In the heart of Dortmund, Germany, an age-old tradition comes alive as hunters gather to showcase their skills in the national stag calling championship. This intriguing event, deeply rooted in history, aims to capture the essence of deer calling, a technique once used to lure and assess stags during the rutting season. The art of mimicking a red deer's bellowing is a skill passed down through generations, and it continues to captivate both participants and spectators today.
Held at the Jagd & Hund trade fair, this year's championship did not feature live animals but instead focused on the talents of the men sporting traditional hunter's attire, complete with green hats adorned with chamois hair. The hunters wielded an array of instruments, from specially crafted ox horns and triton snail shells to glass cylinders and the hollow stems of the giant hogweed, all designed to amplify and perfect the resonance of their calls.
Each participant took on the challenge of three distinct categories: the call of the seasoned, searching stag; the commanding call of a dominant male surrounded by females; and the thrilling duel between two powerful stags at the peak of the rut. To ensure the authenticity of the calls, jury members listened intently with their eyes closed, focusing solely on the sound.
The allure of deer calling lies in its complexity, as a stag's vocalizations vary greatly depending on factors such as age, mood, and the intensity of the rut. According to organizers, these calls can become hoarse and intense as the rut progresses, reflecting the intricate dynamics within a herd.
Fabian Wenzel, hailed from Nüdlingen, Bavaria, has mastered this craft, securing his position as the reigning champion for the fifth consecutive year. Wenzel eloquently expressed, The fascination for me is playing with the stags, and perhaps, the ultimate thrill for any hunter, is to successfully call and then bag an old stag. His victory earns him a spot in the European Stag Calling Championships set to take place in Lithuania this October.
This unique competition not only celebrates the time-honored practice of deer calling but also emphasizes the cultural significance it holds within the hunting community. As hunters across Germany and beyond prepare for the international stage, the event continues to draw attention and admiration, bridging past traditions with modern-day enthusiasm.
The national deer calling championship is more than just a contest; it's a celebration of wildlife preservation and the artistry involved in connecting with nature on an intimate level. As this tradition persists, it continues to inspire both seasoned hunters and newcomers, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the skills that have been honed over centuries.
