COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The sound of duck calls echoed through Memorial Park on Aug. 24–25 as Colusa hosted the 15th annual California State Duck Calling Championship and Outdoor Expo, where seasoned champions, first-time winners, and a record number of youth callers took the stage in front of hundreds of spectators.
On Saturday, seven contestants took the stage in the Butte Sink Regional Duck Calling Contest. After three rounds and a tie breaker, Hunter Edwards earned his first qualifying win, securing a spot at the World Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Edwards, a two-time competitor, will represent California at the event in November.
Sunday featured the California State Duck Calling Championship, where veteran caller Stuart McCullough of Los Banos returned to competition.
the “godfather” of duck calling, McCullough is a multiple state champion, teacher, and call maker. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.
Known as the “godfather” of duck calling, McCullough is a multiple state champion, teacher, and call maker.
Typically the master of ceremonies in Colusa, McCullough competed in both the Butte Sink and State contests this year, winning the state title and a chance to compete in Stuttgart, Arkansas in the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest.
The remainder of the weekend, McCullough resumed his role as host, recognizing organizer Pat Kittle, coordinator Steve Sherbondy, volunteers, and judges for their ongoing support of the contest. He also spoke about the sense of community that surrounds the event.
“I have not missed a state duck calling contest or any of the regionals in 29 years,” McCullough said. “It’s the family of the sport and the outdoor lifestyle, but it’s also the quality of people you meet when you go to these types of events. Every single one of us has a lot of the same stuff in common, and that’s a love for the outdoors.”
day of the 2025 California State Championships in Colusa on Saturday. Photo by Susan Meeker
Organizers reported the largest turnout of youth competitors since Colusa became home to the contest in 2011. McCullough said fostering the next generation is key to sustaining both the tradition of duck calling and the outdoor way of life.
booths during the California State Duck Calling Championship
and Outdoor Expo on Aug. 24 at Memorial Park in Colusa.
Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.
Beyond the contests, attendees visited vendors offering duck calls, apparel, gear, and information booths from conservation groups. Food trucks provided artisan pizza, pastries, coffee, and kettle corn, while Colusa local, Mark Rablin served smoked pulled pork sandwiches with his signature barbecue sauce.
Saturday night featured an afterhours street dance on Main Street, with music by Jeff Crossman and Tyler Applegarth.
The Colusa competitions are two of about 75 qualifying events nationwide that feed into the World Championship in Stuttgart. With both Edwards and McCullough earning wins, California will again be represented on the national stage this fall.