Author Topic: Who have you met that is a pro in predator calling? I mean a real noted one!!  (Read 8737 times)

uncle buck

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Gerald Stewart
Major Boddicker
Murray Burnham
Gerry Blair
Mack and Prowler
Tom Betchel.....Now wait a minute....

« Last Edit: March 06, 2015, 01:52:50 PM by uncle buck »

Offline Pa Goosehntr

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 ;D ;D ;D ;D When you say "HERN" everybody listens!!! ??? ??? ??? ???
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Offline Hern

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Goose, you started early, lay off the Wine.
I'm nowhere near a pro. Not even close.

Uncle Buck, not trying to be a smart elick, just want to clarify your definition of a 'pro'?
I would take the word 'pro' and think the meaning; a person's occupation, profession and main source of income.
That's the meaning I take by a 'pro' or 'professional'.
UB, the names you mentioned..  Gerald and Murray, both professional electronic call makers. Pioneers in the e-calling game. They earn their money thru predator calling. I say they are 'pros'. Same with John, Mike and Steve Dillion, they earn their money thru predator calling for sure. They all earn their money and worry about health insurance and retirement.
Major and Gerry were Furbearer Biologist employed by state and federal agencies to do research and some ADC work. Major also sells mouth calls and writes trapping, calling and research study articles. At one time, Gerry was an editor of one or two trapping magazines, Plus earned extra income writing numerous articles. I always called him Gerry Flair because his articles always had a flair with words, where be it the name of his gun or the sunny slopes of the western plains.
Major and Gerry surely get a retirement check from the state or federal government or double dip from both.

Words get thrown around nowadays like pro, super star, icon and such.
Just wanted your take on it UB. Thanks.



 
« Last Edit: March 06, 2015, 03:15:04 PM by Hern »

uncle buck

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Hern " you say Tomato and I say Tomatto!"
Talking more on the old timers!

However I met Randy Anderson too! People who really impact the industry. Although Randy is probably as old as me.

Offline QUATTRO

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No one
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Offline Leglifter

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I've met a few "pros"as far as calling goes
Yeah Randy too. even Bechtal (IMO, a fake)
But if you're asking, out of all the "pros" and biologists, "who would I want to hunt PA coyotes with?".Someone who knows a lot of animals habits and reactions.
I'd have 2 great woodsmen and knowledgeable guys I'd answer with:
Hern Blett and Rob Wilber

Of course this is my own opinion

Offline Hern

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Uncle Buck, if you are talking ole timers...
James Smith, Summerville, Pa. recorded Grey Fox Distress (live) on a 45 rpm.
I think that was a first. I met him at a trappers rendezvous.
Jim had a partner, Bob Ent of Brookville, Pa.
Jim and Bob were mainly Crow hunters and trappers. They predator called with mouth calls and e-callers. (back then we were using record players with huge speaker)
They kept a live Grey Fox, that they trapped, for one reason or another. This captive, wild Grey was very vocal. They knew Crows came to Crow sounds so they recorded this noisy Grey that sounded off at any provocation. When finished recording, Jim and Bob had several hundred feet of Grey Fox sounds.
Going afield with this recording, Jim and Bob immediately notice some sections of tape were more effective than others. Though process of elimination, several hundred feet of sound was reduced to an eight minute run of Grey Fox in Distress.
Months pasted and Jim decided to have his tape put on a seven inch, 45 rpm record so he and his friends could use on their e-callers. Word spread and a new sound was born.
During the 2 years Jim and Bob experimented and developed on the original  recording, they killed 232 Grey Fox and 8 Red Fox. Impressive numbers back then.


 

Offline Leglifter

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Awesome history Hern,
I have to add Dave Dunbar to my list above

Offline Hern

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I would like to mention a modern predator caller that's humble and noteworthy. I feel he has impacted Pennsylvania predator hunting.
That would be Ernie Wilson (Buckwheat).
Ernie was one of the founders of this organization. Also, He is a past president of the PPHA. Don't know all his accomplishments while in office, but I know he got things done or did it himself.
Ernie hosted and sponsored a predator hunt in the Renovo area. His intentions were to get other predator callers together, promote predator calling and fellowship, hunt for fun and enjoy one another's company over lunch the last day of the hunt.
Methinks Ernie was World Champion and State Champion for predator calling.
Ernie has hunted out of state and hobnobbed and rubbed elbows with some good predator callers throughout the U.S.
Over the years, Ernie developed a light weight, use anywhere tri-pod shooting rest. This rest rates as one of the best in the country. He saw the need for a top notch rest and made one.
Ernie saw a need for a better red hunting light. He spent time and money to develop the best hunting light we know today. Thanks Ernie.
Recently, Ernie had back surgery but that didn't stop his mind from roaming. He decided to host a Coyote School.
Recovering from surgery, Ernie held the first Coyote School. He was also the instructor. He shared his knowledge of Coyote sounds & habits, lights, setups and more.
Am happy to know Ernie for sure. A true, notable predator hunter.

Offline Buckwheat

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Hern
Thank you, Hern
For a brief moment I could hear nature through all the noise.

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Offline Buckwheat

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Members
You know Hern has been a member since the club started. I not sure but he may be another charter member? The first time I met him I thought were did this guy come from with all this knolage. We were all standing around talking about what works and what does not. We still talk about that same stuff today. He continues to cause me to look at things under a whole different light. Hern is my expert hunter.
For a brief moment I could hear nature through all the noise.

2008 PPHA State Predator Calling Champion
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Rests http://www.ewcalls.com/
Stand in the open, We will make you shine!

Offline foxhound

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None so far. But I certainly enjoy the knowledge and wisdom of the members here.
District 5 coordinator

Offline TrappinJohn

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James Smith, Summerville, Pa. recorded Grey Fox Distress (live) on a 45 rpm.
I think that was a first.

Hern
Very few know that little fact.  Johnny Stewart might have made the gray fox pup famous, but Jim was the pioneer of it.  A true legend.  The Sweet Butternut turkey was his claim to fame.  All hand made and amazing

uncle buck

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I agree too... Jim Smith picture should be at the entrance of all predator calling museums... I too lucked out and met him... I actually purchased and still have one of his wooden crow calls... Also outstanding story about the Gray Fox Pup Distress and Jim Smith in the old Pa Game Commission Trapper book... 

Offline TrappinJohn

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You could say I've met him a few time.  Married his granddaughter 25 years ago.  I always tell everyone it was all about the bloodline.  8)