Each year, the World Elk Calling Championships, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Leupold, are held during the annual RMEF convention and expo. This convention, which was held in 2014 this December in Las Vegas, was no exception. The contest is open to amateur and professional elk callers, and brings contestants from all over the United States and Canada. The event helps raise awareness of RMEF elk, habitat and conservation initiatives.In the competition, callers have 30 to 45 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural-voice division, however, no calling devices are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. A panel of judges scores each competitor anonymously. Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.
On to the results!
1. Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Idaho
2. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Al Morris, Springville, Utah
4. Matt Brimmer, Keno, Ore.
5. Jason Phelps, Pe Ell, Wash.
6. Lance Sellers, Boise, Idaho
Men's Division
1. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Idaho
2. Shane Donner, Calgary, Alberta
3. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
4. Kevin Akers, Oregon City, Ore.
5. Tom Gonzales, Phoenix, Ariz.
6. Travis Jones, Stevensville, Mont.
Women's Division
1. Misty Jacobsen, Del Ray Oaks, Calif.
2. Kristy Titus, Prineville, Ore.
3. Amy Morris, Springville, Utah
Natural Voice Division
1. William Card, Fallon, Nev.
2. Trent Penrod, Lakeside, Ariz.
3. Sam Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
Youth Division
1. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Austin Rose, Boise, Idaho
3. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Sask.
4. Isaac Jacobsen, Boise, Idaho
Pee Wee Division
1. Sutton Callaway, Maricopa, Calif.
2. Kailee Brimmer, Keno, Ore.
3. Jessi Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.