The German National Stag Calling Championship, a captivating blend of tradition and skill, unfolded last Friday at the Jagd & Hund trade fair in Dortmund. This unique competition, deeply rooted in centuries of hunting history, brings together seasoned hunters to showcase their prowess in mimicking the resonant bellow of the red stag. Originally a practical hunting technique used to lure stags during the rutting season, allowing hunters to evaluate their potential quarry before taking a shot, stag calling has evolved into a refined art form judged on technique, timing, and the resonant authenticity of the calls.
The Dortmund arena, devoid of actual stags, resonated with the powerful bellows mimicking the heart of a German forest. Clad in traditional hunting attire, complete with distinctive green hats adorned with chamois hair tufts, the competitors employed an array of intriguing instruments to amplify and refine their calls. These tools, ranging from the natural resonance of ox horns and triton snail shells to the amplified sounds produced by glass cylinders and hollow hogweed stems, enabled the hunters to recreate the diverse vocalizations of the stag, mirroring the complex language of these majestic creatures. The judging criteria centered on the authenticity of the calls, acknowledging the nuanced variations in stag bellows based on age, herd dynamics, and the specific stage of the rutting season.
The complexity of the stag’s vocal repertoire formed the basis of the competition’s three distinct disciplines. Hunters were challenged to mimic the commanding bellow of an old, searching stag, the assured call of a dominant male amidst a group of does, and the dramatic, escalating exchange of a calling duel between two rival stags locked in a contest for dominance during the peak of the rut. With the judging panel immersed in concentrated listening, eyes closed to eliminate visual distractions, the competitors poured their skill and passion into each call, striving for the perfect reproduction of the stag’s powerful voice.
Fabian Wenzel, hailing from the small Bavarian village of Nüdlingen, emerged victorious, securing his fifth consecutive national championship title. For Wenzel, stag calling transcends mere competition; it’s a profound connection with the animal itself, a way to interact with and understand the stag’s behavior and communication. The ultimate reward for a hunter, he explains, is not just the accolade of the championship, but the opportunity to successfully call in and ethically harvest an old stag, a testament to the hunter’s skill and understanding of the animal.
Wenzel’s victory at the national level propels him to the international stage, where he will represent Germany at the European Stag Calling Championships in Lithuania this October. This prestigious event will gather the most skilled stag callers from across Europe, each vying for continental recognition. The competition will undoubtedly be fierce, showcasing the diverse traditions and techniques of stag calling across different regions. Wenzel’s impressive track record and dedication to the art of stag calling make him a formidable contender for the European title.
The German National Stag Calling Championship serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between humans and nature, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife. While originating from a hunting tradition, the competition has evolved into a celebration of the stag’s vocal prowess and the hunter’s ability to interpret and reproduce its complex language. The event showcases not only the skill of the callers but also the rich cultural heritage associated with hunting in Germany, a tradition passed down through generations. The use of natural and crafted instruments further emphasizes the connection to nature, demonstrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness employed in replicating the sounds of the wild. The competition, therefore, is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of tradition, skill, and a deep respect for the natural world.
