Any woodcrafter store usually has a selection of hardwood dowels. Over the years I've experimented with making strikers. I'm certainly no craftsman, as you can see, but it's easy and fun for me to try. Surprisingly, some of them sound good and I've given many away to friends who are using them. The 35mm film canisters are fun to add weights, usually sinkers or washers, and a piece of cloth to keep them from rattling around to experiment with. Changing weight can easily make a noticeable difference on any surface. The deer horn fork is a good leaf scratcher. It's just one of the ways I keep myself busy and out of trouble between turkey seasons.
