Box calls

[Sitsbytree]

I'm new to turkey hunting. Called my first turkey last April, with a cheap box call. Would love to learn the mouth call, but would like a better quality box, as my confidence is stronger there. Looking at Lynch Maybe. What makes a good box call.

 

[Sitsbytree]

Last year's was a Strut Commander.

 

[Remington700]

Check out the David Halloran box calls. They are pricey, but very nice.
Go ahead and get some mouth calls and start practicing.

 

[bloodtrailing]

https://sscustomcalls.com

 

[TnKen]

I make custom box calls. Can be customized to your sound preferences.

 

[yellalinehunter]

I make custom box calls. Can be customized to your sound preferences.
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what's the one on the far right?

 

[TnKen]

what's the one on the far right?

Walnut over poplar cedar inlay

 

[Griswold]

I make custom box calls. Can be customized to your sound preferences.
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There you go! Always go small guy custom

 

[timberjack86]

I make custom box calls. Can be customized to your sound preferences.
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What do you get for a custom box? Do you offer pot calls as well?

 

[vr1967]

Looking at Lynch Maybe.

If you get a Lynch, try to look for one of the older Liberty, MS made ones. To me, they sound better. I've got one Mr ML gave to my grandfather when he was setting up shop in Liberty, along with several others in the family. He sold out to Allen Jenkins (in the 70s I believe) and Mr Jenkins still made them in Liberty before moving shop to Alabama (I think)

Got a buddy who's father makes slate calls that seem to work well, though I have never used one on a hunt.

TnKen may be your best bet, as he looks somewhat local to you, and could give you tips to making the box work better.

 

[Hawk]

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=turkey+box+calls&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4624852.m570.l1313

https://midwestturkeycall.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq1aWOMXDQji-u9_lNkx7iyxBptsgDYZ-twa6i-g5Um6x-BvSOp

 

[m_allison71]

There are probably some good local call makers close to you. Ask around. I've found a couple at county fairs. Don't be afraid to buy from someone that nobody has heard of. They all start somewhere.

 

[Roost 1]

Jeff White custom turkey calls.
2023 NWTF Champion box call maker.
Very reasonably priced field grade calls.

 

[TnKen]

What do you get for a custom box? Do you offer pot calls as well?

Pm sent I do make pot calls too here are a couple

 

[Popcorn]

Pm sent I do make pot calls too here are a couple
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I do love a good box call but I collect them, not for the name but for the sound. I've got several but rarely hunt with one. I use slate calls almost exclusively.
@TnKen could any of your box calls have been in NWTF auctions in the last year or so? Specifically the Barkley lake chapter ? They sure are nice.

 

[TnKen]

I do love a good box call but I collect them, not for the name but for the sound. I've got several but rarely hunt with one. I use slate calls almost exclusively.
@TnKen could any of your box calls have been in NWTF auctions in the last year or so? Specifically the Barkley lake chapter ? They sure are nice.

I have had some in the NWTF auctions, but I don't recall which ones. I have just donated to individuals representing the NWTF, and not sure which chapter they went to. I have seen one that was auctioned for NWTF being resold on EBay.

 

[Popcorn]

I have had some in the NWTF auctions, but I don't recall which ones. I have just donated to individuals representing the NWTF, and not sure which chapter they went to. I have seen one that was auctioned for NWTF being resold on EBay.

I thought I recognized the design. I don't remember what it brought but I remember being out bid by a significant amount. I was playing with it, putting it thru the steps and generated some interest that's what got me outbid I believe.

 

[TRHC]

If you get a Lynch, try to look for one of the older Liberty, MS made ones. To me, they sound better. I've got one Mr ML gave to my grandfather when he was setting up shop in Liberty, along with several others in the family. He sold out to Allen Jenkins (in the 70s I believe) and Mr Jenkins still made them in Liberty before moving shop to Alabama (I think)

The "older" Lynchs were actually made in Alabama. Between 1940 and 1969, the calls were made by Lynch in Alabama. Lynch sold out to Jenkins around 1970, and the calls were then made in Mississippi. Sometime in the 1990s, Jenkins moved production to Georgia. Some calls have a date on them. That is the patent date for that model and not the production date. The printed address and the number of holes in the lid are the best ways of aging these calls.

 

[Urban_Hunter]

My unsolicited $0.02…. Don't try to call a turkey with a box call. Locating with one over open expanse works, but they're so loud people overuse and over volume them. I'd get one of those slates from TnKen and never look back. I "took" an old timer and he told me to put the box in my bag and only get it out if I'm in an emergency and need kindling . Some of the best advice I ever got

 

[Displaced_Vol]

Following along too. Been hunting turkeys for a long time but don't have a good box call and I'd like to add one to the arsenal.
Mostly congrats on the Turkey, OP

 

[prstide]

I own one of @TnKen box calls. The craftsmanship is top notch and it sounds fantastic.

 

[Joe2Kool]

I still use a cheapo Knight box call I bought 25 years ago at K-Mart. Although TnKen's calls have me thinking.

I also carry a couple of pot calls, a couple different strikers, at least on yelper, and 3-4 mouth calls. The more variety of sounds you can make, the better off you'll be.

As mentioned previously, practice with some mouth calls. At a minimum, be able to make a turkey sound with one. Slate, box, and yelpers are good, but once you get the gun up, they become much more difficult to use.

 

[Rob-HC Hunter]

A quality box call should run itself as you simply move the paddle across the box without any pressure. I use them for locating or up in the morning when they have been on the ground for a few hours to get distance. My go to killer is a David Halloran Crystal Mistress or Twisted Sister pot call.