Wood for box calls.

[Missouri hunter]

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Do you have any recommendations for what to look for both online and in person when wood selecting?
Are turning blanks good options, if the grain looks tight enough?
Just getting started in call making.
Thank you!

[packmule]

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Straight, tight grain. Knot-free.  Turning blanks can work fine but the disadvantage is obviously not being able to select pieces you want to work with if purchasing online.  If you can find a good lumber store near you maybe start with poplar.  It's usually available at most good stores and is relatively inexpensive if you are getting started. 

[Missouri hunter]

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Thank you! Appreciate the reply. I did check out one store and hopefully I’ll be able to hit some more soon.

[culpeper]

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Pretty hard to beat 8/4 Butternut as well, but as Packmule says, it's hard to know what you are really getting without actually touching and seeing it.  A lot of folks do all their buying on line though,  Try FB Market Place, Craigslist and check around within say 100 miles of where you live, you might find some good local shops and mills

[Paulmyr]

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I know of a certain wma in  Northern Missouri where they cut down a bunch cedar trees about a year ago and left them lay. The ones I seen were about 20 ft long.   If it's not burned up by the time I get back there  this spring some of the bigger stuff I run across will be coming home with me. Pm me if your interested and I'll let you know which one.