Delta Waterfowl Announces NEW Double-Reed Calling Contest Debuting at Duck Hunters Expo This July

The Delta Grand National will bring the electricity to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hosting many of the world’s most talented duck callers

A duck-caller performs at the Cutdown Calling Competition at the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Little Rock, AR.

Introducing the “Delta Grand National”—Delta Waterfowl’s inaugural double-reed calling championship, presented by Drake Waterfowl and Mack’s Prairie Wings. Callers will take the stage at noon on Saturday, July 27, during the annual Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. onsite at Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.

Hosted by renowned champion caller Jim Ronquest, The Delta Grand National is a change from the previous year’s cutdown calling competition held in Little Rock, Arkansas. Historically, the Expo’s calling contests have showcased more than 50 contestants who have captivated attendees as they battled it out for the prestigious championship title.

The winner of last year's Cutdown Calling Competition is seen with a member of Delta Waterfowl.

“I am honored to partner with Delta Waterfowl to develop the new Delta Grand National, a Double-Reed Duck Calling Championship debuting this year at Delta’s Duck Hunters Expo,” said Ronquest of Drake Waterfowl. “This competition will be administered under the rules of the World Cutdown Duck Calling Championship LLC and should prove to quickly become a premier calling event in North America.”

The double-reed duck call was designed and patented in 1950 by the co-founders of Sure-Shot Game Calls—world champion caller, James “Cowboy” Fernandez, as well as Donaldson, Louisiana-native George Yentzen. The Delta Grand National double-reed competition will be a staple attraction at the Duck Hunters Expo moving forward.

“We are thrilled to introduce The Delta Grand National,” said Brad Heidel, senior director of corporate relations for Delta Waterfowl. “The double-reed call has applicable use for hunters in every flyway, and we are looking forward to welcoming some of the country’s top calling talent to Baton Rouge.”

This competition will be administered under the rules of the World Cutdown Duck Calling Championship LLC. Callers will take the stage to compete for a first prize cash payout/package and the prestigious title of “Delta Grand National Champion.” Cash prizes will be paid to the top three callers, with additional prizes being awarded to the top five places. All entry fee money will be paid out.

And, of course, Expo attendees will be treated to the finest hunting-style calling from avid waterfowl hunters and calling competitors, 100,000 square feet of fan-favorite waterfowling vendors, three live stages featuring experts offering advice, tips and tricks, and much more.

To purchase tickets to the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo and to plan your trip, visit us online.—Christy Sweigart