PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM TIM GROUNDS

“I have had a lot of help over the years.  I could never have achieved the success I have enjoyed without a lot of people that cared about me and I want to say “thank you” to all of them.  Their names would fill a page, but one or two, in particular, must be mentioned here.

One would be Abe Lewis.   Abe took me under his wing when I was a teenager and taught me the art of tuning and helped me change the sound of the call I was using.  I learned how to “fool” the geese and I was hooked.   My dad helped me with the business decisions.

Back in 1986-87 Charlie and Keith Hess introduced me to the concept of the short reed call.  They shared knowledge and friendship with me that a man cannot buy.  I do not claim to be a craftsman, I know nothing about “turning” a call.  But I do know, because of the help I have had, how to reproduce the sound of a goose and also that of some animals.

My good friends in the game call business who are real craftsmen at turning wood and acrylic, are not just business acquaintances, they are my friends.  Others gave me the opportunity to work in the pits as a guide, which helped get my name before the public.  I am a “one man show” here in my workshop,  but along the way there have been so many that have helped to get me where I am today.

Most of all I want to say “thank you” to all the hunters that have supported me, bought my products, and told others about my calls.  You are definitely the guiding force behind my success. I want to apologize for the mistakes I have made I my life.  I feel that those that can learn from their mistakes and go on to teach others right from wrong will prosper.  I dedicate the rest of my life to the education of young and old, alike, on the ethics of hunting.

The Canadian goose, that God created, I owe my livelihood to.  This is why I dedicate to all young hunters everything I do in order to teach them how to better their lives and respect the wonderful resource God gave us in the great outdoors.  A special dedication goes to my 15 year old son, Hunter.    He is my best friend and very best huntin’ buddy.”   To Hunter, and all hunters across this great country, and to  all my good friends in Canada and New Zealand , I wish you the very best of hunting.

"Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame"

Tim Grounds was inducted into the "Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame" Oct. 9, 2004 in Nashville, TN. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize men and women that have set guidelines for their sport. Other inductees were Bob Cobb - sports writer, Penny Berryman -professional angler, Shaw Grigsby - professional angler, Buck Gardner - champion duck caller and call maker, Don Butler and Harold Ensley - winners of the second Bassmaster Classic. Ray Scott, founder of B.A.S.S, was guest speaker. Master of Ceremonies and coordinator of the event was Garry Mason. Hunter Grounds was presented the Hall's first "Youth Legacy Award" for his many accomplishments at such an early age. It was a very emotional night for the Grounds family