Eli Haydel’s passion for music and hunting developed into a worldwide business
Eli Haydel, the founder and CEO of Haydel’s Game Calls in Bossier City, passed away in his sleep Monday morning, according to multiple media reports, including the Shreveport Times.
According to the company website, Haydel was born in Raceland, where he developed a passion for both hunting and music, which would lead him to become a champion caller and to found Haydel’s in 1981.
Famous for calls that “blow when wet,” the current Haydel’s catalog features more than 150 items, including numerous duck, goose, deer and hog calls.
Known worldwide for his hunting exploits, he is depicted as a champion caller in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and he’s also been recognized for his musical ability in the Louisiana Hall of Fame for Entertainers in Lafayette.
His sons, Rod and Kelly Haydel, are both active in the family business.
Haydel, who suffered a stroke several years ago, had been ill for the past month, according to reports. Funeral arrangements, expected to be Friday and Saturday, are incomplete at this time.
