wood and polycarbonate to give what Buck calls "the best of both worlds."

According to Buck, one of his polycarbonate inserts will never change once it's tuned right and sounds right. In addition, the wooden barrel displays the beauty of a traditional wooden duck call, which many people want.

"This product has become popular in the last few years because people have begun to understand that you really don't need to have a wooden insert in your call," Buck said.

And why not, you ask? Well, for one reason, it's going to swell and change, Buck said. In addition, the grain begins to rise on the tone board and after a year or two, the call begins to sound dramatically different.

"The sound will change in a wooden tone board," Buck said. "A lot of times, people will pull out their call after not using it for a year and they'll say, 'Something has happened to my call.' Actually, it's just the wood. What happened is that the last time they used it, it was wet and then it dried and it just had a little fuzz come up on the tone board and it just changes the way they sound."

The new PolyWood Calls also feature a double-penned, glued and friction-fitted brass band that will never come off, Buck said.

Web site: BuckGardner.com

HS Custom Ringer

HS RINGER 2 DUCK CALL
Hunter's Specialties Custom Series Ringer 2 Call is fast becoming the call of choice for serious waterfowlers. That's because the Ringer 2 is a highly versatile field call that has the range to blow full, ringing hail calls, yet can be blown quietly for close-in calling without sacrificing sound quality. It's easy to operate for experienced callers and beginners alike.

Each call is turned from solid custom acrylic and features a stainless steel band for strength and good looks. Both single and double reed models are available. The single reed calls feature an innovative tone board that prevents sticking.

For 2006, several new colors will be available. Hunters can choose from green bottle, juice and chartreuse in addition to the original cobalt blue, mallard, ivory, smoke and black versions. Suggested retail price is $169.99.

For more information, visit www.hunterspec.com; write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402; or call a consumer service specialist at (319) 395-0321.