I'm not the most experienced contest caller, I'll say that up front. Take this advice for what it is worth.

My best friend competed in the NWTF Grand National final for several years in the 80s and 90s and I went with him to some of those events. He taught me to call and we hunted a lot together before he tragically passed away in 1997. I competed in the amateur division of the Tennessee State contest last year finishing 3rd and my son (Doall hunter here on these boards) placed 4th in Tennessee in the junior division. Because of my proximity to Nashville I usually attend the NWTF convention each year and listen to those guys compete.

I think the most important thing in contest calling is using calls you have absolute complete confidence in. Most guys in the Grand National are using less raspy calls for yelping and assembly calls. At the local level I don't think it makes a lot of difference if you are using raspy or clear, as long as you are consistent. It isn't so much how perfect it sounds - it is all about avoiding mistakes and having perfect rhythm and cadence. A mistake is instantly noticable to the judges.

Another thing - practicing calling on your own is completely different from getting in front of a crowd and judges in a contest. You cannot replicate the situation no matter how hard you try. When it is your time to call and they announce you as contestent number whatever, plain yelp of the wild hen, and that room is totally silent and you have to make the first sound on that mouthcall and it better be good, you can cut the tension with a knife. A big part of contest calling is gained from experience and your ability to block out all the nerves. I've done a ton of public speaking but have never been more nervous than being on stage with a diaphram in my mouth about to make the first call. It is exilerating and nerve-wracking all at the same time.

Good luck