Youth turkey-calling contest draws record participation

CASTLETON— A record-breaking 33 young participants, ranging in age from 2 to 18, showcased their best gobbles, clucks, and yelps at the 19th annual Bart Jacob Memorial Youth Turkey Calling Contest on April 12 at Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton.

Sponsored by the Oxbow Mountain 4-H Club and underwritten by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept (VTF&W), the annual event honors the legacy of Bart Jacob, a nationally known turkey call-maker and passionate hunter from Pawlet.

Competitors were divided into four age groups and tasked with performing a series of turkey calls using either handcrafted or commercially purchased devices. Contestants were judged on the accuracy and execution of calls like the cluck, yelp, purr, Kee Kee run, and more.

The Rutland region was well represented in the 14–18 age group, where Jared Preseau of Rutland took first place. Samuel Luis of Whiting placed second, and Dominick McGee of Clarendon took third. Other area participants included Brady Werbinski of Rutland, Robby Harris of Poultney, and Wyatt Delance of Castleton.

In the 11–13 age group, Boston Wilbur of Whiting claimed first place. Leif Comar and Beckett Perham, both of Pawlet, placed second and third, respectively. Competitors in this age group also included Delilah Buck of Rupert and Liam Quesnel of Whiting.

For the 8–10-year-olds, Erin Loomis of Whitehall, New York, won first place, followed by Gabriel Greene of Poultney and Blake Butler of Wells. Additional contestants included local youths from Poultney, Wells, Weybridge, Granville, Pownal, and Rupert.

Although the youngest group (ages 2–7) did not compete for prizes, they still had the chance to step up to the mic and impress the judges with their calls. Each was awarded a turkey-shaped trophy for their effort and enthusiasm.

Prizes for the top three finishers in each eligible age group were provided by VTF&W and included turkey hunting vests, Bone Collector turkey calls, and shotgun ammunition. First-place winners also received custom engraved knives donated by the Mason family of Pawlet in memory of Keith Mason—a longtime 4-H leader, former contest judge, and hunter-safety instructor.

Joel Flewelling, Oxbow 4-H Club leader and fish and wildlife specialist with VTF&W, emceed the contest. Judges included Charlie Hewes of Manchester, Ken Jones of Proctor, Dan Nardi of Rupert, Wally Surething of Mount Holly, and Erwin Tobin of Shushan, New York.