Dad was a perfectionist especially when it came to making his famous turkey calls. He would whittle and tune over and over, he would take out a little wood form the center and then he would rub the top across the box working on it until the sound was perfect or close to it, other hunters saw the results he got & asked him where he got  the call, he would tell them he made it. Everyone wanted one too and that was how it all started. He would sit in the living room of our home and whittle out the calls in his favorite chair, saw dust all around him. My mom, my sister Judy and I didn't like the mess he made and I must admit not that impressed with the calls, it was hard to
explain to my friends what all the mess was in the living room around his chair and what was that noise he was that
noise he was making (as he continuously tuned them) & I can remember wishing we could have store bought turkey on Thanksgiving like everyone else instead of wild turkey.The legend Neil Cost was just daddy at our home, a little on the quirky side, a great story teller, strict disciplinarian, a jokester and one of the most brilliant talented people I've ever known. He passed away in 2001 but not forgotten by those of us who loved and admired him.I've ever known. He passed away in 2001 but not forgotten by those of us who loved and admired him.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Michael Marks Neil Cost Magic With Wood writes
and commitment to support wild turkey management efforts across the and  United States. The naming of the Greenwood SC National Wild Turkey Federation chapter in his honor, and a display at the museum in Edgefield SC of historic calls built by Neil Cost validate the contributions of this great man to the successful efforts which established the wild turkey  across our nation.

 

Earl Mickel a foremost authority on turkey
callers, a  friend and admirer  included
him in his book and featured him on the
cover Turkey Call Makers Past and
Present Mick's Picks Stories and History
Of Call Makers