RE: Is this the normal calling contest format?
Most of those guys can flat out call. Many are experienced in the "calling circuit" I would start out at some local competetions before trying something like the US Open just because a contest is totally different from calling a turkey. From what I could tell, one false squeak and your out. I'd definetly practice each call a ton before I'd enter one like that one even though it was only 75 bucks to enter.