Trad Gang

Hey guys and gals attempted my first ever call and striker . and it actually kinda turned out ok. Can't wait until spring.

 (http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b620/Weakman_85/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150301_211218_zpsfyoufkpa.jpg) (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Weakman_85/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150301_211218_zpsfyoufkpa.jpg.html)

 (http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b620/Weakman_85/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150301_211230_zps8w0gvgz4.jpg) (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Weakman_85/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150301_211230_zps8w0gvgz4.jpg.html)

What is the black box?

Its actually a glass ash tray with camo tape that I sprayed with a clear sealer and then glued the bark to the bottom

That looks awesome! Not tell me how you did it! Lol

That looks awesome! Not tell me how you did it! Lol

Oh, I really have no idea how this thing works. care to tell more?

Looks great!

Oh, I really have no idea how this thing works. care to tell more?

Very creative!

It was actually quite simple once or figured out right material. PM me if anyone wants to know how to make one.

Looks good. How does it sound?

Sounds very good. Hardest part was getting the striker heaven enough at the top end. If its to light it won't get the right tone.

I was out playing in the shop yesterday and made this call using a cherry sound board just to see how it would sound. This thing makes great sounds and is LOUD!

No glue involved, the sound board fits under the lip of the shell in the back and snaps firmly into the front part. I ground some of the shell away so the front part could slip in.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/hunting%20stuff/002_zpsl1tc73pv.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ekrewson/media/hunting%20stuff/002_zpsl1tc73pv.jpg.html)

Very cool Eric. I wanted to do a shell one but I didn't have one laying around

Good stuff. Got an old shell or to laying around to make use of.

Good looking call Brandon, I like that tree bark idea! Do you have an air gap between the glass and the bark?
How does it sound and what kind of material did you use for a striker?

Nice turtle shell call Eric! How thick is the cherry calling surface, I'm guessing it's farely thin with it being really loud?? Also, what are you striking the surface with and are you using chalk?

1/8" thick wood, lots of chalk and a cedar striker, every other striker I have works good as well.

They're both nice calls,  :thumbsup:  to you both. I hope you both kill birds with them. I can't wait for season myself.

Bob

How big a shell is best? I have one but it might be too big. It's about 8 inches long by 5 wide.
Dave.

Dave, it sounds like you have a painted turtle or red ear slider or similar species. They are most common in that size range you described. The box turtle shell I use is 4" by 5" I have seen them smaller and bigger, but not by much.

You can make a call out of the shell you have. You just have to have more calling surface material and it's more difficult, because the bottom and the top part of the shell are attached together.

A box turtle shell Is what most people use, it's smaller and the shell is deeper. Also, the bottom and top of the shell are held together with meat. So when people find them the bottom part is usually gone and your left with just the top.

I'm not even sure if you have box turtles in Canada, some states don't allow you to even have possession of a shell. You might wanna do some research on that.

Thanks. I'll do some reading about legality and what type of turtles we have here. We find these shells around moose camp. The raccoons kill them and clean them out pretty good.
Dave.