Kiwis dubbed 'Call Blacks' after big wins in world duck calling champs

The success of Nelson schoolgirl Holly Irvine and Otago’s Hunter Morrow in the world waterfowl calling championships in the United States has been hailed as “an amazing achievement.”

Right: Holly wants to do even better...world's number one junior .

Holly, 13, and Hunter, a builder, have been competing in the World Waterfowl Calling Championships in the U.S. state of Maryland.

Hunter, New Zealand’s reigning champ, came second in the world champs’ Open Duck division and third place in Live Goose calling. Holly took out third place in the junior duck calling division.

Hunter Morrow.

The World Championships, which have been running for 40 years, attract competitors from around the world and large crowds of enthusiastic fans.

Loud applause greeted Holly Irvine’s victory and she is vowing to return with the goal of winning the junior division and being best in the world.   

Organiser of the New Zealand championships, Adam Rayner, says it is an amazing result.

“Hunter’s placing was the highest ever by a Kiwi while Holly was the only female competitor and one of the youngest competing at the world championships.”

 “New Zealanders should appreciate just how big an achievement this is – these two are right up there with the world’s best,” Mr Rayner says.

“Holly and Hunter deserve high praise for what they have done.  A duck caller is a wind instrument and you have to use your tongue and breathing in exactly the right way.

“It’s a difficult skill and certainly not one that can be learnt overnight.”

Fish & Game Communications Manager Don Rood describes the results as “brilliant”.

“Fish & Game congratulates Holly and Hunter for their terrific success.”

“The championships are huge in the United States and Canada in particular and competition is intense.  Winning in such a tough environment in front of a live crowd says much about their dedication and skills,” says Don Rood.

“They have been great ambassadors for New Zealand on the world stage.” 

“Perhaps we should dub them the Call Blacks, or perhaps the Black Quacks.”