Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Gog1015 on August 27, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
Snake/teak in M1 hen box
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Sir-diealot on August 27, 2019, 06:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gog1015 on August 27, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
Snake/teak in regular handle hen box
That's the one I almost bought.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Spitten and drummen on August 27, 2019, 07:26:26 PM
Snakewood over just about anything. Out of a dozen hen boxes , my snakewood over English walnut is my favorite. Most all of my hen boxes wear a snake lid.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Pooh4459 on August 27, 2019, 08:05:54 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on August 27, 2019, 06:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gog1015 on August 27, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
Snake/teak in regular handle hen box
That's the one I almost bought.

No it's not. The one he had up there was his M2 not his regular box.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: kwild835 on August 27, 2019, 08:18:31 PM
I love my Bloodwood/Black Limba.  It is my favorite sounding call I own. 
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: 3bailey3 on August 27, 2019, 08:46:44 PM
here are a few choice's (https://i.imgur.com/eyeB0Ha.jpg)
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Turkeyman62 on August 27, 2019, 08:56:08 PM
Quote from: 3bailey3 on August 27, 2019, 08:46:44 PM
here are a few choice's (https://i.imgur.com/eyeB0Ha.jpg)

Real NICE  :gobble: :gobble:
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: bulian82 on August 27, 2019, 08:59:20 PM
I will also agree that I really like the M2 version. That's what he had at Trot


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Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Rzrbac on August 27, 2019, 09:12:52 PM
No idea what I have but what is different with M2?

Love the pics of those henboxes.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: bulian82 on August 27, 2019, 09:24:25 PM
I also got a one Sider while I was at trot and it's spectacular. Just another option to think about

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190828/733c00209ad8db41eb1ee663133000ff.jpg)


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Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Sir-diealot on August 28, 2019, 12:36:57 AM
Quote from: Pooh4459 on August 27, 2019, 08:05:54 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on August 27, 2019, 06:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gog1015 on August 27, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
Snake/teak in regular handle hen box
That's the one I almost bought.

No it's not. The one he had up there was his M2 not his regular box.
Pretty sure it had a handle. I could well be wrong, I don't know much about them.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Greg Massey on August 28, 2019, 12:57:59 AM
Snake/apple, snake / English Walnut, Boise de Rose/apple , bloodwood/ limba , etc... M1 is just little smaller and high-pitch and the M2 which is little large has little less volume and not as high pitch.
Title: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: TheBigSnood on August 28, 2019, 07:29:29 AM
Humbled by all of you. Thanks to each one of you and all your thoughts and kind words.  The biggest blessing of callmaking is the friends you meet along the way!  A good call, and a lifelong companion in your hunting vest is a bonus. 

The M1 is the original box that I built. Great call, that creates a higher pitch and quicker rollover typically gonna get a younger sounding hen out of it. There are certain combos that will allow you to get a more nasely sound with a deeper tone to imitate a more mature bird.

The M2 is slightly a little longer in length and slightly shorter in height. A bigger sound-chamber allowing for a more versatile box.  You can really get a mature bird out of it. 

I was approached at Unicoi last year by several folks, but a good friend kept the fire lit for the last few months of tweaking and tuning.  Crazy story, but I feel the Lord give me the design in a dream. I built the call in a dream. Crazy. This call is producing some amazing sound and allows the caller to focus on one side.  Also, I feel as if this call can be kid friendly.

May each of you be blessed, and feel free to call me anytime to talk Turkey.

Matt
502-938-5866 


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Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Chris O on August 29, 2019, 08:22:47 PM
I really think you will be happy with anything from Matt. He will make sure you are completely satisfied. I have a snakewood over black limba and a bloodwood over tiger maple. One is his original call and my other is a handled m2 . Both are great calls. I also have a Richard Hudson in Snakewood over teak and that is a great combination as well. I guarantee everything will be beautiful, great craftsmanship, and it will sound great also.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: shatcher on August 29, 2019, 09:04:25 PM
Matt is a good fellow.  He learned the hen box from Richard Hudson.  Both are excellent.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: mspaci on August 29, 2019, 10:49:49 PM
blood over apple
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Rzrbac on August 30, 2019, 08:54:44 AM
I haven't asked Matt yet but has anybody seen a henbox with an ABW lid?
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 11:16:42 AM
I have built a few but not a huge fan of ABW. IMO Macassar  Ebony is better but it not impossible  to use a ABW lid. In 10 year I have used it maybe a dozen times. Mostly on Holly or Maple.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: gergg on August 30, 2019, 11:18:12 AM
In my own experimentation building boxes and lids, ABW did not work as wellas other options.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
Quote from: shatcher on August 29, 2019, 09:04:25 PM
Matt is a good fellow.  He learned the hen box from Richard Hudson.  Both are excellent.
I dont post my opinion often. The call making world is sometime a challenge . If you dont like my opinion remember it is just one man's opinion.
I started out almost 10 years ago because I liked the hen box sound. After many trail and numerous different pattern I have figured out how to build a  hen box in my own style that I like and have seen many turkey die because of them. Proof is in the pudding. If I hadn't figured it out others wouldn't be coping me. My brother say I should take it as  a compliment . That is how I choose  to take it. Cause to some degree I cant change the past but how i conduct myself in the future. In the last few years a lot of interest has been given to the Turpin style of calls. I was approached  by Mark Sharp about talking to Mr. Burke at the NWTF. In Feb 2020 the NWTF is starting  a category  to Honor Mr. Turpin box calls. I have never entered a call making contest but I did promise  Mr. Burke I would enter a call if the NWTF created a category.  It is time to Honor Mr Tom and the Turpin family.  I invite all callmakers to enter. As soon as I find out the rules for the Category  I will post them.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Matt k on August 30, 2019, 01:01:33 PM
If I may ask, what attributes make a call a Turpin? The lid, screw hole, walls of the call, angle or lack of angle on side wall? Just curious what would or wouldn't qualify for a Turpin category at nwtf.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: TheBigSnood on August 30, 2019, 02:26:29 PM
Quote from: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 11:45:13 AM
Quote from: shatcher on August 29, 2019, 09:04:25 PM
Matt is a good fellow.  He learned the hen box from Richard Hudson.  Both are excellent.
I dont post my opinion often. The call making world is sometime a challenge . If you dont like my opinion remember it is just one man's opinion.
I started out almost 10 years ago because I liked the hen box sound. After many trail and numerous different pattern I have figured out how to build a  hen box in my own style that I like and have seen many turkey die because of them. Proof is in the pudding. If I hadn't figured it out others wouldn't be coping me. My brother say I should take it as  a compliment . That is how I choose  to take it. Cause to some degree I cant change the past but how i conduct myself in the future. In the last few years a lot of interest has been given to the Turpin style of calls. I was approached  by Mark Sharp about talking to Mr. Burke at the NWTF. In Feb 2020 the NWTF is starting  a category  to Honor Mr. Turpin box calls. I have never entered a call making contest but I did promise  Mr. Burke I would enter a call if the NWTF created a category.  It is time to Honor Mr Tom and the Turpin family.  I invite all callmakers to enter. As soon as I find out the rules for the Category  I will post them.

And since your opinion was shared, we will let the whole world know the truth!  I will not get into a pissing match with you Richard. I have reached out to you since February 29 of this year. Called and left several voicemails with no return text or comment. Only to wonder why, and now to say that I have copied you is furthest from the truth. The boxes are totally different just ask those that have both. And further more, you were the one that told me to build a bigger box after Unicoi. Funny how things change. I seen a copy of your box, and it sure wasn't mine.  Richard, I appreciate you, and thank you for what you've invested in me! I've told you that time and time again. Now, my phone is open, and waiting to speak to you in person! Like I have been trying to do since February 29.  God bless.


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Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 03:20:27 PM
I replied to shatcher post not your. The entire post was about the calls I build and the fact that it is being copied and how I choose to take it as a compliment  and the fact at I invite other call makers to take part in the upcoming event at the NWTF. If you feel like you didn't or are not coping me then I must not have been talking to you. FYI I do not care to talk to you either. Get over yourself, trying to offend you isn't a priority dont make it one.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 03:30:01 PM
Quote from: Matt k on August 30, 2019, 01:01:33 PM
If I may ask, what attributes make a call a Turpin? The lid, screw hole, walls of the call, angle or lack of angle on side wall? Just curious what would or wouldn't qualify for a Turpin category at nwtf.
I will try to answer this. Mr. Turpin published  a set of instructions  on a Turpin style box and how to run one. I have a text that has those instructions.  Steve Turpin has a hard copy. With that said. Hen boxes are one piece construction with a handle and no spring. The lack of a spring allows for more versatility  and maneuverability  of the lid combined with the radius  of the lid and rails produces a great yee and yaw. Multiple tones can be produced from each rail or side depending on the angle and roll of the lid.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 05:22:20 PM
I have sent numerous callmakers pictures and tried my best to help other building what I call a Turpin Style box call. The main reason is that in Unicoi I had the pleasure to sit in on the 1st Round Table which was about box calls. I felt like a One Eyed Cat Watching Nine Ratholes because I was setting beside some of the best callmakers in the World. The one comment from me was helping others. Over the past years or so I have help several call makers who liked the sound of a Turpin Style box and wanted to try and builds some. Since Turkey Trot my phone has blown up. Let me put this to rest.  Mike Lapp is a good friend and I have assisted him as much as I could. I have also sent other callmakers  pictures and measurements of my box to give them a starting point. Each will build their own version to suit their ears and playing style. Now that several callmakers are building a Turpin Style the NWTF has taken serious notice and will have a category. again Mike Lapp is building a turpin style and I like forward to getting mine. 
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Greg Massey on August 30, 2019, 07:17:06 PM
Let's not forget John Eddleman and his Turpin's and Striblings  boxes .. he's a pioneer also in building these style boxes.
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 07:42:09 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on August 30, 2019, 07:17:06 PM
Let's not forget John Eddleman and his Turpin's and Striblings  boxes .. he's a pioneer also in building these style boxes.
True. I have about 12 different builders. Between Mark and Doug I hope we contacted everyone but  I have talk to a couple of others who have shown interest. ED Jenkins builds a great call also. 
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Greg Massey on August 30, 2019, 08:12:41 PM
Quote from: strutnrut on August 30, 2019, 07:42:09 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on August 30, 2019, 07:17:06 PM
Let's not forget John Eddleman and his Turpin's and Striblings  boxes .. he's a pioneer also in building these style boxes.
True. I have about 12 different builders. Between Mark and Doug I hope we contacted everyone but  I have talk to a couple of others who have shown interest. ED Jenkins builds a great call also.
Yes , ED Jenkins .. also....
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: sixbird on September 01, 2019, 09:46:45 PM
Well, Richard, as you know, I have quite a few of your calls. I like to buy stuff that's unusual, out of the ordinary. That's what initially attracted me to your style calls. I've played some others that were very similar to yours. Most of them great calls. I'm grateful that you came up with that design and inspired so many other makers to get into the Turpin style. I know you've helped a lot of them and I know you were generous with your hard earned knowledge. I know many of them are gracious and acknowledge you as at least a knowledge source, if not a mentor.
You mentioned Mike as someone you nudged in the right direction and I know he's grateful. He's told me so. He's making some exceptional Turpins now...
So, I feel a loyalty to you for developing that call and helping others in such an unselfish way. I think we all owe you a debt of gratitude...
Title: Re: Hen Box Recommendation
Post by: Spitten and drummen on September 02, 2019, 01:16:45 PM
Quote from: sixbird on September 01, 2019, 09:46:45 PM
Well, Richard, as you know, I have quite a few of your calls. I like to buy stuff that's unusual, out of the ordinary. That's what initially attracted me to your style calls. I've played some others that were very similar to yours. Most of them great calls. I'm grateful that you came up with that design and inspired so many other makers to get into the Turpin style. I know you've helped a lot of them and I know you were generous with your hard earned knowledge. I know many of them are gracious and acknowledge you as at least a knowledge source, if not a mentor.
You mentioned Mike as someone you nudged in the right direction and I know he's grateful. He's told me so. He's making some exceptional Turpins now...
So, I feel a loyalty to you for developing that call and helping others in such an unselfish way. I think we all owe you a debt of gratitude...


Well said. I bought calls from Richard when he started making them ten years ago until this day. I know him well and I talk to him often. What he posted was with no ill will. Also He is being truthful with everything he has posted. Richard did not post anything on this thread until his name was brought up in a post here. There are other guys that are building very good hen boxes now for sure. He has also sent people measurements of his calls to help builders new to building hen boxes. I hate that this thread went the way it did but there is most likely more going on than we all know. I have nothing bad to say at all about Matt either. I have talked to him a few times and I got a call from him. He has always been friendly and accomadating to me as well. I think its awesome that Richard has managed to get the turpine style call category to be recognized now. Its also great that guys like Richard are out there helping younger makers carry on the turpin style box call legacy. I am very grateful for guys like Richard , Matt and Doug Morgan to name a few.