The top turkey callers will put bragging rights on the line during the 2026 World Turkey Calling Championships, slated for June 12-13 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, located at One South Water Street in Mobile.
“We have a lot more callers coming this year than ever before, more than 80 individuals,†advised Kenny Weiss, the event organizer. “That's about a 25 percent increase in competitors from last year. Many callers compete in more than one contest so we will have well over 200 calling positions filled.â€
Free and open to the public, the event sanctioned by the National Wild Turkey Federation features multiple divisions for turkey callers of all ages. Competitors test their skills against other outstanding callers during two days of intense competition. In three categories, the callers will compete for world championship titles.
“We have five different divisions for callers of all ages,†Weiss explained. “The winners of the World Championship Friction calling contest and the World Open Championship will be world champions and will qualify to compete in the NWTF Grand National Championship turkey calling contests for life. In addition, we hold the World Owling championship.â€
At 9 a.m. June 12, the competitors will begin qualifying to advance to the final rounds. Callers 10 years old or younger compete in the Poult Division. Those between the ages of 11 and 15 compete in the Junior Division. The Intermediate Division includes callers 16 to 20 years old.
People of any age can compete in the Amateur Division if they never won a previous championship title. The finals for the Gobbling, Friction Calling, Owl Hooting and Open divisions begin at 9 a.m. June 13.
Also on June 13, callers will compete in the Team Challenge competition. In one of the most popular categories for spectators, two callers must perform as a team to act out specific scenarios of what turkeys might do at certain times of the year.
To win the World Open Championship as the best all-around turkey caller, entrants must make several specific calls assigned by the event staff. The world champions each receive a guaranteed $1,000, but more importantly, a championship title on a resume could lead to endorsement deals, sponsorships and other recognition.
“A world championship title carries a lot of weight,†Weiss commented. “Most of the callers would rather win this contest than any other competition. It's the most prestigious turkey calling contest in the world.â€
During the 2025 event, then 22-year-old Matthew Presley from Front Royal, Va. won the World Open Championship. Russell Andrews of Tuscaloosa, Ala. won the World Gobbling Championship. Michael Strawn from Aliceville, Ala won the World Friction Championship.
“The World Championships is the oldest turkey calling contest,†Weiss remarked. “The first calling contest ever was held in Mobile on Jan. 4, 1940. Alabama has an extremely rich turkey hunting tradition. Some of the best turkey hunters who ever lived came from Alabama.â€
The championship left Mobile for decades. It briefly came back in 2012, but then went to Stuttgart, Ark. Weiss helped bring back the championship to Mobile in 2019. COVID cancelled the 2020 event, but it resumed in 2021.
Each year, a panel of expert judges, including several former world champions, evaluate the callers. The judges remain sequestered behind a curtain during the competitions so they can't identify any callers on the stage. Event staff call out numbers assigned to each competitor for different events. This year, the judges list includes such notable turkey callers as Preston Pittman, Terry Phillips, Don Shipp, Steve Stoltz, Terry Rohm and others.
“We're mighty blessed to have the greatest judging panel that anyone can assemble,†Weiss said. “These judges are living legends in the turkey calling world. I'm proud to be associated with them.â€
Competitors must make certain calls for each event with a limited time to impress the judges. One sour note could end it for any of them. Contests frequently go into multiple tiebreakers with scores commonly just fractions apart.
“These competitions are very tough,†Weiss confirmed. “The calls are much better now than years ago and so are the callers. Some kids under 10 years old are tough to beat. One year, a competitor using a mouth call blew the call out of his mouth. He just looked down and kicked the call. He knew that he had just blown his chance to win. Mistakes do happen.â€
During both competition days, anyone can come watch the action with no admission fee. During judged events, everyone must remain quiet to avoid disturbing the callers performing on stage as well as the judges. However, during breaks, spectators can speak to the judges and competitors. They could possibly pick up some good tips. Some competitors make their own calls or represent companies and bring items to sell.
“We encourage people to come out and watch their favorite callers and talk to them,†Weiss stated. “The more spectators who come out to support them, the better they call. This is a great time for novice turkey hunters or anyone thinking about getting into turkey hunting to pick up some great hunting and calling tips from the best in the world. They are all very approachable and happy to talk about turkey calling. Just leave them alone when they are concentrating and preparing for their next competition.â€
Callers come from all over the nation to compete. This year, the callers will represent at least 20 states, some as far away as Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Many callers bring their families and stay a few days in Alabama. This generates a significant economic impact for the area.
“It's a good family time that doesn't cost any admission,†Weiss said. “Some people take their family vacations in conjunction with the contest. They stay in hotels, buy fuel, eat in local restaurants and enjoy great fresh seafood. They visit the attractions and enjoy everything the Gulf Coast has to offer visitors.â€
For more information, contact Weiss at 251-605-6077 or look up the contest on Facebook.
**********
Â
An avid sportsman, Felsher is professional writer, photographer and radio show host who has written thousands of articles for many publications. He's always looking for ideas or outdoors adventures that will make good stories. Contact Felsh at [email protected] or through Facebook. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile.
