What constitutes a callmaker as a legend?

[slicksbeagles1]

I would think that one of the criteria would be handmade. A call that comes out of a CNC machine is like one that is factory produced, just put a piece of material on the red dot ? , program the machine, and push the button is not it.

[Zobo]

A legend: unique, lauded, valued, talented, copied, respected, enduring.

[GobbleNut]

There are several different angles to look at this question.  First, there are the "pioneers" in the development of turkey calls.  These are almost exclusively the older generation of turkey hunters, most of whom are no longer with us, who were the innovators in developing call designs,...and then tweaking those designs to achieve the maximum realism in turkey sounds they could accomplish with the tools and knowledge that they had at the time.  They should be recognized as legends per the definition, even though their initial designs, in many cases have been significantly improved upon by those that followed in their footsteps.

The next group of "legends", in my mind, are those that took the various call designs those innovators came up with and modified them to take that call design to "the next level" of realism in making turkey sounds.  An example, in my mind, might be D.D. Adams who, to my knowledge, was the innovator of the modern "pot call" using two sound boards.  That innovation in pot call design, and the newer call makers that have expanded upon it, are one primary reason why just about any beginning turkey hunter can pick up a call and, within a short time, reproduce just about any sound needed to call in a gobbler.  The same could perhaps be said about Lynch or Cost regarding the box call.  No doubt, folks like them would fall into that "legends" category.

The final class of folks I personally would throw into the "legends" mix are in the "artists" category.  These are those folks that have taken the artistic element of turkey call making to another level.  The "traditional" artwork they combine with the fundamental art of call making is a separate and unique talent that requires a natural ability that, quite frankly, few of us possess,...at least I recognize I don't.  Because of that, I would personally give them a special spot in the "legends" category. 

Finally, there are a few folks (a number of them right here on OG) that have taken the woodworking craft to a level where I look at their calls and say,..."How in the world did they do that?"  I don't know if they are "legends" yet, but they sure as heck have caught my attention,...and earned my respect.   

[greencop01]

My idea of a legend is a guy who makes calls that make hens mad and toms gobble. It doesn't matter what a call looks like, it matters that the call elicits gobbles and mad hens. A mad hen when she comes in drags toms in at times. And a call that is a siren maiden that brings toms in to their deaths, that is a legendary call maker. I have some calls from makers that just make good calls and they could care less about being a legend. They care about calls that make turkeys respond. One guy that comes to mind is Tommy Loboric, I have one long box from him and it gets toms attention. Legends, nothing against them, but in my mind there are unsung call makers out there whose sole passion is capturing the sound, all they care about. Hope you meet one someday.

[Spurtaker]

A legend in call making is one that makes a considerable difference. One or two metals for an award doesn't make it in call making nor calling. The main reason for this is because it's only a few peoples opinion and politics get involved in that along with another factor such as, the best guy just didn't participate this year so you won.

I believe it is one that really makes a difference. It could be innovative to call making or calling that brings turkeys in. Call makers that really lets you know that person has dedication to the sport, the chase, or the Wild Turkey. The passion. I'm not popular of CNC machining however if one makes a call that puts a quality call and affordable call into turkey hunters hands so they can enjoy the sport then they are a legend imo. Not everyone can afford to get on the call makers list that has made a million calls and pay 200-300.00 for them. Some of these call makers are good but pricey doesn't make them a legend. I've put my hands on some expensive calls that I wouldn't hunt with nor did they consistently sound good and I've bought a cheap call and killed a turkey. The call maker that will talk to anyone about turkey, not just the guy that wants to spend money or has a huge farm to hunt on. Familiar with the history of the wild turkey.

L- likes turkey
E- eye for the chase
G- good person
E- evidence in knowledge of the sport
N- nothing to hide
D- dedicated

Just my thoughts.


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