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MISSOULA, Mont. — Call it a changing of the guard at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 2021 World Elk Calling Championships (WECC), presented by Sportsman’s Warehouse. RMEF, with the help of its sponsors, doled out more than $50,000 in cash and hunting gear while crowning five new champions in the head-to-head, bracketed format including Cody McCarthy of Nampa, Idaho. McCarthy was the only caller to go undefeated in the professional division.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity that RMEF put on. I hope me winning can help motivate and encourage more people to come out and participate in the lifestyle and traditions of elk hunting,” said McCarthy.
McCarthy donated $500 of his winnings to the family of Damian Pagano, the 2017 men’s champion who recently and unexpectedly passed away.
Jessi Jacobsen of Donnelly, Idaho, won her first women’s world title, two years after finishing fourth.
“It’s pretty awesome. I didn’t practice a whole lot last time and this time I put in the work and practiced so it just felt good that practice pays off. It’s really exciting and fun,” said Jacobsen.
Tony Gilbertson of Vernonia, Oregon, last competed in the WECC about a decade ago but returned to capture the men’s division title after rallying out of the consolation bracket.
“I was overwhelmed. It was a very gratifying and humbling experience to be a part of that whole competition,” said Gilbertson. “I’m grateful for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its efforts to conserve wildlife and habitat.”
There are also new world champions in the youth (age 11-17) and pee wee divisions (age 10 and under). Kelton Allman of Santa, Idaho, won the youth title while Hunter Littrell of Peyton, Colorado, captured the pee wee championship.
Below is a list of the top finishers in each division.
Professional Division:
1st Cody McCarthy Nampa, Idaho
2nd Josh Fields Columbia Falls, Montana
3rd Austin Rose Nampa, Idaho
4th Beau Brooks LaCenter, Washington
Men’s Division:
1st Tony Gilbertson Vernonia, Oregon
2nd John Simper Tooele, Utah
3rd Patrick Littrell Peyton, Colorado
4th Kurtis Garvin Rawlins, Wyoming
Women’s Division:
1st Jessi Jacobsen Donnelly, Idaho
2nd Ella Lees LaGrande, Oregon
3rd Audrey McQueen Luna, New Mexico
4th Amy Morris Springville, Utah
Youth Division:
1st Kelton Allman Santa, Idaho
2nd Christopher Fong Middleton, Idaho
3rd Joseph Simper Tooele, Utah
4th Brylie Garvin Elberta, Utah
Pee Wee Division:
1st Hunter Littrell Peyton, Colorado
2nd Jace Wangsgard Eagle Mountain, Utah
3rd Kohen Garvin Elberta, Utah
4th Maxine Littrell Peyton, Colorado
Randy Newberg, an avid elk hunter, strong advocate for public lands and public access issues as well as a RMEF volunteer, life member and former board member, served as emcee.
In addition to presenting sponsor Sportsman’s Warehouse, other WECC sponsors include Browning, Eberlestock, Gerber, HHA Sports, Hoyt Archery, Leupold, Montana Decoy, Nosler, Schnee’s, Swagger and Traeger.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 37 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 231,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 8.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.