TacomaNWTF.org

Making A Box Call yourself is a bit more involved than making a Slate Call, but is still quite a simple task.
First you will need to choose the type of wood that you will be using for your call. Just as with other wood calls, you should choose a wood species that has a nice tight grain such as Cherry, Mohogany, Maple, Walnut, Poplar, Basswood and of course the old standby, Cedar. 

The next step is to get your wood cut down to the thickness you will be working with. You will want 1/4" thick stock for the paddle and the Bottom and you will need some 1/8" stock for the sides. 2-1" square pieces will be need for the blocks that go on the inside of the call. The other things you will need will be a 1-1/2" long brass wood screw (preferably with a fine thread) a 1/2" x 3/8" diameter coil spring, some good wood glue and either some good stiff rubber bands or 
2 small gripper type clamps. 

Cut the base for your call about 7" or 8" long x about 1-3/4" - 2" wide. Then cut two grooves into one side of the base about 1/8" wide that run the full lenth of the base and about 1/8" deep. Space the grooves about 3/4" apart centered on the base. 

Now you need to cut two blocks that will be 1" square at the top and taper down to 3/4" at the bottom. They should also be around 1-3/8" tall. 

The next step is to cut the side from 1/8" stock. Make them the same length as the base and about 1-5/8" tall. You will need to make the top curve down on either side towards the ends which shoud be about 1-3/8" tall. 

Now for the paddle. This should be made from 1/4" stock and be about 2 to 2 1/2" longer than the base. One end should be cut to the shape of a handle. Then use a file or belt sander to put a radius on one side of the base. Next drill a hole through the opposite end from the handle for the wood screw to pass through. 

Now time to assemble everything. Run a thin bead of glue down the grooves in the base and place the side into the grooves. Next apply some glue to either end of the base where the blocks will be placed as well as a bit on the inside of the sides here as well. Push the blocks down into place and clamp this all together for a few hours. 

After the glue is all dry, take the call out of the clamp (or rubber bands if that's what you used) and drill a small pilot hole in the top of one of the blocks. Place your spring on top and run the wood screw through your paddle and spring and into the pilot hole. Tighten enough to provide tension on the paddle so it rests evenly on the sides. 

One last item I nearly forgot. Go on down to your local hardware store and by a small round piece of chalk usually found by the tape measures and chalk line. Take this chalk and run it up and down the sides. This will give you some friction when the paddle is drawn across the sides to create the sound and you're in business. 

The dimensions listed above are by no means the only way to make a Box Call and you can experiment with various sizes, shapes and wood types to get different pitches. The most important thing to do is to have fun creating your own calls. 

There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in taking game with your own calls, be sure and pass this on to younger hunters to ensure the future of Hunting for everyone. 

Mike Siebers