Zink Calls Field-Staffer Wins Junior 08' World Goose Calling Contest

by Zink Calls Staff
November 16, 2008

Heralding from Michigan, 16-year-old Kile Jones, a Zink Calls Field Staffer, captured the 2008 Junior World Goose Calling Championship at the national competition held recently in Easton, Maryland.

Jones began waterfowling just three years ago in the state of Washington, and his obsession with ducks and geese continued after he and his family moved to Michigan two seasons ago. It was in Michigan that Jones met Zink Calls Pro-Staffer, Bill Hawk, who in turn introduced the young caller to Fred Zink and Field Hudnall. Immediately, the two veteran callers recognized the young man's potential, and began working with him in-depth on his routines and practice schedule. And the attention paid off, as Jones went on throughout the spring and summer of '08 to win contests in Illinois, Washington, and Ontario, Canada.

Let the games begin!
Jones, along with his father and uncle, left Michigan on 13 November for Easton. Along the way, the trio stopped at the Zink Calls Shop in Port Clinton, Ohio, where the young caller received last-minute instruction and encouragement from members of the Zink Crew.

It was Friday, 14 November, when Jones stepped onto the stage to compete in the Senior Division. From an original field of 33 of the nation's best callers, and including a heart-stopping tie-breaking routine, Jones emerged in sixth place. Truly a monumental accomplishment for the young man and first-time World Championship contestant!

Saturday, 15 November, saw the start of the Junior World's, with 18 young callers registered. When the smoke had cleared, and in front of an appreciative audience of over 600 avid waterfowlers, Jones had called his way into the Top Five; however, his dramatic finish would have to wait until the final round held that evening. The young man didn't rest. He next took the stage as a contestant in the Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Contest, coming out a remarkable third, two places behind his close friend, Robbie Iverson, of Illinois.

Finally, the Junior World Competition, and from a field of five of the country's finest young callers, Jones reigned supreme! Along with the trophy and the recognition, Jones walked away with $500 cash, a $350 gift certificate from BassPro Shops, a Patternmaster choke tube, and a three-day waterfowl hunt in Saskatchewan. Not bad for a young man who just got his driver's license!

We here at Zink Calls would like to personally congratulate Kile Jones on his win at the World's, and on all of his competitive performances. Now we simply can't wait to see what he's going to do next year! Way to go, Kile!