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Hunting & Fishing Is this possible; broke my hand calls?

TheGerman

Oberleutnant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Jan 25, 2010
    10,608
    30,201
    the Westside
    Got 2 distress closed reed calls from someone that was suggested on here and other places more than once. Have used them for the last 3 months or so, but in the last 2 outings I had the exact same thing happen to them and I can't figure out why it happened.

    They are both distress calls, closed reed in wood. I'd blow into them as usual and they would produce that raspy rabbit distress. Made the same 'range' of sounds every time, no issue. Took it out again and it was barely a squeal (and definitely not the usual raspier cry) and every 3-4 blows into it, I'd blow air right through it and nothing but air would come out. Was getting super annoyed with it.

    Went out last night, same thing.

    I got home and shined a light in it, looks normal. No obstruction, nothing looked to be 'unraveled', moved, or out of place.

    Any ideas?
     
    If what Shankster suggests doesn't work....

    It's probably just the reed freezing up. They get slobber in them and in cold weather sometimes freeze up. Switch to an open reed and it won't be a problem.
     
    Seal off the barrel by cupping your hand tight and steadily blow hot air into the mouthpiece. Should melt the ice, after blowing a series of calls tuck the call inside your jacket close to your chest to keep it from freezing. In the mean time buy an open reed and start practicing, much more versatile call and really easy to thaw out if frozen.
    My favorite is "Carver Calls" out of Utah, Kerry makes some of the best sounding and looking calls on the market. Check out the Rabid Rabbit.
     
    I dont think the Germans calls are freezing, its not that cold, and his angry german growls could melt the polar ice caps.

    M, what happens if you pull the mouthpiece off and blow through it as an open reed call?
     
    I dont think the Germans calls are freezing, its not that cold, and his angry german growls could melt the polar ice caps.

    M, what happens if you pull the mouthpiece off and blow through it as an open reed call?

    It's one piece wood construction. Don't think there is a mouthpiece; from the looks of it (unless I am totally missing something) its 1 piece of wood and the reed/ring are inside about 1/2 an inch down.

    Ironically, it works fine when inside. I do go out in the middle of the night so that may have something to do with it working intermittently as it still gets in the 40s at times. Who knows. I ordered a FoxPro as well so its a temporary issue.

    Where have YOU been? Was thinking about txting you a few times but everytime I do I'm out hunting and its like 1am.
     
    It's one piece wood construction. Don't think there is a mouthpiece; from the looks of it (unless I am totally missing something) its 1 piece of wood and the reed/ring are inside about 1/2 an inch down.

    Ironically, it works fine when inside. I do go out in the middle of the night so that may have something to do with it working intermittently as it still gets in the 40s at times. Who knows. I ordered a FoxPro as well so its a temporary issue.

    Where have YOU been? Was thinking about txting you a few times but everytime I do I'm out hunting and its like 1am.


    I've been in south America for the last three weeks, just got home on wednesday. Sort of a bachelor for the next two weeks, so if you can come up with enough evidence to convince me drive clear down to your place, I may throw a few open reeds in my pocket and head down for a few days ;)
     
    try sucking (the call) when outside to keep spit (saliva) out of the reeds. it'll be quieter, but it'll at least work. if you like using handcalls, try diaphragm (mouth) calls, they don't freeze as you can keep them in your mouth like a turkey call, and are ready to be used in a split second.


    ^ i was trying to be reeeeeally careful not to spawn the oral implications..... :D


    dooooh!.....................................^.................^.............^
     
    Last edited:
    Horrible timing we always have. Heading to Seattle Thursday-Tuesday for a conference thing the wife has and mainly to go to Seattle/Canada for free.

    I'll be back Wednesday if you're still around or went to visit your family. I still need someone to not destroy my stocks when installing flush cups too :)