A rant about hunting call classes

[longbeard48]

     Today I was trying to decide about how to go about decorating my call for the scratch box hunting call division at Nashville and it dawned on me that I have been doing this each year for the last several years.  In this division, the sound is all that should matter, yet, each year I have noticed calls becoming more and more decorative, and I believe this has become the norm because call makers have become aware that the judges are somewhat impressed with the appearance of the call, possibly even more than the sound.  I believe that the hunting call class should be limited to calls that are not decorated in any form or fashion.
     Maybe I just got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, hence, I invite the opinions of my peers...

[GR8CALLS]

 
 Only been making scratch boxes for a few years, but I agree with you. Too much these days is put on just how pretty the call is and not towards the sound. Much of this is due to how the NWTF goes about choosing judges. For years there has been a complaint that "call makers" should not be used as judges. Well, my two cents worth.............as long as the call maker does not have calls entered in the class they judge, its' fine with me. At least, they know how to play calls! After watching the last three years judging (working calls), and seeing judges simply pick a call up and scoring them without attempting to play them OR attempting to play them and not being able to OR asking another judge to play the call and scoring it that way, I have no confidence in the process! I would just appreciate it if when anyone's calls are in the contest, that the judges playing them could at least score them based on the NWTF guide lines.

Bill

[Shadetree Callers]

 Try entering the Buckeye Challenge. We have 5 competent and qualified judges who are capable of running all types of calls . And I can assure you that every call will be judged properly and scored fairly. We will be adopting the scoring method that Pat Strawser started at the Keystone Classic. All 5 scores will be used . We will not throw out high score and low scores. Contest entry deadline is January 4th. calls due by January 12th. Competition on January 14, 2017. Everyone is welcome to send calls and the doors are open to everyone who wants to come.

[longbeard48]

Thanks, Bill, for your thoughts!  So true.
Thanks, Bob, for the invite!  Sounds like a great competition!
Tom

[EZ]

Couldn't agree more. Per the guidelines, judging is by sound and ease of use only. I have been wondering how limited the pool of qualified judges must be for suction type callers: trumpets, wingbones and Jordans.

I've also heard it suggested that a piece of tape be put over the callmaker's signature.

[GR8CALLS]

 The suction division is the most difficult to obtain "qualified judges". I have seen judges just stand around and listen to someone else play the calls and then score them!

Bill

[KentuckyHeadhunter]

As long as they sound GREAT it doesn't matter what they look like.  However a call maker puts pride and effort in his work and represents a true American folk art.  I personally don't want an ugly or plain Jane call to represent my ability of the craft in front of hundreds of very critical people.  That being said, the judges should only vote per the criteria of the rules.  Sound, ease of play, volume, etc.....by the way Tom your scratchers are always beautiful and my Oregon Myrtle with chinaberry striker really talks the talk!

[longbeard48]

[by the way Tom your scratchers are always beautiful and my Oregon Myrtle with chinaberry striker really talks the talk!

[/quote]

Thanks for the compliment!  Bill Henkle introduced me to myrtle years ago!  Thanks, Bill!   For the last couple of years I've pretty much limited my call woods to Myrtle, Walnut and "Genuine" Mahogany. Poor old Chinaberry!  Strikers are all I believe those trees are good for, except for producing some great slingshot ammo early in the summer, but kids these days don't appreciate that!   

[firedup]

Rant away brother Tom!!  You got backup here for sure....

[Callmakerjr]

I know what you mean. When we were writing the rules for Great Lakes Open we discussed the same thing. We were going to let bases be scored in the final best of show, but decided it make sense because it is a hunting competition and the bases wont bring you a bird. We are going to judge on 5 things and not one of them has anything to do with the way a call looks.

On another note I am faced with t problem. I want to compete in the competition but am afraid to do so because i am running the competition. I wasn't planning on doing any judging in the categories I enter, but was just wondering if be seen funny if i win something with me running the show. What do you all think

[GR8CALLS]

 I have no problem with you entering calls. In fact, yours will probably be scrutinized harder because of your running the show.

Bill

[Shadetree Callers]

Since I am chairing the Buckeye Challenge,  I will not compete in the c9mp. I personally don't want any doubt cast upon any winners,  myself 8ncluded. In my opinion my place is to run the contest, not compete. There are plenty of other contests to get in.

[Turkeycaller]

The suction division is the most difficult to obtain "qualified judges". I have seen judges just stand around and listen to someone else play the calls and then score them!

Bill

Dang you Bill
You let the cat out of the bag !!!
I didn't think anyone noticed my Judging

Dave

[GR8CALLS]

Twernt you, Dave!!!! 

Bill

[boxcaller]

lets hope all goes well this year,...anxious just to see everyone and visit a little.


Pat