Buying a used call... Which do you prefer ?

[greentrout]

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.

[King Cobra]

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.

[Tom007]

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....

[Sir-diealot]

I have all kinds of collectables still in the packages, drives my friends nuts.

[1iagobblergetter]

I 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..

[mtns2hunt]

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.

[Gooserbat]

Depends on the call.  I think certain calls are not expected to be in the package howbeit in good condition.

[runngun]

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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[Zobo]

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.

[zelmo1]

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

[Yoder409]

.....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.......   


 

[WildTigerTrout]

Buying a call and not using is like buying a gun and never shooting it!