The chalk needs to have a high rosin content. This type of chalk used to be called railroad chalk. It came in many colors but the brown was the best.They quit making it about 12 years ago or so. The sticks were about 1 inch thick and 4 inches long. The stuff you see now in small brown sticks is not the real thing. You can still find rail road chalk in white and green in older hardware stores. Black board chalk and most art chalks have a waxy component to keep down dust. If the chalk feels slick in stick form don't use it.

That is officially what "rail road chalk" was called the engineer would use it to make train cars.

You want a chalk that has a dry, slightly gritty feel to it. If the stick feels smooth and soft you can bet some huckster is trying to pass off art or school chalk.

If you have used a wax based chalk on the call before it will definitley cause a pitch change even if you use a gritty chalk behind it. Clean the lid by gently (I said gently!) using 220 grit sand paper to remove chalk build up, just the chalk. Scotch Brite pads (plain, no soap) will work as well. Work the call lips very, very, gently as well. Reapply the brown chalk and see how it works if it has a gritty texture. Make sure your ears are adjusted correctly by letting an expereinced box caller run the call before and after.

Country...

Mine is in the gun safe, nice and dry! A piece the size of your thumb will last for years!