A friend of mine makes deer calls. He gave me one that I use a lot. It is just two flat pieces of wood, whittled so there is a bell shaped opening between them that narrows to a slit on one edge and flares out on the other edge. There is a piece of friction tape for a reed in the center, and the halves are held together with electrician's tape around each end. He used Alaskan yellow cedar.
It is a bleat sort of sound, can vary it some by how hard you blow or by cupping your hand around it. It works better for does, but sometimes a buck comes too. I can get does to come back again and again even after they have seen or winded me.
Would like to hear what other calls folks are making, tips on making them, use etc. I wonder if different wood species will make for a different tone, or if the deer care? I have seen pix here of knife handles made to match the bow riser woods, wonder if anyone did the same with a deer call?
Can you post a pic?
Using my mouth I can grunt, doe bleat as good as or better than any call I've ever heard, it's way cheaper, I always have it with me and can use it a really quick hands free! lol
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/boznarras/DSC00382.jpg)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/boznarras/DSC00383.jpg)
Here are two pics of my call.