Here is my take from the NE Call Makers Summit at Turkey Trot Acres.
First is a scratch box from Lee Custom Calls, Nice guy to talk with even though we only spoke briefly. I forgot to ask him what the wood combination was. Edit: I found out it is a Black Limba box and walnut striker
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48613790198_97279b43eb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qo9w)IMG_0492 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qo9w) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
Next is a pot call from Jimmy Schaffer. He let me choose what number I wanted and I chose number three. He immediately asked me if I was a Dale Earnhardt fan, I let him know I do not even like NASCAR (I prefer Formula 1 and Rally Racing) I let him know I chose it because of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I do not recall the woods. Edit: I found out the woods are Zebrawood/Sapele Crystal over Glass
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614144106_ed9c9c8b24_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Scmo)IMG_0501 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Scmo) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614392942_384e6c6fc5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4TtjE)IMG_0525 (https://flic.kr/p/2h4TtjE) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
Next is a Hen Box by Matt Fulkerson This call was purchased for two reasons, one because I like it and two I was on Matt's list and about 2 months ago my name came up on Matt's list but I had a bunch of things go wrong that month and simply did not have the money to get the call. Matt was very gracious and let me out of the deal with no hard feelings. Not on his part but there were bad feelings on my part not towards him but towards myself, I do not like saying I am going to do something and then having to back out when the times comes, it is not who I am or who I like to be so when I saw his name on the list of call makers that were going to be in attendance I knew I was going to buy from him no matter what. In my mind I had to set things right. Matt thank you for being decent about it when it happened, you could have come on here and run me down and you would have had the right to, I thank you for not doing it. I love the call, now I just have to learn how to run a hen box. The call is Ipe over Blue Mahoe It was a hard decision between this one and the one you had with a teak sound chamber, both very pretty, I chose this one because I really like the sound of Ipe strikers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614292852_a3d403fe6d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXyY)IMG_0503 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXyY) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614292887_c9c5598638_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXzz)IMG_0504 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXzz) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48613831183_cc7b3ca5c5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4QAka)IMG_0524 (https://flic.kr/p/2h4QAka) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
The number one person I wanted to get from was Marlin "Don" Watkins and I wanted a long box and that is what I was able to get. I have wanted to go to Alaska for a long time but truth is it is something I will never be able to afford, but I like that this call is made with a wood that came from there and is why I chose this one. It is Alaskan Yellow Cedar & Service Berry. To be honest I had never heard of Service Berry before I bought the call but I don't care, it sounds wonderful and feels as good in the hand as is sounds.
I had hoped to be able to get one of the limited calls from Preacher Man but was just not able to swing it. Had my friends van not broken down I would have been able to because I drive for him and would have just paid back the gas I used by driving him around, I used my Pastors car so that I had to pay cash to replace the gas. That is okay though, I still had a really good time and I talked with Jody and he is going to make me one of those calls in the future, it will just not be one of the limited edition ones.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614144181_57f0c2593a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4ScnF)IMG_0506 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4ScnF) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48613790303_bb4aa2eaf6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qobk)IMG_0507 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qobk) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614144241_2485a29649_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4ScoH)IMG_0510 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4ScoH) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48613790343_fa5553115c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qoc2)IMG_0511 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4Qoc2) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
I met a young man named Nathan Taylor and I will be getting a trough call from him in the future too. Not till after new years though, no more calls other than the ones I have already made deals here on, I have to get wheels before the snow flies and then have to get my nephews CHRISTmas presents and the youngest nephew his birthday present (His birthday is 2 days after CHRISTmas)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48614293002_ec59be24d1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXBy)IMG_0520 (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4SXBy) by Sir-diealot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91075563@N06/), on Flickr
Dang , you made out pretty good. Congrats on some good looking callers. They should serve you well.
Was looking forward to seeing what you got Sir and wow very nice calls, you made out real good awesome calls. Who knows might have to make the trek to that show one day sounds like it was a blast.
Quote from: guesswho on August 24, 2019, 08:19:04 PM
Dang , you made out pretty good. Congrats on some good looking callers. They should serve you well.
Thanks, I do have to learn to play the hen box for sure, has a much different feel than any box call type call I have used, sounds wonderful though. I think I still could have gotten that call from Jody but I thought my oldest nephews birthday was this month so I bought him his present then realized his birthday was next month and I could have waited to buy it and send it to him. That would have gave me another 75 dollars to spend yesterday. I am telling you I am horrible with remembering dates and numbers in general. Also got my dog groomed but that desperately needed to be done, I am so glad I did do it, she looks so much better and her nails got trimmed, she was beginning to have a hard time walking on my hard wood floors they had gotten so long. Next month rabies shots.
You scored big time. That ought to keep ya going for a good while.
Quote from: Beards and Hooks on August 24, 2019, 08:31:19 PM
Was looking forward to seeing what you got Sir and wow very nice calls, you made out real good awesome calls. Who knows might have to make the trek to that show one day sounds like it was a blast.
It is much smaller than a NWTF state show, very friendly and laid back feeling. They only sell a certain amount of tickets and that way they can keep things better organized and it seems like it is a very good way to do it for them. The meals were good, all you can eat.
I could have eaten more but I was really beginning to hurt as I do not take one of my painkillers when I drive so I had not had one since Thursday night, no scratch that Wednesday night because I got my Pastors car right after church that evening. I also have night blindness which is a drag.
I won't be able to next year but the following year I would like to be able to get a hotel and that way I will be able to take my meds and enjoy myself more.
Quote from: Southerngobbler on August 24, 2019, 08:40:54 PM
You scored big time. That ought to keep ya going for a good while.
Oh yea it will. The pot call will never get used, it is a memory piece for me, I do not get to do stuff like this that often, last time I was at a turkey event was in 98 at a NWTF NY state show in Batavia, New York. I had talked to somebody about buying some pedestals to put pot calls on a while back but I can not for the life of me remember who it was. I will have to figure it out and get one for this one anyway.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on August 24, 2019, 08:47:02 PM
Quote from: Beards and Hooks on August 24, 2019, 08:31:19 PM
Was looking forward to seeing what you got Sir and wow very nice calls, you made out real good awesome calls. Who knows might have to make the trek to that show one day sounds like it was a blast.
It is much smaller than a NWTF state show, very friendly and laid back feeling. They only sell a certain amount of tickets and that way they can keep things better organized and it seems like it is a very good way to do it for them. The meals were good, all you can eat.
I could have eaten more but I was really beginning to hurt as I do not take one of my painkillers when I drive so I had not had one since Thursday night, no scratch that Wednesday night because I got my Pastors car right after church that evening. I also have night blindness which is a drag.
I won't be able to next year but the following year I would like to be able to get a hotel and that way I will be able to take my meds and enjoy myself more.
Sounds like a good time, have to get there at some point, Unicoi is one I really want to attend some time as well.
some very nice calls... did you enjoy all that pizza also,, I met Pete back in may of this year,, very nice guy
Wow! Nice haul! I feel ya on the Matt Fulkerson deal! I was on Marlins list and he called me this spring and our central heat/AC unit had just kicked the bucket and I had to back out of it.
Congrats on that henbox. I don't have a lot of experience with custom callmakers but as far as I'm concerned there are none better than Matt Fulkerson. I would speculate his boxes have put a dent in gobbler populations all over the country.
Very nice calls! Glad you enjoyed your time there.Congrats!
Nice haul. Congrats.
Quote from: doublespurs21 on August 24, 2019, 09:11:55 PM
some very nice calls... did you enjoy all that pizza also,, I met Pete back in may of this year,, very nice guy
Yes I did, it was much different than I had thought it would be, not like what I would get from my normal pizzeria, I would describe it as artisan pizza. Pete was very nice to me with all my questions on line and was also nice in person, remembered my name throughout the day and seemed to remember others as well. Something I try hard to do myself, I am not very good at it though.
Quote from: Jrkimbrough on August 24, 2019, 09:14:58 PM
Wow! Nice haul! I feel ya on the Matt Fulkerson deal! I was on Marlins list and he called me this spring and our central heat/AC unit had just kicked the bucket and I had to back out of it.
My word or promises or however you would like to term it mean an awful lot to me, I don't have a ton of money and I am not really a lot of help to people anymore since my car accidents, I am not a snazzy dresser or the most eloquent speaker and I don't have a huge bank account but I try to control what I can and that is my honor and I expect the same of others though many don't even seem to know the meaning of the word these days. I do not understand people that do not feel the same. If I had all the money I have loaned out and never got back I could buy a really good truck. There are many people here on this site that have taken a risk on me, it means a lot to me that I have build a good reputation here and in life. I would not have much of the hunting calls or gear I have if people here had not tried to help me in some way or another. Matt could have trashed that name on me and those that know him would have known he was telling the truth, when somebody goes out of their way to not run you down like that it is something that should be recognized and repaid in mutual respect and honor. I am glad he is such a nice fellow. (One heck of a grip on him too by the way) Sounds like Marlin is cut from the same cloth.
Quote from: Rzrbac on August 24, 2019, 09:45:59 PM
Congrats on that henbox. I don't have a lot of experience with custom callmakers but as far as I'm concerned there are none better than Matt Fulkerson. I would speculate his boxes have put a dent in gobbler populations all over the country.
Yes to hear him play it you know there are a lot of turkeys in that call, I just have to learn to make them sing for me now. Somebody had posted a video on him talking about hen box mechanics last week or the week before, I watched it briefly and am going to have to pull it up again and watch it time and time again.
Tony Ezolt (EZ) was there as well, I have been trying hard on the call he made for me but have not been doing well, he tried the call and man he sure made me feel inadequate, but there is no doubt there are some great turkey sounds in that call, I just have to figure out how to get to them.
Quote from: Old Timer on August 24, 2019, 09:56:23 PM
Very nice calls! Glad you enjoyed your time there.Congrats!
Thanks, sure did. I did think there were going to be more talks if you know what I mean, I was looking forward to those. Seminars, that is the word I was thinking of. You should go next year.
very nice haul
Very nice callers.
Hen box calls are my favorite out of all box calls. It is the most realistic sounding hen to my ears at a distance. I have sealed the deal with several birds that had been pressured pretty heavily. A henbox , scratch box and trumpet are calls I find myself using 80 percent of the time now. Throw in a grey slate and you are packing a arsenal of old school calls that have gotten it done since folks have been chasing these birds. Learn to use that henbox and you will see how deadly it is. Its worth the learning curve for sure.
Congrats on some great calls. I agree with SD about hen boxes, love all of mine.
Nice haul of calls from some of the best, congrats. Don't forget the practice! :drool:
Congrats on a fine haul. I really like the Fulkerson and Watkins.
Quote from: bear hunter on August 25, 2019, 08:11:22 AM
very nice haul
Thank you. Were do you hunt bear? We are getting them a bit in my area of NY and they have a season but they are very few and far between.
Quote from: bobk on August 25, 2019, 08:20:32 AM
Very nice callers.
Thanks, now for a lot of practice. Somebody posted this video I think it was last week and I am going to try it to help me learn to run the Hen Box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7oEDRG-J6E&t=67s
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 25, 2019, 08:37:00 AM
Hen box calls are my favorite out of all box calls. It is the most realistic sounding hen to my ears at a distance. I have sealed the deal with several birds that had been pressured pretty heavily. A henbox , scratch box and trumpet are calls I find myself using 80 percent of the time now. Throw in a grey slate and you are packing a arsenal of old school calls that have gotten it done since folks have been chasing these birds. Learn to use that henbox and you will see how deadly it is. Its worth the learning curve for sure.
Quote from: 3bailey3 on August 25, 2019, 11:16:32 AM
Congrats on some great calls. I agree with SD about hen boxes, love all of mine.
I seem to have a thing for unusual calls, I like the trumpets, wingbones, yelpers, I want to get one of those smokers in the future, I want to get a Jolley Scratch Tube, I recently saw a new kind of 4 sided box call and I would also like to learn these Hen Boxes as well. That is not to say I do not love the "standard calls" because I do, I just seem to find the ones that are not as prevalent very interesting. I saw one that is what looks like a surgical tube hooked to a cow horn, sounding real neat so I want to get one of those eventually as well. I am learning my tongue/tie call too. Edit: By the way I agree they do sound very good, I had never heard them in person before Friday but thought they sounded good online.
Quote from: greencop01 on August 25, 2019, 11:17:57 AM
Nice haul of calls from some of the best, congrats. Don't forget the practice! :drool:
Thanks. Yes I will need tons of practice. Believe it or not the long box may be the hardest to practice for me, I have a Russel Beard long box and if I play it even a little bit my dogs and the landlords dogs go nuts. My girlfriend does too with the long boxes. No problem at all with short boxes or any other call, though I did drive my GF nuts last night practicing on my yelper I got from EZ last year, but then again it was two in the morning.
By the way, for those that have these how do you use that little chalk box that comes with them?
Steve you picked up some really nice calls congrats. That hen box is the real deal there!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: sbbow on August 25, 2019, 06:48:02 PM
Steve you picked up some really nice calls congrats. That hen box is the real deal there!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you bud and thank you for your part in helping me do it.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on August 25, 2019, 04:43:10 PM
By the way, for those that have these how do you use that little chalk box that comes with them?
The chalk box severs two purpose , it keep the lid off the rails form making noise as your carry it , tied down with the rope , and it also holds some chalk. Hen boxes likes lots of chalk , that why if you notice the lid on the bottom has a texture like a gun stock, that's for holding chalk and playing the rails for grip.
Quote from: Greg Massey on August 25, 2019, 09:04:46 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on August 25, 2019, 04:43:10 PM
By the way, for those that have these how do you use that little chalk box that comes with them?
The chalk box severs two purpose , it keep the lid off the rails form making noise as your carry it , tied down with the rope , and it also holds some chalk. Hen boxes likes lots of chalk , that why if you notice the lid on the bottom has a texture like a gun stock, that's for holding chalk and playing the rails for grip.
Does it open? Feels solid, basically I ask because you said it holds chalk. Sorry, I really am extremely tired, not trying to be a wiseguy.
Nice, congrats on the new calls!
Thank you.
That's a nice spread sir! Sure enough a nice spread!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sir you did really good. Nice set of calls you got!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: J.B. Lineberry on August 26, 2019, 02:19:19 AM
That's a nice spread sir! Sure enough a nice spread!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you very much, I look forward to learning them.
Quote from: Pig on August 26, 2019, 11:51:35 AM
Sir you did really good. Nice set of calls you got!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks bud.
Looks like a cap on the chalk box. Try twisting it gently.
Quote from: vaplowboy on August 26, 2019, 02:16:30 PM
Looks like a cap on the chalk box. Try twisting it gently.
Thanks, Greg Massey let me know what it was in a PM last night, I should have updated the thread to let people know that. I do appreciate it though.
I was kinda scared to open this thread with that title.
Glad it was just a bunch of cool calls! :laugh:
Quote from: Tail Feathers on August 27, 2019, 12:18:01 AM
I was kinda scared to open this thread with that title.
Glad it was just a bunch of cool calls! :laugh:
You have to love the English language. :D
Quote from: Tail Feathers on August 27, 2019, 12:18:01 AM
I was kinda scared to open this thread with that title.
Glad it was just a bunch of cool calls! :laugh:
Hah! Somebody else with a sense of humor! I thought the same thing!
You got some nice calls there Steve...Congrats!
You made out like a bandit!! :smiley-char092: Nice haul!! :icon_thumright:
Quote from: sixbird on August 28, 2019, 09:14:20 PM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on August 27, 2019, 12:18:01 AM
I was kinda scared to open this thread with that title.
Glad it was just a bunch of cool calls! :laugh:
Hah! Somebody else with a sense of humor! I thought the same thing!
You got some nice calls there Steve...Congrats!
Thanks, already driving the girlfriend and dog crazy with them.
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on August 29, 2019, 01:55:14 PM
You made out like a bandit!! :smiley-char092: Nice haul!! :icon_thumright:
Thanks.
Hope you use them for the intended purpose and call up a Gobbler with one of them.
I'd love to read the 458 posts about that!! :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Quote from: nitro on August 29, 2019, 06:22:06 PM
Hope you use them for the intended purpose and call up a Gobbler with one of them.
I'd love to read the 458 posts about that!! :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
All will be used except the pot, I got that as a memory piece. I am not sure what you mean by 458 posts.