Had a tough hunt in Nebraska last week but it was just the start of our 10 week multi-state turkey hunting season! The end of another season was upon us on Saturday, and to say it ended with a bang is an understatement. Competitive turkey callers as a whole are one thing, and that is complete turkey hunting nuts. So with the Midwest turkey seasons dawning the last competition until mid-June was held this weekend at the Northwest Sports show.
Connor had been dreading this one for a while. Lots of family were going to be there and although he can get up in before huge crowds keeping all composure, once he knows Mom and Dad aren’t the only ones in the audience he gets a little nervous. He did exceptionally well, and managed to keep it together for all three divisions. He took a first in the Poult Division. Called up an age group in the Jr’s and missed out on first by a couple points yielding a second place finish.
The last division he called in was the Hunter/Amateur. Open to all ages, it’s kind of the Minor Leagues of the calling circuit. The only rule is you could not have qualified for the Grand Nationals by winning a State or Open event. Out of the three required calls only one worried me. He’s worked hard on his Cutting and Kee Kee’s, but has never really practiced his Assembly Yelping. He put down a good routine for the judges, and he figured it was suffice to keep him out of last place.
Well they handed out the awards for Poult’s and Jr’s and he was riding pretty high and next was the Hunter. They call off three names to come up and then they hand out the placements. The look on his face was priceless when he heard his name, and when they announced third place his smile got even bigger. It wasn’t his name they called. As the MC said his name, and the second place award was handed to him I think that smile might have touched his ears.
In a little over a year since he started competing he’s changed a lot. He’s went from a shy little kid who couldn’t manage more than a cluck and a few yelps for the judges, to a confident little man who can run a 3 minute routine and be a contender. Makes a guy smile when he hears a Pro say “that kids got Ice in his veins” and “I love to hear him call” when he talks about Connor. We’re so very proud of our little boy!
Video is a little crappy but here it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EknBhT9zSLM&feature=youtu.be
CW
