Delta Waterfowl’s Inaugural Double-Reed Duck Calling Championship
Luke Cuenco 04.12.24
Duck calling, once a practical method for hunters, became an art form in the early 20th century. The first recorded contest was in 1936 in Stuttgart, Arkansas, leading to the annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest. Competitors showcase their skills in mimicking duck sounds using specially crafted calls, judged on realism and clarity. Duck calling is now both integral to hunting and a competitive pursuit, with enthusiasts constantly refining their techniques.
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Delta Waterfowl’s Inaugural Double-Reed Duck Calling Championship
Delta Waterfowl introduces the Delta Grand National—Delta’s inaugural double-reed duck calling championship, presented by Drake Waterfowl and Mack’s Prairie Wings. Callers will take the stage at noon on Saturday, July 27, during the annual Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on site at Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.
Hosted by renowned world champion caller Jim Ronquest, The Delta Grand National is a change from the previous year’s cutdown calling competition held in Little Rock, Arkansas. Historically, the Expo’s calling contests have showcased more than 50 contestants who have captivated attendees as they battled it out for the prestigious championship title.
“I am honored to partner with Delta Waterfowl to develop the new Delta Grand National, a double-reed duck calling championship debuting this year at Delta’s Duck Hunters Expo,” said Ronquest of Drake Waterfowl. “This competition should prove to quickly become a premier calling event in North America.”
The double-reed duck call was designed and patented in 1950 by the co-founders of Sure-Shot Game Calls—world champion caller James “Cowboy” Fernandez and George Yentzen, a native of Donaldson, Louisiana. The Delta Grand National double-reed competition will be a staple attraction at the Duck Hunters Expo moving forward.
“We are thrilled to introduce The Delta Grand National,” said Brad Heidel, senior director of corporate relations for Delta Waterfowl. “The double-reed call has applicable use for hunters in every flyway, and we are looking forward to welcoming some of the country’s top calling talent to Baton Rouge.”
This competition will be administered under the rules of the World Cutdown Duck Calling Championship, LLC. Callers will take the stage to compete for a first prize cash payout/package and the prestigious title of “Delta Grand National Champion.” Cash prizes will be paid to the top three callers, with additional prizes being awarded to the top five places. All entry fee money will be paid out.
Expo attendees will be treated to the finest hunting-style calling from avid waterfowl hunters and calling competitors, 100,000 square feet of fan-favorite waterfowling vendors, three live stages featuring experts offering advice, tips, and tricks, and much more. To purchase tickets to the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo and to plan your trip, visit deltawaterfowlexpo.com.
