02/24/2007
Clouser Reclaims Title, Makes History
 Dakota Clouser, Junior Champion Click image for print quality version |
Clouser, 15, out-called second-place finisher Jimmy Pollard, of Fort Smith, Ark., by a sound nine points in the Grand National Youth Wild Turkey Calling Championships. His latest victory marked Clouser's fourth visit to the winner's circle, the most of any young caller. Previous wins came in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
In addition to a trophy, Clouser won a $1,000 savings bond.
Youth contestants compete in one of two divisions: intermediate and junior. The intermediate division is for callers 16 to 20 years old, while the junior division is for callers 15 and younger.
Contestants are judged on a number of different calls wild turkeys make, from the hen yelp to the fly-down cackle. The types of calls contestants must imitate are not announced until the day of competition, so the contestants must be prepared for several different calls.
"I started calling about nine years ago because of my dad, he's pretty big into it," said Clouser. "It feels really awesome to win it again, I really hope to win a couple in the intermediate division and go on to win a few senior titles."
Dakota Clouser, Danville, Pa. 461
Jimmy Pollard, Fort Smith, Ark. 452
Cory Hoone, Smithfield, Pa. 451
David Armistead, Pleasant Shade, Tenn. 439
Kyle Killiland, Mooresville, N.C.
