So, you're looking for a used (collectible ?) call.....
Which do you prefer ?
A "new in the package" call that's been on a shelf for 40 or 50 or 60 years ??
A nice, mostly spotless call with no box or packaging ?
A totally functional, but field-worn call that may have a name or initials or notches, etc ??
Just curious.
From a collector standpoint I would want in the package perfect condition.
Sound takes the # 1 priority in my mind...
Shamelessly, I don't care about the looks, but you can bet the bank, I'll buy it, IF it has the sound (s), I'm looking for... A reasonable price is also factored in...
You & I think alike, when it come to turkey talk...
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Great question. I could care less if it's still in the package. I buy a call because I may hunt it if it gives me the sound I'm looking for and I want to run that call as much as I want to make that decision. I do want the call to be in very good condition though.
It has to be in good condition
Packaging doesn't mean much to me cause at some point I will hunt with it
BUT most of all.... it has to be all turkey
I will take the easy way out and say, "depends on the call."
Nice call no packaging necessary
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It's all about sound for me.
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I don't own a call that I won't occasionally take out and hunt (even my Cost box under the right conditions). That is part of the joy of ownership for me. Therefore, I vote for sound, condition and provenance over packaging. If I were a true collector, I might answer differently.
I buy calls to hunt. Sound 1st and looks 2nd for me.
What bbcoach said. I'm not collecting to sell, invest or just look at. I want to hunt my calls and they have to sound good.
Sound good.look good! it's coming out of package no matter what!
Good thoughts and answers.
Keep em coming.
X2 ... It all depends on the call and the call maker ... Sound / Tone / looks / condition etc ...
For a custom collectible call, I like having the paperwork that came with the call, be it a pamphlet, note, letter or even business card.
I have found that I am more a user than a preserver. There may be a call out there I would keep pristine, but I buy calls with the intent to hunt them. Sound would be most important for me.
Like many others have already posted, I like a good sounding call in good condition. I would never purchase a packaged call that I have not heard.
Great post Don. I do have a collection of calls, nothing like most of you here. I collect calls to hunt them. When I purchase a used call, I do want it in good condition, however; a battle-worn great sounding call that dumps turkey's in my lap is just as valuable to me as a one of a kind collector call. I understand why a lot of collectors choose to just display most of their collection; it's all in the way you decide to use them....
I have all kinds of collectables still in the packages, drives my friends nuts.
Quote from: davisd9 on September 24, 2024, 03:53:45 PMI will take the easy way out and say, "depends on the call."
X2 Other than I want one in great condition..
Not sure why though since I've never resold any ever..
I'm a hunter. Don't collect for the sake of collecting. My calls get wet, dirty and sat upon unfortunately. My calls don't have to be pretty just functional. I kill turkeys so something is working.
Depends on the call. I think certain calls are not expected to be in the package howbeit in good condition.
I reckon I am in the either one category. It depends on who made the call and when. I have some calls New in package, but I don't have a call that I would not take to the woods. If it's a turkey call, I want it. Well let me rephrase that, if it's got anything to do with a wild turkey or turkey hunting, I want it.
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Also, as a guy who only buys custom calls, there really isn't much packaging to keep a call in (a shrink wrapped Paul box is an exception I guess).
I personally have never bought a call I haven't played and hunted. It would drive me crazy leaving it untouched, sitting there, looking at me.
The first thing I do, like so many of you, is play the thing when I get it, over and over.
Some guys, a lot actually, sell calls and boast that it's "never been hunted!"
I always thought that was an odd selling point, even for a high end call, unproven in the field being kind of questionable and a potential negative for a buyer who intends to hunt the call.
But strict collectors do have their place among us and in their world condition is paramount.
So, even though I hunt all my calls, many considered collectables by others, I'm careful with them so they remain in used, but not abused condition.
The best of both worlds I guess.
I didn't think I was a collector till my wife explained it to me. Her formula was that if you have 3 times as many calls as you can carry, you are a collector, lol. So 3xc=Collector. I am a function guy on calls. All I own are in my rotation and get used. If I don't use a certain call for a couple seasons, I donate it to a youth hunter, unless it has a sentimental value to me. It will go on my mantle with one of my displays that my wife made. No wrong answers to the question. Buy what you want I say. Z
Quote from: zelmo1 on January 06, 2025, 09:21:36 AM.....my wife explained it to me. Her formula was that if you have 3 times as many calls as you can carry, you are a collector.....
Uh oh....... ::)
:TooFunny:
Buying a call and not using is like buying a gun and never shooting it!