Echoes from the River: The Enduring Legacy of Charles W. Grubbs
Before duck calls were factory-molded or mass-distributed, they were hand-carved tools of function and finesse. Among the earliest artisans to take the duck call from utility to commercial artistry was Charles W. Grubbs—a pioneer whose influence not only shaped the sounds of the marsh but also molded the callmaking traditions that persist today.
Born in 1848 in Ohio, Grubbs moved to Illinois in 1872, eventually settling along the Illinois River—an epicenter for early American waterfowl hunting. It was here that Grubbs embarked on a journey of invention, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship that would leave a lasting imprint on the outdoor world.
A Legacy Built from Wood and Metal
Grubbs is widely recognized as one of the earliest documented commercial duck call makers. He was among the first to transform duck calls into marketable goods. While many hunters at the time either made their own calls or went without, Grubbs saw an opportunity. He began producing duck calls that were not only effective but also available by mail order, complete with illustrated pamphlets and instructional guides.
One of his most important innovations was the introduction of the metal band on wooden duck calls—a feature now nearly universal in quality callmaking. The band helped prevent the barrel from splitting due to moisture or stress from repeated use, enhancing durability without compromising tone.
Just as significantly, Grubbs is credited with the early use of a Reelfoot-style insert. This system—characterized by an open toneboard with a curved reed—produced richer, louder, and more realistic duck sounds, allowing hunters to replicate multiple species, including teal, wood duck, and mallard, with a single call.
Though few examples of his earliest metal-banded wooden calls have survived, the evolution of his designs tells a clear story. From hand-shaped walnut barrels to vermilion wood enhanced with gold mounts and German silver reeds, Grubbs' creations embodied both functionality and flair.
The Perfection Line and Experimental Spirit
Grubbs’ flagship product, the “Perfection Duck Call,” came in multiple grades and price points. A “B” Grade model, made of black walnut and nickel silver, sold for $1.50. A more refined “A” Grade version, crafted from East Indian vermilion wood with gold mountings and a silver reed, retailed for $3.00. These prices included a companion booklet titled How and When to Call Ducks, a guide reflecting Grubbs' 55 years of hunting experience.
But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Grubbs’ work lies in his constant experimentation. From short-barreled prototypes to calls with internal metal sleeves and even adjustable reed systems, Grubbs was unafraid to push boundaries. One of his most intriguing creations was a rare three-in-one call that mimicked ducks, geese, and hawks—all without changing the reed. These rare models showcase a tinkerer’s mind, always looking for ways to add versatility and improve tone.
A Network of Influence
Grubbs was not working in isolation. As co-founder of the Hennepin Shooting Association, he collaborated and hunted with other innovators, including George Sibley, the creator of the Sibley Decoy. He also operated the Undercliff Pleasure and Fishing Resort on Lake Senachwine, a gathering point for the region’s waterfowl enthusiasts.
Grubbs’ designs influenced a generation of Illinois River callmakers. The distinct mouthpiece, signature metal band, and barrel proportions became archetypes seen in later work by Charles Perdew and others. In fact, some early Perdew calls so closely resemble Grubbs models that historians speculate Perdew either apprenticed under or was heavily inspired by him.
Even collectors today remain fascinated by Grubbs' lineage. Experimental models discovered near Chicago—originally misattributed to another callmaker—were later authenticated as Grubbs’ work, showcasing a rich evolution of toneboard designs, internal mechanics, and barrel lengths. These calls highlight not only his inventive nature but also the constant iteration that defines all great craftsmen.
An Unforgettable Voice in the Marsh
Grubbs' calls weren’t just popular—they were effective. Hunters from across the Midwest praised their natural tone, ease of use, and durable construction. Advertisements from the early 1900s boasted that his calls were “easy to blow; not easy to get out of repair.” For just a dollar or two, any hunter could own a beautifully finished instrument, often mounted in silver and shipped with Grubbs' field-proven techniques.
He even marketed nationally through Sears, Montgomery Ward, and other early catalog giants. His Miller’s Improved Duck Call and Illinois River Duck Call became household names among sportsmen looking for reliable tools that could turn the tide of a hunt.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Charles W. Grubbs passed away in 1930, but his contributions endure. The fundamentals he helped establish—metal banding, durable toneboard design, and a focus on real duck sounds—remain benchmarks in the industry. His Perfection series and experimental combination calls are now highly prized by collectors, often selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
More importantly, his work continues to influence modern callmakers who blend tradition with innovation. Whether through design, construction techniques, or pure inspiration, Grubbs' legacy lives on in every call that aims to do more than just quack—it aims to bring the hunt to life.
For anyone who’s ever raised a call to their lips in a flooded timber hole or from the edge of a duck blind, there’s a good chance a bit of Grubbs’ genius echoes in the sound.