DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — German hunters showcased their skills at the National Stag Calling Championship on January 31, 2025, competing to convincingly imitate the bellowing calls of red deer. This unique championship, steeped in tradition, draws hunters from across the country, all vying to demonstrate their mastery of stag calls, which have been used for centuries to lure stags during mating season.
Fabian Wenzel, hailing from the small Bavarian village of Nüdlingen, successfully defended his title for the fifth consecutive year, earning him not only bragging rights but also the chance to represent Germany at the European Stag Calling Championships happening later this year in Lithuania. “The stag calling for me, it’s the fascinating thing to play with the stags,” Wenzel remarked after his victory. “And maybe shoot an old stag after calling him — that's the biggest thing for every hunter.”
The event took place at the Jagd & Hund, or hunting and dog trade fair, held annually in Dortmund, where animals were absent and only competitors, dressed in traditional garb complete with green hats adorned with tufts of chamois hair, filled the venue. Hunters employed various techniques, using ox horns, triton snail shells, and even the hollow stems of giant hogweed to amplify their calls, each participant hoping to impress the jury.
The championship is divided across three distinctive disciplines: attempting to call the old searching stag, mimicking the dominant male in a group of does, and participating in calling duels where competitors go head-to-head simulating two stags at the peak of rutting season.
Listeners, including competition judges who sat with their eyes closed to avoid distractions, were treated to the diverse and complex vocalizations made by the participants. A stag's call differs not only based on the age of the stag and the emotional state but also changes throughout the rutting period, becoming increasingly hoarse as the season progresses.
Wenzel's astonishing performance was among many noteworthy displays at this year's championship, also featuring talent from other competitors such as Jerome Boehm and Thomas Soltwedel. Each participant’s objective was clear: to effectively mimic stag vocalizations, which can serve as signals of dominance or mating calls, and to do so convincingly enough to captivate both the jury and fellow attendees.
The tradition of stag calling, which emerged hundreds of years ago, was originally developed to lure stags from hiding, allowing hunters to observe them more closely and decide whether to pursue. This art form has since evolved, necessitating not only skill and creativity but also deep knowledge of deer behavior among competitors.
Organizers noted the cultural significance of the event, which attracts both serious hunting enthusiasts and those simply captivated by the age-old art of stag calling. With hunting traditions so integral to German heritage, this event serves as both competition and celebration, bringing together fans of the sport.
Listeners found themselves drawn to the powerful yet nuanced calls echoing through the venue, and the camaraderie among competitors was evident. Those who watch these championships often appreciate not just the ability to imitate animal calls but the stories and techniques passed down through generations of hunters.
Wenzel's latest victory reaffirmed his status as the foremost figure in the sport, as he now sets his eyes on international competition. “Winning again has solidified my love for this tradition. Every call, every sound made today, feels like it connects me to the past,” he shared with pride.
The enthusiasm around the National Stag Calling Championship exemplifies how such traditional practices continue to thrive within modern society. With upcoming European competitions, fans eagerly await what the future holds for this fascinating event.
For the public, events like these highlight not only the competitive spirit of hunting but also the connection many feel to the historical practices of their ancestors. Whether observers came for the sport or just out of curiosity, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement for what’s to come for the next championship.
Indeed, this annual gathering seems destined to grow even more significant as the sport of stag calling continues to enthrall new generations of hunters. And as Wenzel prepares for his next challenge, it is clear this tradition endures, echoing the strong ties between nature, skill, and community.