If you use a box call, you know that chalking its lid will help keep it sounding sweet. But some experts, like turkey call maker Jim Young (jim​young​turkey​calls.​com), prefer a thin coat of pine rosin. “It creates friction between the call’s lid and sidewalls,” says Young, “but it also provides a degree of waterproofing and promotes a more resonant sound.” You can buy rosin, but why spend the money when you can easily make your own? Follow Young’s simple three-step process:

1. Gather pitch from the outside of a pine tree. Put it in a clean, empty tuna can. Then light the pitch on fire and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the flame dies out.

2. Separate out any bark, dirt, or other impurities by pouring the hot liquid sap through wire mesh, such as an old kitchen strainer or piece of window screen, and into a makeshift tinfoil cup.

3. Let it cool and solidify. To use, scuff the lid of your box call very lightly with a Scotch-Brite scouring pad and apply a thin coat of rosin. Now go call in a gobbler.

Tags: box calls, Outdoor Skills, repair, turkey

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 | RSS 2.0 feed.