02/24/2006

NWTF Crowns Intermediate Calling Champion

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Cody Williams called his way to the winner's circle during the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand National Intermediate Turkey Calling Championships.

The championships were held Friday, Feb. 24, during the NWTF's 30th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn.

Young callers must master the intricacies of their instruments - the slate, diaphragm and box turkey calls - if they hope to place in the championships.

"Winning the Grand Nationals is a pretty big deal for me," said Williams, of Uvalda, Ga. "I'm just going to keep calling and I think good things will happen. Hopefully someday I'll wind up with a sponsorship, but for now, I'm just going to keep practicing and work toward next year."

Contestants compete in one of two divisions: intermediate and junior. The intermediate division is for callers 16 to 20 years old; the junior division is for callers 15 and younger. The types of calls contestants must imitate are not announced until the day before the competition, so participants must prepare for several different calls.

The top five finishers in the Intermediate Division:
Cody Williams, Uvalda, Ga. (447 points)
Judson Parker, Clarksville, Tenn. (435 points)
Phillip Groves Greenville, Ky. (432 points)
Davis Hawley Jr. Livingston, Ala. (432 points)
Caleb Hillis Morrison, Tenn. (425 points)

The top five finishers in each division win a savings bond and a trophy.

For more information about the calling contest or the NWTF's convention, call 1-800-THE-NWTF.

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