Name: Dakota Clouser Age: 13 Hometown: Lanville, Pa. School: Lanville Middle School Grade: 8th How did you become interested in calling? My dad brought home some calls and I started playing around with them. My Dad’s friend, Damon Davis, who was an all-around-champ, began working with me as well. I began entering contests when I was about six years old. Are you a hunter? Yes, I have harvested turkeys and deer. I haven’t been able to go on a bear hunt, yet, but I want to. I also fly fish and bass fish. How much practice is required of a Grand National champion? After the Grand Nationals, I practice once or twice a week. Then, as Nationals get closer, I start practicing more and more: two or three hours a night. Which is your favorite call? The cluck and purr. Which is most effective for hunting turkeys? Definitely the cluck & purr. Once the bird is within 100 yards, the cluck & purr brings them in every time. What do your classmates think about your calling talent? Most of my friends didn’t know about turkey calling until I started winning contests and showing up in the papers. They think it’s pretty cool. Some kids make fun of me, but once I tell them about it, they don’t do it anymore. What kinds of things have happened to you as a result of your calling? I’ve been invited on lots of hunts. One time, after a guy heard I won two Grand Nationals, he came up to me and gave me $100! I’ve done seminars on calling, and I’ve donated hunts to charities and organizations like NWTF. What do you want to study in college? I want to be a doctor—Neuro Surgery. What would you tell someone who is interested in turkey calling? It’s a lot of fun! Go to www.nwtf.org and click on special events to find out if there are some calling events in your area. They have calling tips there, too. You have to be willing to put in a lot of time and effort to practicing. Awards: • 3-time PA State Champion • 2-time PA Hunter Division Champion • 3-time NY State Champion • NJ State Champion • North American Champion • 3-time NWTF Grand National Junior Calling Champion