Ray and Era Chisholm trough calls

Object/Artifact

Wild Turkey Archives

Personal call of Ray Chisholm, with holster, as featured in the book "The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls" by Rogers, Ellis, McDonald and Powell.

Name/Title

Ray and Era Chisholm trough calls

Entry/Object ID

VTC001A0026

Description

Raymond Chisholm (1903-1981) of Laurel, Mississippi, is the first we know who sold a trough-style call. “The Original Handmade Turkey Call" or "magnolia leaf call" for which he is known, was made of sweetbay magnolia wood. The calls had two thin pieces of wood with a hollow between them, forming a resonant chamber. The calls had an aluminum strip inlaid into a groove. The aluminum served as the calling surface. His calls were made in several variations, though all were paired with a corncob-head striker that had a removable long wooden dowel with a flare near the terminal end. The calls have different addresses on them, which serve to provide some chronology. Ray’s wife, Era (1908-1998), began making calls as he began to have health challenges. She did a numbered run of calls "Made for John McDaniel," a passionate wild turkey hunter and author, who gifted or re-sold the calls.

Cataloged By

Brent Rogers

Created By

[email protected]

Create Date

May 28, 2026

Updated By

[email protected]

Update Date

May 28, 2026