Talented Craftsmanship at the Center of New NWTF Legacy Callmaker Collection
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Whether through articles in Turkey Call magazine, coveted recognition at the Grand National Custom Callmaking Competition or word-of-mouth within turkey hunting culture, the names of the world’s most talented call makers carry deep respect, and their calls are among the most sought after. Through a new series beginning this month — titled Legacy Callmaker Collection — the NWTF is featuring one call maker per month, sharing their story and highlighting why they are passionate about turkey hunting and wildlife conservation.
Additionally, each call maker will have a limited-edition call at auction for the duration of the month of their feature, with auctions closing at 6 p.m. ET on the final day of the month in which they are featured. For many of these call makers who have extensive wait lists, this auction gives hunters or collectors a chance to own a unique call without the long wait.
“One of the greatest parts of hunting culture is reliving the stories that are created through our adventures, whether it’s the relationships we’ve built, the memories created in the woods or the mementos we display in our home or carry throughout our adventures,” said Pete Muller, NWTF director of communications. “With this new series, we get to sit down with call makers and learn more about their stories, their passions, how they got their start and what the NWTF and the mission means to them. They are truly an integral part of hunting culture, and we are happy to give the hunting community a peek into their lives and their craft.”
This month features Mike Lapp of Pennsylvania and his No. 1 of 1 box call comprised of Pennsylvania holly and snakewood from Suriname. The call features an NWTF Legacy Callmaker Collection inlay coin and is signed by Lapp.
Callmaking has been woven into the fabric of the NWTF; since the founding of the organization in 1973, call makers — be it individuals or companies — provided critical support to the NWTF in those early years, purchasing advertising space in Turkey Call magazine; donating thousands of calls for use as prizes, new-member sign-up premiums and auction items at fundraising events; presenting or assisting in giving seminars; playing major roles at conventions; and generally helping spread the NWTF's message to eager turkey hunters. The same holds true today through the Legacy Callmaker Collection.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.