Dear Custom Call Makers, September 23, 2016
The 2017 NWTF National Convention & Sport Show is less than 6 months away. We have received several comments and suggestions from call makers, call judges and others to improve the Grand National Custom Call Competitions. We are encouraged and excited about these changes and would like to share them with you along with some of our history.
As you know the competition is a work in progress. We are always interested in ways to make improvements that help grow the competition. The competition began in 1993 as a way to recognize call makers and the art of turkey call making. In doing so, we are helping to preserve a “folk art” tradition unique to turkey hunting and waterfowl hunting. We expanded the competition to include duck and goose calls in 1998. The competition was set up to be a supportive competition that would help raise revenue to allow NWTF to support important mission related conservation activities. Over the years, we have endeavored to provide recognition and incentives to attract new call makers while providing opportunities for accomplished call makers. Listed below are the announcements and rule changes for 2017.
1. Ban on the sale of Ivory. Why we can’t have ivory calls at the convention.
President Obama issued Executive Order 13648 on July 1, 2013, committing the United States to step up its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. On July 6, 2016, the US Fish and Wildlife Service finalized the rule that implements the intent of the Executive Order to provide further protection to African Elephants from poaching. The rule specifies measures to stop the international and interstate sale of ivory except under very strict guidelines as outlined below.
In order to protect call makers that participate in our contest and to protect our Convention from disruption, we have made the decision to not allow any calls with Ivory to be submitted for our competitions, whether for sale or only for competition and display. Because many of the calls are sold in auction, the necessary documentation that would be required and the stringent limitations on ivory (even with the proper documentation), we are concerned that the convention may be unduly interrupted for an investigation.
We understand that this may impact some of our competitions and call makers. However, strictly abiding by all state and federal fish and wildlife laws and regulations is essential to upholding the integrity of the NWTF. We regret any inconvenience this decision may cause.
2. We are adding Amateur Categories in all Divisions
· 3 in Division 1
· 3 in Division 2
· 3 in Division 3
· 1 in Division 4
3. We are increasing the prize money in Division III Decorative Duck & Goose
· Best of Show $1,500
· 2nd Best of Show $1,000
· 3rd Best of Show $750
4. In Division III & IV we are modifying our list of winners to include:
· 2017 Grand National Youth Decorative Duck Call Maker of the Year
· 2017 Grand National Youth Hunting Duck Call Maker of the Year
· 2017 Grand National Goose Call Maker of the Year
· 2017 Grand National Amateur Decorative Duck Call Maker of the Year
· 2017 Grand National Amateur Hunting Duck Call Maker of the Year
5. NEW: We are planning to publish a twenty-four page, four color catalog featuring the winners of the 2016 Grand National Custom Call Makers Competition. This publication will be available for purchase at the 2017 Convention.
6. We are working with our publication department to increase coverage in “Turkey Country” magazine.
7. Grand National Custom Call Raffle(s). Last year we asked call makers to help us by donating a call to the elite call raffle. We got a good response from about 20 turkey call makers. (No duck & goose call makers). We are pleased to report the raffle did well. We sold close to $7,000 on the raffle. The Duck and Goose call makers took notice and said this year they want to support us and are planning a separate duck and goose call raffle. Rumor has it they plan to out-do the turkey call makers raffle! That being said, we are asking call makers to consider donating a special call for the raffle of their choice. Both raffles would be winner take all and involve special pre-printed tickets. A raffle seller would be assigned the task to sell these tickets at convention functions. Call makers who donate a call to either raffle would have their names printed on the tickets and other promotional materials along with pictures of the calls. The raffle winners will be announced on Saturday Feb. 18th at 3 p.m. All calls would be on display in the call contest area. In order for the raffle to be successful we will need a commitment from the call makers by November 15 along with a photo of the call. We plan to create 2 stand-up banners; one for turkey call makers and another for duck and goose call makers. The banners would feature photos of the donated calls and raffle ticket information.
If you would like to support us, please contact the following call makers.
Call makers who donate a call to the raffles will be given a copy of the 2016 Grand National Custom Call Makers catalog of winners.
· For the Duck & Goose Call Maker Raffle
Contact: Alan Whitson email: or Cell#: 479-965-6558
Donated calls can be shipped to NWTF but need to be received by Jan. 13th. Place on package –
2017: NWTF, Duck & Goose Call Raffle, Att: Karen Cavender, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, S.C. 29824 OR hand delivered at the NWTF convention on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2017 from 3-8 p.m.
· For the Turkey Call Maker Raffle
Contact: Mike Lapp email: or Cell #: 610-914-8590
Donated calls can be shipped to NWTF but need to be received by Jan. 13th. Place on package - 2017: NWTF, Turkey Call Raffle, Att: Karen Cavender, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, S.C. 29824 OR hand delivered at the NWTF convention on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2017 from 3-8 p.m.
8. Sponsorship opportunities: NWTF will create a banner (24” x 48”) unique to the Grand National Custom Call Competition. The banner will be generated by NWTF graphics department and will be tailored to a specific call maker, call company or business. The banners will list the sponsors name, business name, contact information and or web site info. The cost for the banner will be $150 per banner. Due to limited space we may need to limit orders to the first 30 call makers who wish to be a sponsor. Banners will be displayed on the railings surrounding the various divisions and categories’ and will be given to the sponsors after the show. Please use the attached form to order your personalized banner. The deadline to order is November 1st for banner orders
9. All call makers are required to pre-register, all registration forms are to be received no later than Jan. 13, 2017 with NWTF Headquarters.
10. Calls may be shipped to the NWTF Headquarters to be received no later than Jan. 13th or they can be hand delivered at the convention from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.
11. We are no longer able to accept hand delivered calls on Thursday. This change is being made so we can begin the judging process at 10 a.m for Division I and II and 1 p.m. for Division III and IV and accommodate the 50+ judges who volunteer to help, but would like to be able to attend and enjoy the many venues the convention offers.
12. Judges will be asked to meet with contestants to answer questions and provide advice from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17th.
13. NEW: Judging will start at 10:00 a.m. for Division I and II; with Division III & IV starting at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16.
14. All call makers are encouraged to submit a brief description of the call(s) they are entering. Information must include the call maker’s name, address and a description of the call, including types of materials used in the call and any information that will enhance the sale of the call if it is selected for the Grand National Custom Call Auction. Information should be submitted on a 5” x 7” note card or ½ page maximum.
15. Call makers who are unable to attend the convention or are concerned that their calls may sell for less than market value are encouraged to use the Absentee Bid Form. If a call maker uses the Absentee Bid Form, the value of the absentee bid will be the starting value placed on the call. In the event the call does not get a bid higher than the absentee bid amount, the call maker will purchase the call back at that price.
16. The NWTF offers membership credits to call makers who support NWTF at the local, state and national level. The “In Kind Gifts” reporting form is enclosed. Please indicate on the form any calls donated and/or sold for an NWTF benefit. Completed forms should be returned to Karen Cavender no later than Jan. 6, 2017. Upper-level membership credit will be awarded based on this information.
Thank you for your support of the NWTF and the Grand National Custom Call Competition. We look forward to seeing you in Nashville at the convention, Feb. 16-19, 2017.
Sincerely,
Charley Burke, Custom Call Competition Chairman
Karen Cavender, Coordinator