Massachusetts NWTF State Chapter Hosts 2025 Bay State Calling Classic

Before the contest began, the Massachusetts NWTF State Chapter hosted introductory turkey calling classes. These sessions provided attendees with hands-on experience using both friction and mouth calls. 

“This event allows for a coordination between NWTF, our members and volunteers and Massachusetts DFW,” said Chuck DuPont, Massachusetts NWTF State Chapter president. “We start the day by training new hunters and finish the day with comradery between callers in the competition. The new callers who stayed to watch the calling competition got the chance to talk to experienced callers from other states. The success of the event is that it’s an open forum, its free flowing, and it brings like-minded individuals together.” 

A third session featured a Q-and-A panel where new hunters could ask questions. 

The panel was led by Keith Fritz, former Massachusetts NWTF State Chapter president, and included other esteemed panelists: Jesse Warner, NWTF hunting and shooting R3 coordinator; Sasha Dyer, Massachusetts NWTF State Board member and Massachusetts DFW Board member; Joe Warger owner of Fiddlehead Turkey Calls and Massachusetts State Board member; Joe Judd, Massachusetts NWTF State Board member and Quaker Boy pro staff member; and Ian Sypek, Massachusetts DFW outdoor education specialist. 

Panelists began by discussing what they have already been doing to prepare for the upcoming spring turkey season. Now is the perfect time to start scouting locations with spring fast approaching, they noted.  

“Things are about to start changing real soon,” Judd said. 

Other topics covered included decoy strategies, setting up in new locations, call timing, essential gear, and how tactics evolve throughout the season. The experts emphasized having multiple backup plans and carrying a ThermaCell to keep mosquitoes at bay. Most importantly, be confident in your strategy and find what works best for you. Each panelist gave their final piece of advice: Have fun. Be safe. Invest your time. Hunting is challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. 

Winners from each category qualify to compete in the 2026 NWTF Grand National Calling Championship in Nashville.  

The open division saw the most competition. When the winners were announced, the first and second-place competitors for this division had already qualified for the GNCC, which meant Josh Milucky secured his spot. Overwhelmed and surprised, he was speechless upon hearing the news. Friends and fellow callers surrounded him with congratulations, celebrating the incredible milestone in his journey as a turkey caller. 

Including Milucky, the event qualified three callers to compete in Nashville in 2026.  

Youth Division  

1. Slate Hammons  

2. Ryker Lesue  

3. Kyler Lesue  

Massachusetts Residential Division  

1. Tim Gribbons 

2. Chuck DuPont 

3. Walt Krawiec 

Open Division  

1. Zach Rifanburg 

2. Moose Conklin 

3. Josh Milucky 

Friction Call  

1. Walt Krawiec 

2. Moose Conklin 

3. Ken Jones 

Locator Call Division 

1. Andrew Noble 

2. Zach Rifanburg 

3. Devin Gee