In an event that seemed virtually devoid of any media coverage, short of a couple of message board postings, the U.S. Open Calling Championships were held last weekend (Mar. 4 & 5) at the Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, Pa. The event was sponsored by Bass Pro, Mossy Oak and Quaker Boy Game Calls.
Chris Parrish won the main competition after finishing fifth just weeks earlier at the Grand Nationals. (Oh, did I forget to mention, he also won the Champion of Champions Division at the Grand Nationals for like the third or fourth time the other week!) Also making a strong showing was one of the “old men” of the competitor crew and still one of the best callers I’ve ever had the privilege to hunt with, Walter Parrot, who like at the Grand Nationals two weeks before, finished fourth in the Open. I do believe Walter’s won virtually every turkey calling contest known to man—several times over.
This year’s Grand National winner, repeat champ Matt Van Cise, finished a strong third in the Harrisburg event. Mark Prudhomme claimed the runner-up spot, while New Jersey’s (Yeah, New Jersey!) Larry Scartozzi rounded out the top five.
Here are the complete results:
Open Division Finals
1. Chris Parrish Centralia,MO
2. Mark Prudhomme Georgetown, SC
3. Matt Van Cise Grand Valley, PA
4. Walter Parrott Smiths Station, MO
5. Larry Scartozzi Sparta, NJ
6. Sadler McGraw Camden, AL
7. Billy Yargus Ewing, Mo
8. James Harrison Hillsboro, MO
9. Jeff Frederick Mindoro, WI
10. Steve Stoltz St. Louis, MO
11. Jim Pollard Heflin, AL
12. Brian Gulvas Vandergrift, PA
13. Daymon Davis Danville, PA
14. John Egolf Schellsburg, PA
15. Brett Berry Bristolville, Ohio
Friction Division
1. Pat Strawser Millersburg, PA
2. Jim Pollard Heflin, AL
3. Larry Scartozzi Sparta, NJ
Youth Division
1. Dakota Clouser Danville, PA
2. Alexa Miller Tylersville, PA
3. Jimmy Pollard Knoxville, PA
Owl Hooting Division
1. Mark Prudhomme Georgetown, SC
2. James Harrison Hillsboro, MO
3. Daymon Davis Danville, PA