The call
This call is made of Osage-orange and Desert Ironwood. It's a double o-ring fit with the two pieces meeting in the middle of the lanyard groove. The ironwood body was turned separately from the osage mouthpiece with extra attention paid to the joint between the two. Both are finished inside and out with several coats of teak oil and friction polish. This is the first piece of osage orange I've ever turned. She is voiced adult cottontail.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/kowotie/DSC_0007-9.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/kowotie/DSC_0014-10.jpg)
Me...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/kowotie/DSC00522-1.jpg)
My name is Joey Gacnik, 27 years old, born and raised in Pueblo Colorado. Moved to La Junta Colorado in 2000 to take a job with the La Junta Fire Department, at which I am currently ranked Lieutenant. I met the women who I now call my wife in 2003. No kids yet but we hope to start trying late next summer. (Perfect timing as to not miss any hunting when she is pregnant!) I grew up walking in my daddy's boot tracks chasing every game Colorado has to offer. With a few arrowheads and shed antlers thrown in for good measure. Killed my first coyote at age 12 with his 300 H&H near Gardner Colorado while Elk Hunting on the family ranch. Since I moved to La Junta predator hunting has consumed me. I often tell people that if I had to give up all other species of game to hunt just one, that one would be predators. My hunting career is not very star studded, but I consider myself lucky to have been taught by the best hunter alive, my father. Cottontails to big horns he's been there and knows the way. I also consider myself fortunate to have hunted and continue to still-hunt with, Nick Genova. Not only is he the best shot I've ever seen with any firearm, he's one great friend. And of course my rock, my wife Karen. Man she can shoot!!!
I got my start in wood working doing custom engraving on rifle stocks. My first predator call was made from a cow horn cut from a calf on a good friend's place not far from here. I used my engraving tools and a Black and Decker hand drill to craft ol' #1. After ruining nearly all my production hand calls' trying to get the reeds out, I was successful and used the reed from a primos still cottontail call. Well, one thing led to another and here I am.
Seems like every time I start making a call I always change my mind or try something new. For this reason, when I set out to make a call I usually plan on it taking at least a day and a half if not two full days from start to finish. 90% of my calls are made from Desert Ironwood. I prefer ironwood for its sound quality, density, and different grain patterns. You never know what you're going to get until you actually cut into it. Hands down my favorite material to work with. But man that stuff is hard no tools. I very recently got into hand making my own tone boards. Boy, talk about satisfaction! Over the past few years' guys like, Al Woodard, Joe Bradshaw, and Jerry Latta really inspired me. There call designs, attention to detail, and obvious skill really stood out amongst all the other call makers. It seemed like every time I made a call, I made it with the image of their latest calls floating around in my head. Soon I came up with my own style. A style, that to me is obviously influenced mostly by these three call makers. I'm honored to have calls from all three gentlemen in my collection. I thank you all!
I don't keep a large waiting list for my calls, as I have a family and other priorities constantly competing for my time. Also, I enjoy call making so much I'm afraid that if I treat call making like a job it will become exactly that and no longer a hobby. I enjoy taking my time turning out one call at a time. My rewards are the friendships forged. It's far more enjoyable for me to share a good conversation with a fellow call maker or hunter, than it is for me to run to the bank with a check to cash. So give me a call anytime! In closing I would like to thank Al Woodard for lending a helping hand whenever I needed one and to offer advise whenever a problem arose. And to all other call makers and users, if there's anything I can ever do please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to hearing from you all,
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/kowotie/DSC00562.jpg)
Joey Gacnik
Purgatory Predator Calls
609 Belleview Ave.
La Junta, CO 81050
719-469-0419
Purgatorypredatorcalls@hotmail.com
Very nice Joey.
I think I'm in love with your camera :huh:
Joey.......you know how much I love them calls. I am starting to fall in love with that country. Anyways, I am looking forward to my chance at one of your calls.
ND
Very Nice Joey. Its great to see a man with your qualities and thoughts, in the custom call arena. With the calls you spin, the style, details, and mostly the out look ya have on the whole hobby........you'll no doubt be one of the greats. You'll be holding a seat at the round table with your mentors for sure. :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats:
Extremely nice calls. :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie:
When ya get room on that list, please add me twice. :innocentwhistle: :biggrin:
Joey, I've been eying your calls for some time now! they are awesome! One of these days I will get one!
The featured call is excellent and great bio.
Chad
Joey,
Nice looking call. I enjoyed reading about your start and it brought back memories of hunting with my dad. By the way he was born in La Junta but moved East when he was a toddler. Never been there, but from your pictures, it looks like I'm missing the boat by not paying it a visit. Maybe someday.
Keep them coming and look forward to seeing more of your craft. Al, Joe, and Jerry as your inspiration seems to have taken hold. Very nice work.
I for one can vouch for Joey's calls, they are more than Great and his attention to detail is amazing. He made a custom call for me just a short while back and it received wave reviews from fellow call makers and predator callers alike. Thanks Again Joey for the calls and most of all the friendship.
Dave
Hey Joey,
Enjoyed reading about you, that was interesting. I've seen your calls sell faster than a blinking eye. The reason is obvious. You have some great call maker mentors in your portfolio. They sure pointed you in the right direction cause I think your calls are awesome, love that iron wood. Put my name on that short list for a call in the future.
Bob
Nice story and write up. Sounds like you have your priorities in the proper order for sure. That's a great looking call. Very nice!
Semp
Joey is WAY to modest.....he is a great guy in addition to all that talent.
Joey, I love Osage....and I love Ironwood.......together they are just , over the top.....when ya get all caught up with all the other guys.........gimme a holler 'cause I want one too!!!
Joe
Nice write up Joey and very nice call. I didn't know you are a fireman. I am too. Catcha later and stay in the house. Brian.
Joey that call is awesome , good writeup as well one of these days I gonna hveta get back down yer way been a while since I been there :yoyo:
Ed
Great looking call right there. Good thing you are a fireman cause that call looks HOT
Keep up the good work
Bill
Thats a real nice call. I like when you guys mix the wood up on them.
Informative background article too. You do nice work!!
Sweet call Joey, but what really struck me was your bio. Seems to me you have your priorities in order...... A dad that clearly passed on his legacy of love for the outdoors, recognizing and seeking out folks like Al, Joe, and Jerry and the gifts they bring to the craft, a career anchored in service and compassion, and a wife the shoots :shck:
All I can say is those kids of yours will be in for a treat :congrats: :congrats:
Thanks for participating in the showcase. It has put a face and a person on the purdy calls you have been posting.
Joey,
Damn fine work there. Great write up!
Keep it up.
Loren
joey,
not much i can say that has not already been said, WOW, very nice !!!!!!!!
i'll have one of yours when i get a chance.
kent
Joey,
As a retired cop, I'm jealous because it was always the Firemen who had the extra time to practice thier woodworking :argh:. Seriously, I enjoyed your Bio and you took some great photographs. Excellent showcase call ! Good job.
Randy
fantastic call and great bio. look forward to adding one of your calls to my collection soon.
steve
Great job, Joey. I really enjoyed that write up.
Brad
Very Nice Joey! You have my respect!
Brent
super nice looking call
Great call, pics and story. The part about walking in your dads footprints brought a huge smile as I can clearly remember doing that everytime we went out with snow on the ground.
Joey's calls are of the utmost quality. I can certainly vouch for that seeing as how I have 3 of his best works of art. there is no doubt Joey is a force to be reckon with in the call makin circus.
Bryan
Sorry it took me so long to get back to everyone! I just got back from a long weekend of shed hunting with my wife and great friends.
Here goes,
Jim: LOL thanks but the camera is not mine. It's the departments. It's used primarily for arson investigation and finger prints. But when no one's around it takes GREAT pics of calls.
Todd: You're waaay to kind! I've been fortunate to have been blessed with great family and friends. With out them I would not be the person I am and not have the motivation to make the calls I make. To say I've got a future in this arena is a HUGE compliment. Thank you sir.
Richard: La Junta is a great town to live! I plan on spending the rest of my life here. So if you're ever in town look me up! The pictures were taken probably 20 and 60 miles straight south of town. From the highway La Junta is in the great plains, but head south and you'll run into some of the roughest canyon country anywhere!
Dave: Glad you're happy with your call! Thanks for YOUR friendship. Keep in touch!
Joe: Hope you don't mine I mentioned you in my bio. Thanks for the compliments and great calls you turn out. And by the way, I've already got a call in the works for you sir. :innocentwhistle: Thanks!
Brian: Always a pleasure to meet a fellow brother from the fire service. Be carefull and stay safe!
Studabaker: I'm a very lucky person. I've truely been blessed. And the wife, well let's just say she's my little sweet heart and when we go calling together it's always best to let her be the shooter! :eyebrow:
Randy: Here in La Junta, we work very closely with our police department and we often joke that cops are just firemen who couldn't pass the physical agilities test :roflmao: LOL Just kidding. Some of my best friends and some of the finest people I know are cops. Thank you for doing the things you've done sir!
Brent: I'm honored. A compliment like that is truely valuable.
AWH: I owe a lot to my dad. I remember calling along side of him with my daisy lever action BB gun. I only hope some day I can be half the father he was for me.
Mr. Stanley: Got your message last night, but got back to late to call. Thanks for the compliments! Compliments from your peers are the best kind.
And to all of you guys, thanks for the compliments! They truely meen a lot!
And to Jim and Brent, thanks for the opportunity to showcase my life and calls.
Sincerly,
Joey Gacnik
Joey,
(Just catching up on posts so I am sorry this is late.) I have to agree with Joe in that you are way to modest and also extremely kind to put me in the same line with Al and Joe. I don't know if I deserve that, but I certainly will take it as a very high compliment. I learned a few more things about you from the bio and I have to agree with several others that think that you are on the right track. Making Lieutenant by age 27 is definitely an indication of the quality of your work at your "paying" job. Just looking at your calls gives everyone else an indication of your skill on the lathe and attention to detail. From looking at the call that you made for me it is also easy to see the pride that you have in your call building. I am looking forward to seeing many more of your calls posted in the future.
Jerry
That is one fine piece of work! wish i had tha patience to attempt that!
AWESOME!
Calls that you put out really hover on fine art side of call making.
Great write up as well.
That is a sweet looking call.
It amazes me the patience and craftsmanship you put into calls.
Joey,that is a really nice call,great write up and some awsome looking country. :highclap:
That's a beautiful peice of work Joey. Enjoyed your bio as well! :congrats:
Yeap we've sure got some great country down here! Sad thing is we are very close to having it all taken away!!!!!! :argh:
For the past 2-3 years now the Army has been pursuing the acquisition of nearly 460,000 acres for live fire exorcises. That's on top of the existing 230,000 acres they already control. It's a looooonng story, one that makes me sick to my stomach, but long story short they have threatened condemnation and imminent domain as the desired means of acquisition.
Both of these pictures were taken on land that would be taken and blown up if this succeeds. Very sad!!!!!!!!!!!!! :sad:
www.pinoncanyon.com has more info.
Joey
Purty nice. Great lookin scenery too. :biggrin:
wow thats a great lookin call and some pretty country your in
I really can't add a thing to what all these other guys have said. You plain and simple make good looking calls. If they sound half as good as they look, then you should have some real coyote killers. :wink:
Great looking call Joey...Looks like you're gonna have some orders to fill. Your calls do stand out from the rest with the designs. They will certainly be finding a home in my little collection in the future as well. Keep up the great work!
Steve
Bop, yeah.............I saw the size of that chicken! :roflmao:
Steve, thanks for the compliment. I been working on calls like............well you know like a person who works on calls! Soon I'll have some calls made up for some of the FNFrs
Thanks guys, had a great time making the showcase calls and an even better time just hangin out!
Yoey
sure wud like ta hav me one a dem purdy calls :biggrin: , i sees dat it wurks on hefers too !!! I cud call in da critters and da cows at da same time, wat a wunderful wey ta multytask.
securpro
Super looking call(s) :congrats: :highclap: Nice write up, thanks for sharing, it's always nice to put a face and some background with the call maker. Look forward to you posting some calls.
Joey,
Love the lines, your calls catch the eye and hold the mind. Intriguing would be the word I was looking for.
Any place to see some stills of your work? I keep watching your banner cycling trying to get A better look. Blip, Blip, doh... Blip. Hey that looks-, BLIP! hehe ~KT
Kiyi,
I'm fixin to post a couple calls this afternoon. One for sale and the other for a friend. I'll get on the pics...
Joey
Well....Brent must have gotten busy again so I'll start this out by thanking Yoey first for his generosity and participating in our Call Makers Showcase. It was truly an honor to read a little bit about ya Yoey in a one on one atmosphere like this and see some of your work upclose. I thank ya kindly. :wink:
Then I''ve rounded up the list of candidates for Brent, that responded to the thread and met the 15 post minimum, to draw from.
I'm sure he'll be around to pick up from here.
Thanks again Yoey and good luck to all drawing participants. :wink:
Arkyyoter
awh
BasinBoy
bnccont
Bob D
Bopeye
bowjunkie
Brad H
BryanStanley
cb223
Coulter
CypressSlough
desert dog
Fireball221
fuzz624
HaMeR
Hawks Feather
iahntr
kiyitec
kkbait
MattS
nailbender
NewDog
psycho
quackerstacker
rjl54
securpro
Semp
spctbone
straycat
studabaka
Todd Rahm
WhiteHare
I think ya errored my name is missing 23 times from that list? :confused: ................................... :innocentwhistle:
Hey, proud as heck to do it!
Soon as the winner is announced, unless chasing turkeys with the wife I will priority ship the call that a.m.
Thanks again for the opportunity!
Yoey
Did I win!!!!! :eyebrownod:
Bill
Sorry Bill,
Yoey didn't want to wait for the winner to be announced and declared Yerry the winner. That didn't sound good. He decided to give the call to Yerry. That sounds better.
Jerry, I mean Yerry
By the way Joey, I have a lot of aliases and you can find all my aliases listed with my name in the list Jim provided. Regardless of the name, the shipping address is the same for all. :biggrin:
Place call in box and label as follows.... :innocentwhistle:
_______________ <--------- Insert name
P.O. Box 870194
Wasilla, AK 99687
Its all good honest..........and if it aint just call me Bill, Jerry, Joe..etc........any thing but Todd. :sneer:
Bill
did i win? what is all that about? I take it there is some type of contest but is there a link i can go to so i can read about it?
Joey
Nice call,i have a question and be warned i know NOTHING about call making ,,yet anway,im trying but here is the question,,since this call is a 2 piece could you make different mouth pieces and use them on the same barrel?
like different types of sounds like a high pitched distress,low raspy distress,,howl and maybe even something like a
(God dont crucify me for this) crow sound or a Duck/Goose sound? as YOU CAN SEE im just trying to learn what you can and can't do with hand calls
But once again NICE calls,,i really like that ironwood and i like the hedge apple mouth piece too,,i also like the BURNT Osage orange(hedge apple) that Tele Tubby made,,ur um i mean Bill made,,i had to throw that in Bill and since you know me you also know i NEVER pass up a chance on ragging on someone i know and like,,and i still forgive you for putting the "STOMP DOWN" on my AR-15 last Saturday :hahaha: i need a different EXCUSE for the NEXT time i miss :innocentwhistle:
Thank you very much
Bob
Maybe Brent aint going to hold a drawing this month :laf:
Let me get some supper here and I'll draw a name and post it.......
FUZZ624 !! Will be the lucky owner of the much sought after Purgatory ShowCase Call.
I blind folded Kyle and had him pick a name from the post using the tip of a pencil. How professional is that? :yoyo: I'm telling ya we dont mess around.
Turn er loose Yoey. :highclap: Thanks again for your generosity...all that responded, and congrats to fuzznuts Fuzz624
Thanks Jim. Joey just package it as mentioned above. :innocentwhistle:
Congrats Fuzz you luck sumsab@#$%&. :congrats:
:congrats: fuzz I agree with Todd :biggrin:
Congrats fuzz! Looks like it's back to the Hand Call Store for the rest of us. If anyone wants anything I have my wife's debit card number and tomarrow is her payday! ~KT
Way to go fuzz I was hoping to win.
All I was going to do was build a jig and mass produce these calls and give them away :roflmao: :roflmao:
yust yoking with ya yoey
Bill
First off, FUZZ, the call will be on it's way first thing tomorrow morning. I'll shot you a pm after I finsh this post. Congrats!!!!!!!
Todd, :roflmao: Crackin me up man :roflmao:
Bob, Yes but not with this particular style. See, the lanyard groove is produced only when the call is together. I'd have to make another lanyard grove on both the mouthpiece and call body. At that point the existing lanyard groove would be strictly decorative.
On the other hand I have made calls with different mouth pieces. Hung the call body in the middle of the lanyard and cotty and jack on either side. Simply add desired mouth piece and let er rip. No reason a call body could not accomodate several different calls. That would make for a heck of a lanyard LOL
Heck, ole Todd nearly got what I called the "Iron King" but lost out cause his inbox was full!! LOL which is like 200 messages I think.
Anyhow, thanks to all again, and Fuzz PM A COMING!
Yoey
:highclap: :highclap: :highclap:
Thanks alote man.I have to admit that i been droling over that one.
Hey Todd,look what i got and u cant have it. :biggrin:
Hey Jim,Leave my nuts out of this.I wont talk about your old,shrivled up,heat rash covered,hairy,flat ass,and you dont talk about my fuzzynuts. :roflmao:
Quote from: fuzz624 on May 03, 2007, 12:08:55 AM
Hey Jim,Leave my nuts out of this.I wont talk about your old,shrivled up,heat rash covered,hairy,flat ass,and you dont talk about my fuzzynuts. :roflmao:
I don't even whant to know how you know about that.............
Anyway, congrats to you Fuzz. :yoyo:
Quote from: bnccont on May 02, 2007, 08:15:04 PM
Way to go fuzz I was hoping to win.
All I was going to do was build a jig and mass produce these calls and give them away :roflmao: :roflmao:
........with a packet of McDonald's ketchup.... :roflmao:
Congrats Fuzz. Ya got a beautiful call there.
Congrats fuzz!! :congrats: You lucky dog you!! :laf:
Congrats Fuzz. Lucky sucker.
Brian.
I got the call in the mail a few days ago and all i can say is WOW.This is a truely beautiful call and it sounds great.Thanks for a great call Joey
Awsome.....I can't wait to get mine. :biggrin:
Congrats Fuzz. :congrats: You got a gem thats for sure :wink:
Fuzz you lucky dog..................she is a dandy.
Sure do like the call, they're an addiction of mine :bowingsmilie:
Your a lucky man to live in CO. I made it out to Pueblo a couple of years ago for a long range pistol shoot.
Steve Hugel was the host on a ranch just out of town.
Here is a group shot (pun intended)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/yotefever/SHOTSPuebloCO021.jpg)
Here is a pic of the site in targets, out to 1k
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/yotefever/DSCF1126.jpg)
I hope to convince the wife that we need to move out west for retirement. :highclap: