RE: Is this the normal calling contest format?
 

In the calling contests I've seen, you can change mouth diaphragms for the various calls. I don't know why people put their hands beside their mouths, except I do it for a tree yelp to soften/tone down my sound, as I cup my hands over my mouth for a tree yelp.

RE: Is this the normal calling contest format?
 

Right, I do that also...but these guys in the calling contest go through a wide range and often animated flurry of hand motions...I just am not sure what all these motions are supposed to do.

RE: Is this the normal calling contest format?
 

Fullback unless specified yes you can change calls!I've done it myself and seen many callers switch diaphragms and even use a slate or tube on specific calls!I like this because It shows me a callers diversity in his ability to produce quality sounds out of various calls!:)Hand use by many is a force of habit,but also many callers use these hands movements to throw these calls in different directions adding and taking away volume to a series of calls.Judges look at more than just a caller being able to produce a quality yelp or other calls,they look at other things like consistency in tone,cadence,and the ability to produce high and low volume but maintaining a consistent rythym while doing so.This is one of the biggest differences in comp calling and calling in the wild!:)