World Elk Calling Championships crown six

FORT WORTH, Texas — Amateur and professional elk callers from four states — Arizona, California, Oregon and Utah — have been crowned new world champions.

The Leupold/Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championships concluded March 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. The event was held as part of the Elk Foundation's 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.

Results:

Professional Division
1. Al Morris, Payson, Utah
2. Rockie Jacobsen, Kamiah, Ida.
3. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.

Men's Division
1. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Patrick Whitaker, Lebanon, Ore.
3. Cody Rich, Dallas, Ore.

Women's Division
1. Audrey McQueen, Eagar, Ariz.
2. Misty Waggener, Priest River, Ida.
3. Crystal Hulsey, Luna, N.M.

Natural Voice Division
1. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Samuel Valentine, Springer, N.M.
3. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.

Youth Division
1. Ross LeValley, Hotchkiss, Ore.
2. Morgan Love, Salida, Colo.
3. Jared Hansen, New Harmony, Utah

Pee Wee Division
1. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Wyatt Schearer, Great Falls, Mont.
3. Cole Burford, Fort Worth, Texas

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In the competition, amateur-level callers have 30-45 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professionals are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural voice division, however, no reeds are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor anonymously.

The annual event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Over the past 25 years, the organization has helped protect or enhance more than 5.7 million acres.

Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Prize sponsors included Blacks Creek Guide Gear, Cabela's, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Knight, Montana Decoy, Remington and Schnee's.