I had a very interesting and event filled week last week and thought I would share it with you guys. It began a few weeks ago when I was invited down to central Texas to meet with and maybe even get a chance to call in a hog or coyote with Tink Natham. Tink is now 72 and has had a very full carrier of bow hunting worldwide. He has successfully hunted just about everything on the planet, including 23 Cape buffalo, elephant, and hippo. Even though the weather was not conducive to a good hunt we had a great time visiting and I enjoyed his stories very much. I’m very glad I went.
On the way back home I passed through Marble Falls and visited with the legendary Murray Burnham. Murray and his brother Winston were innovators in the game call industry way back in the very beginning of it all. He is a walking history book. I never get tired of his stories of hunting with the likes of Fred Bear, John Wooters and many others. I consider myself very fortunate to have hunted with him and call him my friend. I’m pleased to report that at 89 he is still in great shape and still sharp as a tack. While there he gave me a handful of arrowheads he has found on his place and his personal Black Magic call. These are things I will keep forever as a reminder of our friendship.
Leaving Marble Falls thinking of the history of predator calling I realized I would also pass through Waco which is home of Johnny Stewart which was also one of the pioneers in the game call industry. Unfortunately I never got a chance to meet Johnny but Gerald (his son) and I have been great friends for many years. I called Gerald and we had a great visit and told a few old stories. Johnny by all accounts was a man that truly loved the sport of calling predators and developed many products and sounds that are still in use today and working very effectively. Gerald has done a great job continuing his dad’s legacy.
Rarely does a guy get to meet his heroes and become friends. These guys have all shaped the industry and the hunting world with their contributions. I’m truly humbled and grateful for their friendship. Great guys all. Hope you enjoy the photos.