World goose-call champ basks in victory

A Chicago-area man admitted he was stunned when he learned he was the best goose caller in the world.

Wade Walling, 21, Bollingbrook, Ill., took first prize in the annual World Goose Calling Championship in Easton, Md., out-honking 32 contenders and flying home with a $10,000 first prize.

My knees were shaking, my hands were shaking, Walling told the Chicago Sun-Times in describing the moment of triumph last weekend. I could hardly breathe. It was the most incredible feeling in the world.

Walling’s father, 67-year-old Ken Walling, said There were tears running down both of our faces.

The judges in the contest called Wade a phenomenal caller and said goose calling requires an enormous amount of practice.

Wade agreed that there is a lot to learn but pointed out to the Sun-Times that, If a goose can do it, you can do it on a goose call.