About Us

Arkie Mallard Calls was founded by Ron Davidson in 2001, following his retirement as a Timberland Manager with International Paper Company. With 35 years of experience working with timber and natural hardwoods, and as an avid hunter and fisherman, Ron’s passion for duck hunting, hardwood timber, and fine craftsmanship led him to become a duck call maker. His primary influences were Mark Smith, a professional pool cue maker, and Terry Williams, a wildlife artist.

Ron’s daughter, Missy (Melissa), and Chad Caldwell joined him in crafting Arkie Mallard Calls. They were meticulously trained by Ron in every aspect of call making for several years before Ron fully retired. Chad, who also has a career in the timber industry with Georgia Pacific and is an avid hunter, brought his expertise to the business.

Bryan Caldwell, Chad’s brother and fellow hunting enthusiast, worked alongside Chad and Missy for a couple of years in making Arkie Mallard Calls. In the spring of 2015, Bryan and his wife, Debi, took over the business. They collaborated with Ron, Missy, and Chad during the transition and are committed to continuing the tradition of producing high-quality, personalized, engraved wooden duck calls that our customers have come to expect from Arkie Mallard Calls.