2013 S.C. State Duck Calling Contest

Blake Hodge, winner Ed Paul and Mark Prudhomme

Cody Singleton, winner Benjamin Biddle and Jonah Brown

The South Carolina state duck calling contest is held at the end of winter in Georgetown during the Winyah Bay Heritage Festival. Contest organizer Mark Ackerman of Cottageville brings a panel of judges with him, and contestants from around the Palmetto State assemble for the one day competition. A trio of duck calling experts rounded out the top three spots in 2013, with Ed Paul from SCWA taking the top spot. Some duck calling enthusiasts come to compete in the state contest simply to check it off their bucket list. While others like Ed Paul dare to claim the first place prize, which sends them on to Stuttgart, Arkansas for the National Calling Contest. Paul, now 27,  is no stranger to higher competition, having competed in and won the Junior National Contest title back in 1999. Ed Paul blows a Force competition call made by Big Lake Duck Calls in Elloree. It was ironic that Big Lake callmaker Hugh McLaurin was also in the finals of the state duck contest, but finished in fourth place. “I am so happy that Ed will be blowing a Big Lake duck call in Stuttgart,” said McLaurin. “The national contest is at Thanksgiving every year, so he will have lots of time to practice his competition routine.” Finishing in second place was Mark Prudhomme of Georgetown, and third place went to Blake Hodge from Lancaster, with the Wrecking Crew. The junior state duck calling contest for youths age 15 and under is also run by Ackerman. At the end of the competition it was 10-year old Benjamin Biddle of Conway who took home the first place trophy, earning a trip to Stuttgart. In second place was Jonah Brown, and in third place was Cody Singleton, both from nearby Conway, South Carolina

To view my feature article on the 2013 state duck calling contest click Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about the S.C. state duck calling contest click here.