The Louisiana State and U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships, held this past June, is a prestigious event that draws participants and spectators from all corners of the country. These competitions not only celebrate the skill and art of turkey calling but also highlight the rich traditions and wildlife conservation efforts associated with turkey hunting.
Held annually at Southern Boyz Outdoors in Hammond, these championships provide a platform for callers to showcase their abilities. Participants use a variety of turkey calls to mimic the sounds of wild turkeys, with the ultimate goal of simulating the most realistic scenario possible. This includes reproducing everything from the subtle clucks and purrs to loud gobbles and excited yelps. Mastery of these calls requires years of practice and dedication, as competitors strive to perfect their skills.
The event started on Thursday night, June 19, with a banquet that featured a fried fish dinner, silent auction, live auction and a chance to win a myriad of prizes through a general raffle. All money raised goes to the prize pool for the callers. The calling contest started on Friday and continued through the day on Saturday with prize money ranging from $500 for the poult division all the way up to $8,000 for both the U.S. Open Friction and U.S. Open Division.
Tough competition
The Louisiana State Championship usually serves as a precursor or qualifier for the U.S. Open. Contestants gather in a venue where the doors are locked while the contestants are calling and the stage is hidden to the judges.
The U.S. Open Championship, on the other hand, is a national event that attracts the top turkey callers from across the country. It presents a more competitive and intense field, as participants vie for the qualifying event at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) banquet held in Memphis, Tenn., every year.
The championships are structured to test the full range of turkey calls. Each participant performs before a panel of judges who evaluate the realism, variety and consistency of their calls. The contestants need to demonstrate proficiency in calling different types of turkeys and situational sounds. For example, certain rounds may focus on attracting a mate, whereas others might involve warning sounds from a turkey encountering danger. The judges, generally experts in the field of turkey calling and hunting, have a keen ear for nuances in sound and evaluate performers based on strict criteria.
“You are trying to sound like the most sexiest, good ‘lookingest,’ hen out there to get that ole gobbler to strut in there and show his stuff to you,” said Preston Pittman. He should know, having been inducted into the NWTF Hall of Fame in 2022 and the only person to hold five different world titles.
Camaraderie among contestants
Ultimately, the championships are not just about competition; they are a celebration of the heritage and culture associated with turkey hunting. They encourage wildlife enthusiasts to engage with the sport in a respectful and conservation-minded way. The camaraderie and shared passion among entrants create lasting bonds and an appreciation for the skill and patience required in turkey calling.
The final day of the competition is not only a plethora of expert calling inside the venue but a free culinary feast outside. More than 30 cooking teams compete outside during a cook-off with all tip proceeds being donated to TARC, a nonprofit helping the disabled with housing and jobs.
Matt Van Cise took home both the Friction and Open divisions, winning a grand total of $16,000.
“Quit trying to sound like the other guys,” Van Cise said. “Try to sound like a turkey.”
Good advice from the winner of several NWTF Senior Division Championships.