|
CUSTOM HAND CRAFTED CALLS |
The Illinois River valley historically has been one of the most important migration routes for waterfowl in the United States. As a result, a strong waterfowl tradition emerged and prospered within the valley. The Illinois River Valley was and still is a "Garden of Eden" for waterfowl. Early 19th century hunters would carve working decoys and duck calls and use them during the season. Master carvers like Charles Perdew from this area carved decoys and duck calls back then and his works are now valuable investments for collectors and museum pieces. Keeping with this tradition, Darren Casey of Granville grew up listening to his Father Don and Uncle in the duck blind talking about the days when the sun was eclipsed with migrating mallards. The ancestral home of the Casey family was on the river bottoms within this waterfowl Mecca. Being a tool maker by trade, it didn't take Darren very long to start improving local store bought models and experimenting with his own homemade Duck and Goose calls. In 2008 Darren's success in call design was brought to light when his story was published in the May/June 2008 issue of Ducks Unlimited. Darren's business, "Casey's Calls" has since skyrocketed into a viable commercial enterprise. With calls locally nicknamed by hunters as the "Meat Whistle" and "Bring on the Bling" who knows what's next!!! |
