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PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Attendees at the Sportsman’s Show, being held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle over the weekend, April 5-6, will have an opportunity to see if they have what it takes to win cash prizes in this year’s moose-calling competition.
“The event is being put on by the Maine Professional Guides Association. They’ll be holding the annual Maine Moose Calling Championship at 1:30 p.m. in Wieden Auditorium. We turned the event over to the Maine Guides’ organization to create more of a theater atmosphere,” said Nick Archer, organizer of the Sportsman’s Show.
Last year’s contest went international with a finalist hailing from New Brunswick.
“Regional qualifying competitions were held at sportsman’s shows throughout the state, including events at Orono and the Augusta Civic Center. The Presque Isle competition will be held in Wieden, while a variety of other activities and vendors will be set up in Gentile Hall as part of the Sportsman’s Show,” said Archer.
The entry fee is $20 per contestant.
“Only first- and second-place winners at each qualifying event will be sent on to the final competition, which will be held at the moose lottery drawing on June 14, which is being held this year at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Prizes are $500 for first place in the finals, $300 for second and $200 for third,” Archer said.
He said contestants will be judged on presentation and quality.
“Each contestant has seven to 10 minutes for their presentation and are judged based on the quality of their: bull moose call, cow moose call and other attraction techniques – these could include the use of decoys, brush or other noisemakers. No electronic calls are allowed. Presentation showmanship will be judged on presence, creative use of props and stories,” he said.
This year a youth section for those under 16 has been added after the adult competition that will include a training session before the calling.
“Like the adults, the top young callers will be invited to the finals at the moose lottery event in June,” said Archer.
FMI, contact MPGA Executive Director Don Kleiner at dkleiner@mainegides.org.
