In the early 1900’s turkey hunting was a passion and necessity for hunters throughout the United States. Hunters searched for gobblers and hens on farm land and large tracts of timber for sport and food. In the late 1940’s through the early 1960’s the decline of the American Wild Turkey began.
Liberal seasons and the use of high powered rifles was a catalyst for their decline. Through successful trapping, land management and restoration, the American Wild Turkey can now be found in the majority of the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Eastern Wild Turkey and its sub-species have flourished.
Turkey calls have changed significantly over the years out from necessity to fabulous works of art. From population decline to the successful restoration of the American Wild Turkey, hunters have continued to design turkey calls to mimic the American Wild Turkey utilizing wing bones, rifle shells, slate, wood, latex, turtle shells, clams and oysters shells.
Growing up in the southeastern part of the United States, I was exposed to this magnificent bird as a young man by my father. His love and dedication of the American Wild Turkey began in 1977, assisting local biologist with the restoration of turkeys in the Great Pee Dee Basin, from the Francis Marion Natural Forest. My father and many others helped plant the seed that has now grown into years of enjoyment in the Ace Basin hunting gobblers with determination and sometimes just plain bad luck.
I began designing turkey calls not in search of anything more than to share my passion for turkey hunting for the next generation to enjoy. I hope you enjoy my custom calls as much as I did designing them, recalling the days I spent with my father learning the sounds, habits and most of all, how to protect the American Wild Turkey.
-James C. King ACE Basin Custom Calls