A Rare Piece of Art

A Rare Piece of Art: Handmade Thuya Burl Call for Eric Baker

Every once in a while, a project comes across my workbench that feels more like a story than a build. This handmade Thuya Burl call I recently finished for Eric Baker is one of those pieces.

From the moment I unwrapped that block of Thuya Burl, I knew it was something special. Thuya is one of the rarest and most beautiful woods in the world — found mainly in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco — and it’s prized for its tight, swirling grain and rich, golden-brown color. It’s dense, aromatic, and full of character. Working with it takes patience and precision, but when it comes together just right, the result is nothing short of incredible.

For Eric’s call, we wanted something truly personal — something that would carry meaning beyond the hunt. I engraved his kids’ names into the slate surface, turning the call into more than just a tool… it became a piece of family history. Every sound that call makes now holds a story — a memory tied to the people and the moments that matter most.

That’s what I love about this craft. It’s not just about shaping wood; it’s about capturing a feeling, a legacy, and a way of life. When I sit down to build a custom turkey call, I’m not just chasing perfection in tone — I’m trying to build something that’ll be passed down, something that means as much twenty years from now as it does today.

The way the Thuya Burl catches light still blows me away. Each swirl, each tiny burl eye reflects the work of hand long before mine ever touched it. This piece reminded me why I do what I do — because real craftsmanship, like the traditions we live by, deserves to last.

If you’re someone who appreciates handmade calls, rare woods, and pieces built with purpose, you’re in the right place. At Wicked Timber Customs, every call has a story. This one just happened to hit a little closer to the heart.

— J. Heath Graham
Wicked Timber Customs