Duck, goose calling champs are crowned
RICHFIELD - Mason Tait of Germantown isn’t old enough to vote.
But the 16-year-old has more experience with a duck call in his hands - especially at major competitions - than most people several times his age.
And besides, judges at waterfowl calling competitions can’t see the participants. Gender, age and physical stature aren’t evaluated, only the quality of the notes.
Tait’s acumen shined through last Sunday as he won the adult duck division at the 2018 Wisconsin Duck and Goose Calling Championships.
The competition was organized by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and held at Cabela’s in Richfield. The association also held the 2018 WWA Decoy Carving Contest at the site on Aug. 11.
Adult, intermediate and youth divisions were held for duck and goose calling.
The top three places in each division received a plaque and a gift certificate.
By virtue of his win, Tait will represent Wisconsin in late November at the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark. The event, held Thanksgiving week, is considered the Super Bowl of duck calling.
Rounding out the top three in adult duck calling were two-time defending state champ Benny Breitkreutz of Neosho in second place and Jarrett Breber of Altoona in third.
Tait may be the youngest to represent Wisconsin in the adult division at the World Duck Calling Championship, but he will also have more experience on the competition’s biggest stage than any other firsttime state winner.
Tait already has won two world duck calling titles (2015 and 2017) at Stuttgart in the intermediate division (ages 14 to 16). Tait turns 17 on Nov. 1 and beginning this year can compete only in adult divisions at the world championship.
He credits his mentor, Charles Petty of Harrisburg, Ark., with helping him learn the ropes at Stuttgart and take his duck calling to a higher level.
Tait has won more than a dozen calling awards and ribbons, including first place in the novice and intermediate duck calling divisions at the 2018 Grand National Waterfowl Calling Contest. The event was held Aug. 4 in Rogers, Mo.
What’s the road to success in duck calling? “No secrets, just hard work and a lot of practice,” Tait said.
Tait’s practice regimen has gotten crowded of late, since he’s a member of the Germantown High School football team.
The rising junior is playing fullback and linebacker and balancing calling with football practices.
In other action last Sunday, Tait also took first in intermediate goose and first in intermediate duck.
The adult goose category was won by Dave Nelson of Oconomowoc. Matt Kozlowski of Little Suamico took second and Nick Besasie of Altoona placed third.
In intermediate goose, Kozlowski was second and Trent Dieckman of Campbellsport was third.
Dieckman, his sister Adelyn Dieckman of Campbellsport, Ryder Radosta of Richfield and Otto Wahl of Chippewa Falls all took at least one prize in the youth division of duck and goose calling.
This year marked the first time the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association held its decoy carving contest at the same site and on the same weekend as the calling competition.
Eighty-eight entries were received and judged in Sconnie, International Waterfowl Carving Association (IWCA) Style, IWCA Decorative and Antique divisions.
Duane Jordan of Carthage, Ill., won best of show titles in the categories of IWCA Style (bufflehead drake) and IWCA Decorative (hooded merganser).
The two other best of show (open) titles went to Brian Moyse of Rockton, Ill., in Sconnie for his bufflehead drake, and to Bob Badtke of Shiocton in Antique for his curlew.
The 2019 state waterfowl calling and decoy carving championships are being planned for next August. To participate or more information, visit www.wisducks.org or call (800) 524-8460.
Conservation banquet: The Midland Wings chapter of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association will hold its 9th annual banquet on Thursday (Aug. 23) at The Columbian, 3245 Lighthouse Lane, West Bend. The event will include raffles, auctions, door prizes and a prime rib and chicken buffet dinner. Contact Al Klug at (262) 388-3130 for tickets.