Clarke County

Turkey Calls

“I have always enjoyed turkey hunting and woodworking, so I tried putting them both together” said Keith. “I kept looking at all different kinds of turkey calls and just tried to make on a little different.”

Inspiration came from his Dad Keith said. “He lost his fifteen year battle with ALS in January of 2014. He was an avid turkey hunter and woodworker. He always had the attitude that if someone else could build it, he could too. After watching him go from doing whatever he wanted, to being in a wheelchair, life is short. Enjoy the God given abilities that you have, and to God give the credit for all of the great things in your life.

Although Keith said he has no special training, his “Mom is good at painting” and he watched his Dad and uncle while he was growing up and through trial and error he learned many things. He uses many different species of wood such as cedar, cherry, walnut, birch and purple heart. Pennsylvania slate and glass is used as well. Some of the wood is local but other varieties have to be ordered. Completion time is approximately one and a half hours.

His rewards come from “taking a plain piece of wood and making it into a finished product. Pieces of art created by so many talented Black Belt artisans have influenced him. “It is great to see all the different pieces of art come out of this part of the country” said Keith. He has had other artisans share ideas with him so “I try to do the same.”

Keith also has some turkey calls at the Grove Hill Art Council Gallery.