CONTESTANTS PURR, CLUCK AND YELP THEIR WAY TO VICTORY

2008 U.S. Open Turkey Calling Contest

Springfield, Missouri— Considered one of the most prestigious calling contests in the country, the 2008 U.S Open Turkey Calling Contest finals and championship took place recently at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store at the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, Tennessee.  Matthew Van Cise of Brookville, Pennsylvania took first place honors which netted him an automatic entry to the finals of the 2009 Grand Nationals, expenses paid to attend the finals and the National Wild Turkey Federation 2009 National Convention, a $500 Mossy Oak® clothing package and $5,000 in cash.

To reach the finals, preliminary contestants were selected at the U.S. Open Turkey Calling qualifying rounds which were held at the Pearl, MS; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Prattville. AL; Nashville and Sevierville, TN; Clarksville, IN; Springfield and St. Louis, MO and Charlotte, NC Bass Pro Shops store locations.  First place winners from those qualifiers received paid travel and hotel accommodations to attend the finals in Nashville.

Second place went to Sadler McGraw of Camden, Alabama which paid $2,500 in cash, a $250 Mossy Oak® clothing package and a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card.  Billy Yargus of Ewing, Missouri took third which paid $1,500 in cash, a $150 Mossy Oak® clothing package, and a $400 Bass Pro Shops gift card. 

Sponsors of the 2008 U.S. Open Turkey Calling Contest include Mossy Oak®, Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro Shops®.

“This U.S. Open contest was truly one of the best contests I have ever attended,” said Quaker Boy Pro Staff member George Davis.  “Over the last several years Bass Pro Shops has taken this contest to new heights making it one of the most prestigious national calling events. It was an honor to be a part of it.”

For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops events, products and services or to locate a store near you, visit www.basspro.com.

Pictured in photo left to right:  Third place winner Billy Yargus, second place winner Sadler McGraw, first place winner Matthew Van Cise