gselkhunter, I have only called in contests here locally, I am heading to Portland at the end of February. I have called against guys who have placed in the Portland and Las Vegas contests and beat them here locally. I am wondering how the format works in Portland, not knowing the format could be my biggest downfall. I started using reeds for turkies when I was knee high to a grasshopper hunting back in PA and New York. I started getting serious about elk when I moved out west in 89 and was able to mimick any sound that I have heard an elk make. I figured that I would enter the mens division to get my feet wet and go from there. I know for sure that I will at least walk away from there having had a good time with people who share a common interest. I feel pretty confident in my calling abilities and have a couple of things that I do that drives the crowd nuts,(hopefully the juges). It worked the last 3 years in row up in Stanley anyway, and I paid for my gas to get to the State Championship archery tournament with the winnings from the contest. If you are heading to Portland let me know and maybe we can meet for a beer or something. Catch ya later..Elkcrazy8

P.S. I will take my chew out for this one LOL