Legacy Callmaker Collection — Tim Oldham Jr.

For most turkey hunters, the season comes and goes in a matter of weeks. But for Tim Oldham Jr., that limitation sparked a lifelong pursuit — one that transformed a passion for hunting into a craft, and ultimately, into a legacy. 

“I only get three weeks to hunt,” Oldham said. “So how can I live this year-round?”  

That question became the foundation of everything that followed. 

Oldham has always been a hands-on creator, building and shaping materials into something meaningful. What began with knives and diaphragm calls evolved into pot calls in the early 2000s, giving him a deeper connection to the woods long after the season ended. His path sharpened when he discovered the NWTF’s Custom Callmaking Competition. 

Entering his first decorative call around 2005, Oldham didn’t place, but what he found proved far more valuable.  

“It was eye-opening, the talent, the atmosphere and the platform that the NWTF created,” he said. “I was hooked.”  

From that point on, it wasn’t just about making turkey calls, it was about mastering the craft. 

Through feedback, mentorship and persistence, Oldham refined his approach. He began carving, learning from others and pushing himself to improve. By 2006, he earned his first placement, followed by a win in the friction division, and these milestones further fueled his drive.  

Over time, his focus shifted from competition to storytelling through craftsmanship, taking experiences in the woods and seeing how he can capture that and share it with others,”  

“You’re always trying to take wood away to get a turkey call to sound good,” Oldham said. “Then when you’re adding carving to it, you’re putting wood back. You’ve got to figure out how to make that work.”  

That balance continues to push him, and it’s a journey shaped by the people around him. Oldham credits fellow call makers and mentors for sharing knowledge, offering encouragement and helping him grow into a better craftsman. 

“I owe it to everyone at the competition, all my competitors over the years that have pushed me,” he said.  

His story is also one of shared experience. His wife, Mindy, has been part of the journey from the beginning. In one of his most meaningful memories, she selected wood, designed a call and harvested her first turkey on Mother’s Day — a moment that reflects what call making and hunting are truly about: connection.  

After years of competition and accomplishment, Oldham reached a familiar question: what comes next? For him, the answer is simple: keep going and keep sharing. 

“It’s about sharing my passion and my love with others,” he said. 

Today, one of his greatest rewards is seeing new call makers enter the competition, bringing fresh ideas and creativity. 

“It’s very heartwarming to see this is going to continue on,” Oldham said.  

That continuation, passing down knowledge, inspiring others and building on tradition, is what matters most. 

“The Roost” is now up for auction on the NWTF link below. I believe in the mission of protecting the wild turkey for future generations to experience. 

This call represents a very important part of my life, the wild turkey and creating and sharing my passion through each call or carving created with others. I had to incorporate my signature breast feather and turkey tracks which have been with me from the beginning. 

I want to personally Thank each and every person over the years who have helped and supported this passion of mine.