Kansashunter.....No matter what surface you're using on a friction-type call (other than aluminum I guess), you'll have to continuosly sand/rough up the surface of the call, and the tip of your strikers in order to create the friction that helps make the sounds you're looking for. It's just part of using those calls. I carry drywall sanding screen for my glass call, and a piece of scotchbrite to rough up my slate in a ziplock bag along with chalk for my box calls.

Welcome to the sport....it's totally addicting.

Good luck on finding some property. I guess I take having a lot of state and federal land to hunt on for granted.