I’ve spent a lot of my life around duck and goose calling contests. Not just competing in them, but sticking around before and after. Listening. Watching who people gravitate toward. Seeing who’s teaching, who’s hiding, and who’s already checked out.

So when people ask me if calling contests are dead, I don’t get offended. But I don’t give them a clean answer either. I’m not sure there is one. Because the truth is, they’re not dead.
But they’re not what they once were.

There was a time when the streets of Stuttgart were absolutely flooded during contest weekends. Shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t go anywhere without running into callers, hunters, families, people there to celebrate, people who just wanted to hear what the best in the world actually sounded like. Going to Worlds wasn’t optional. It was non-negotiable. Winning meant something. Even just being there meant something.

Those were the glory days. That part isn’t up for debate.

From the mid-90s through about 2010, calling contests were everywhere. Parking lots. Convention centers, storefronts, small stages, big stages, state contests, regionals, the U.S. Open, the Winchester World Open, the World Goose in Easton, Maryland, and the World Duck in Stuttgart. The chairs were full. Prize packages were worth traveling for. There was prize money that, for some guys, rivaled a salary.

Lights up.
“Caller, would you like a warm-up?”
Lights down.
“Judges, this is for competition.”

Eighty seconds. Ten seconds left. Finish strong.

Judges behind the curtain, scoring every note; opening highballs, greeters, lay-downs, comebacks, finishing feed… All of it judged on realism and mind blowing control. That stage mattered so much to us. 

Big companies were invested. Avery, Greenhead Gear, Benelli, Cabela’s, Mack’s Prairie Wings, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Canada included. Calling contests weren’t a novelty, they were a pipeline, and for a lot of us, they were everything. There were weekends we traveled to a contest and brought home every trophy there was to win. We were riding high. Other weekends, we got our asses handed to us, and we loved every second of it. Because competition makes you better. Calling contests are the reason The Fowl Life and Banded were born. They were held close, sacred; they shaped who we became.

So what happened?

I can see that part of it was success. A lot of callers became established. Breaking into the top ten in any contest was brutal. Routines started to sound the same, judges were hearing the same cadences, sometimes even the same copied sequences. Slowly, the competition side started to lose its edge.

Then the money started fading. Companies invested less, prize packages shrank; it stopped making sense to drive a few hundred miles, pay for fuel, food, and lodging, just to compete for something that barely covered the trip.

Then the the internet came into play, and particularly, Youtube. YouTube made it easy to see routines and hear exactly what the best callers were doing. Instead of motivating more people to step on stage, it convinced a lot of them they never could. I could never sound like that. But that was never true, and it’s still not true.

Calling contests used to be the place where you could walk up to Tim Grounds or Jim Ronquest or Fred Zink and ask for their opinion. Ask them to listen to part of your routine and get real feedback. They were a place where you could learn from your heroes.

Somewhere along the way, social media convinced people they could skip that part. They could bypass competing altogether and go straight to having a channel, a following, and instant credibility. It’s like a country singer blowing up on TikTok without ever playing honky-tonks and beer joints for five people and a bartender. You might get famous, but you really miss the foundation.

Without that foundation, the contests started to disappear. Most didn’t die in a big bang. They just slowly thinned out. Lighter prize packages. Smaller crowds. Fewer entries. Today, you can go to the World Goose Calling Championship in Easton, Maryland and darn near count the audience on your fingers.

That part hurts. But here’s the thing people get wrong; 

This isn’t a talent problem. 

Some of the best callers in the world right now are young, and most people in the old circles have never heard their names. Every once in a while, one of them shows up and absolutely smokes a room. You feel it immediately. You know when something special just walked in.

That part gives me hope.

What worries me is the gap between generations. Calling contests only survive if knowledge gets passed down. Not hoarded and protected like a secret recipe. In our world, knowledge needs to be passed down. The greats understood that. They competed hard, but they taught even harder. They stood behind the stage, listening, making mental notes, and then they helped perfect things.

That’s why guys like Butch Richenbach and Tim Grounds were so important, and still matter deeply to this community. Not just because they won, but because they created other winners. We need more of that.

I actually think some of the old guard should still be competing. Not to prove anything, that’s already been done, but to stay visible, connected, to keep the spark alive. But if you’re going to stay in it, you’ve got to be willing to teach. You can’t just show up, win, and disappear. That’s how things fade. 

Will calling contests ever make a comeback? I don’t know. Who carries that torch? I don’t know that either. But I do know this:

This art still means a lot to a lot of us.
The sound still hits,
and the right call, at the right moment, will still stop you cold.

We just can’t expect the future to show up if we’re only looking backward. 

Keep talkin’.

Whitetail Institute won Gold in the Food Plot Seed category of the 2026 Bowhunting World Readers' Choice Awards. VP/GM William Cousins credited the company's research-driven approach to forage development and field testing, emphasizing commitment to hunter success and product reliability.

Beretta celebrates Team Beretta athlete Kim Rhode receiving the 2026 NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Rhode, an Olympic legend with six medals across six consecutive Games, is recognized for her extraordinary competitive success and advocacy for safe shooting sports participation.

Tom Benavides, Assistant Vice President for Dallas Safari Club, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources on the importance of hunting to sustainable conservation. Benavides advocated for regulated trade of rhino horn to prevent extinction, stating the U.S. must support legalization rather than maintain decades-long de facto support of the black market.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program is hosting an ice fishing workshop in Havre on February 13-14. The two-part workshop for women 18 and older includes an indoor session on gear selection and safety, followed by hands-on instruction on a frozen pond. Registration costs $15 and opens January 31.

Silencer Central announced that South Dakota's legislature unanimously voted to deregulate suppressors, removing them from the state's controlled weapons definition. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox stated the company is working with the National Shooting Sports Foundation to support similar legislation in other states and pursue full federal deregulation.

Silencer Central supports South Dakota legislature's efforts to deregulate suppressors by removing them from the state's "controlled weapon" definition. The bill, which passed the South Dakota senate unopposed, would eliminate Federal Stamp requirements. Silencer Central and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are working across 17 states with similar suppressor regulations to advance comparable legislation.

Silencer Central, America's leader in suppressor sales, is hiring for multiple positions including marketing, software development, and sales roles due to record business growth. Founded by Brandon Maddox, the Sioux Falls-based company has expanded its team and warehouse capabilities to meet increasing demand among firearms enthusiasts.

Larry Weishuhn, a wildlife biologist and whitetail expert, joins Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast presented by Spandau Arms, Folds of Honor, Cigars International, and The Texas Trophy Hunters Association. They discuss Weishuhn's six decades in wildlife management, deer conservation challenges including CWD and EHD, and the importance of hunters' role in funding conservation efforts.

NEXTORCH North America announces NEXTORCH Ultra-Thin Tactical Gloves featuring seamless fingertip construction, CORDURA® fabric, dual-layer palm protection, and ten-finger touchscreen compatibility. Designed for tactical training, patrol duty, and outdoor activities, these gloves are priced at $44.99 and available through a 30-day free evaluation program for law enforcement and military agencies.

Avian-X announced three new waterfowl hunting packs for 2026: the BA Backpack with 1,600 cubic inches of storage, the Floating Duffel Decoy Backpack with 11,500 cubic inches for up to 18 mallards, and the Floating Lumbar Blind Bag with 1,300 cubic inches. The products were displayed at SHOT Show in the GSM Outdoors booth.

Mission First Tactical unveiled the MFT Ultra Low Ride IWB Holster, featuring a 1.5" lower ride position for enhanced concealment and comfort for larger-framed individuals. The ambidextrous holster includes adjustable retention with audio click confirmation and is available in multiple configurations with an MSRP of $59.99.

Vortex® announced the Ace™ Ballistic Weather Meter, a precision tool featuring real-time ballistics, weather, and wind data. The device integrates with the Vortex Relay™ Network, connecting with products like the Impact® 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder and Talon® HD 10K Ballistic Laser Rangefinding Binocular for seamless long-range shooting solutions.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) announced that the GPO CENTURI™ 4-16x44i Super-Compact Riflescope won the 2026 NRA American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award. Owner/CEO Mike Jensen praised the scope as a game-changer featuring compact design, high magnification, and advanced ballistic technologies at an affordable price point.

Mission First Tactical's MFT Guardian Duty Holster earned OFFICER Media Group's "Tested-Field Rated" Seal of Approval. The holster features an instinctive locking system with magnetic and aerospace carbon fiber rod technology, designed for law enforcement and military professionals demanding rapid access and reliable retention.

Ameristep, a Grand Prairie, Texas-based hunting blind manufacturer, has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. According to Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten, Ameristep's products help hunters stay hidden through simplified assembly and features that eliminate scent, noise, and reflection.

Wildlife Research Center® introduced Scent Killer® Gold® Full Body Deodorant Spray, a 3.6 OZ aerosol spray designed for comprehensive odor control in hunting. The invisible, unscented formula provides long-lasting protection and is available at authorized retailers for $14.99 MSRP.

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo announce the expansion of their 30-year partnership with Easton through The Choice TV show and Content King Media. Their children RJ and Aubrey Cianciarulo are stepping into larger roles as the family-led business continues delivering bowhunting content across Pursuit Channel, Wild TV, and YouTube.

International Wildlife CrimeStoppers and Whitetails Unlimited announced a strategic partnership to combat poaching through advanced technology, community outreach, and enforcement support. The collaboration aims to protect whitetail deer populations across North America using specialized equipment and training for law enforcement agencies.

Browning Trail Cameras introduces the Defender Pro Scout Max HD Solar, featuring integrated solar power for extended deployments and minimal maintenance. The camera delivers HD images, 46MP photos, and 1080p videos with automatic cellular connectivity through AT&T and Verizon networks via the Strike Force Wireless app.

Beretta introduces a commemorative 500th Anniversary Medal designed in partnership with the Italian State Mint, available to customers purchasing select new Beretta firearms during 2026. The medal features the Beretta 500 logo and historic Beretta Villa, presented in a custom display package upon warranty registration.

Knight & Hale announces a resurgence with the brand story "The Chase," narrated by cofounder Harold Knight. The iconic hunting brand is stepping into a new era while honoring its 50-year legacy through cutting-edge products and authentic storytelling.

EOTECH, Henry Repeating Arms, and Mad Pig Customs created a limited-edition rifle series to commemorate EOTECH's 30 years of manufacturing, donating $66,000 in proceeds to Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) during SHOT Show's 2026 Gundie's Event.

American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) announced the ThOR® 6 Mini compact thermal riflescope is now shipping to dealers nationwide following strong reception at SHOT Show 2026. The 6th generation thermal optic features SharpIR™ AI-enhanced imaging, lightweight magnesium construction, and advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, with pricing starting at $895.00.

Target Sports USA will exhibit at Booth #710 of The Great American Outdoor Show, offering raffles, exclusive swag, and special show-only ammunition pricing. AMMO+ members joining on-site receive a $130 gift and automatic entry into the Ford F-250 Giveaway, with Director of Marketing Robin Sousa encouraging attendees to visit.

WE Knife will showcase its latest innovations in EDC, tactical, hunting, and outdoor knives at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show, February 7-15 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's excitement to share new designs at booth #440.

WE Knife Co. will exhibit at the 2026 NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, showcasing its latest outdoor, hunting, and fishing knives to dealer members. VP of Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the opportunity to connect with retailers and demonstrate how WE Knife's products support outdoor enthusiasts.

Blaser Group will exhibit at the Dallas Safari Club Convention and Expo February 6-8, 2026, featuring the Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 straight-pull rifle, new Mauser 98 Das Original bolt-action rifle, and award-winning Sauer 505. John Rigby & Co. and Blaser Safaris will also be present showcasing premium hunting properties.

Boss Buck, a manufacturer of deer blinds, stands, and feeders headquartered in Irving, Texas, has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Boss Buck's customer service and products, including their state-by-state baiting regulations guide and dealer locator.

MyOutdoorTV launches the "Reel Legends Channel" in February, featuring fishing legends Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance, Al Lindner, and Roland Martin. The ad-free streaming channel offers programs including Angling Edge, Bill Dance Outdoors, Fishing with Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston Outdoors, and The VanDam Experience.

Pursuit Media TV, LLC announced a record-breaking 2025 viewership milestone of 158.4 million total viewers across all platforms. The achievement includes a 6% increase on Pursuit Channel and a 32% increase on Pursuit UP streaming service, driven by expansion across linear TV, Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Google TV, and other platforms.