RNT Calls
Prostaff Manager / Video Production
FLYWAY
What was the very first duck you shot, where did you shoot it, and what kind of gun did you shoot it with?
STAHL
The first duck I shot was actually two ducks!!! Long story short, I was 14 and just shot a deer so my deer season was over. I didn’t want to stop hunting so I decided to give duck hunting a shot at the pond next door. We went off and bought my waterfowl stamp, then dad got some old paper mache duck floaters (I still have a couple left) out of the garage rafters and I was off, decoys in hand with my lab, Lady and a Springer named Muggins. I didn’t have waders so I tied the decoy lines to brush and tossed them out as far as I could. Two Green Wing teal came in and landed before I could shoot so I shouldered my Stevens Model 311 side by side and fired one shot and smoked them both on the water, a couple of rocks later and I had my ducks!!! Yep, that’s right....I’m one of the many that shot my first duck on the water!
FLYWAY
What is one duck you haven't shot but would really like to?
STAHL
For puddlers I would say that it would be a Cinnamon Teal as it’s the only one I haven’t shot. Other than that it would be an Eider of any kind as I’ve never sea duck hunted.
FLYWAY
Would it be fair to say that you enjoy hunting the Canada Goose more than anything when hunting waterfowl? If so, what is it about hunting the Canada Goose that appeals to you so much?
STAHL
I would say yes, but a close second would be Mallards. The reason I prefer to chase Canada Geese is that they are predictable to an extent if you do your homework, however, this season they have not been so cooperative!!
FLYWAY
I want to pose this question to you because I seem to get differing opinions on it. Do you believe in strategizing your decoy placement or do you believe that you can simply throw them out there without any rhyme or reason and still have success? Some guys act as though they are preparing a battle plan when setting up their decoy spread while others just throw them any which way and still experience success. Your thoughts?
STAHL
Well, I kind of agree with both sides in principle. To me, geese that have been in an area get stale to the same old, same old....meaning the standard J-Hook, X-Spread and U. First, I find the spot in the field I want to hunt, second is where the blinds will be hidden and then what I like to do is open up the back of the trailer and apply my “Dump Spread”, which basically sets the decoys in a random blob with no real rhyme or real reason, which is how real birds tend to look and not hunters!! This however is the first step and just the beginning. From there I will sit back and analyze the spread for a few minutes. What I’m looking for is where will the birds want to land? From there I will open up spots where I want them to sit down and fill up spots I don’t want them to land. It’s kind of like a making parking spots in a parking lot or leaving empty seats in a room. If they are full nobody will “park” there, leave them empty and they will find it.
FLYWAY
You are a World Goose Calling Champion. I am not. Let's pretend for a moment that I come up to you and say, "Shawn, help make me a better goose caller. Give me 3 tips or 3 things to concentrate on that will help me become a better goose caller". Let's say I have no desire to enter the calling comp circuit, I just want to be a better caller in the field. What are the 3 most basic things in your opinion that will help me out there.
STAHL
First, I would say learn to blow a short reed without using your hands for back pressure. Hold the call with just your thumb and index finger around the barrel. You would be surprised how few people can do this and it’s because they lack the basic fundamentals of operating a short reed. Second, learn to read birds and this comes from experience. Third, scouting....it always makes you a better hunter!!
FLYWAY
You said something that has stuck with me for a long time. I don't recall if I read it or heard you say it but it seemed like a lot of things seemed to make more sense to me after you said it. You said that there were two types of calls, people pleasers and goose getters. For those who may not understand what you are talking about can you explain it in as much detail as you can. I found it profound and very true.
STAHL
It’s without scientific proof, but from experience only. I feel that geese both see and hear differently than humans. The pitches and frequencies that they key in on and react to are often times different than the sounds that impress you buddy in the blind next to you or the judge behind the contest stage. The only reaction your really looking for when hunting is feet down and wings cupped.
FLYWAY
You have said that Tim Grounds left a lasting impression on you. Tell me why and also talk about some of the other people and teachers you have had that have helped you get to where you are today. Who do you look up to in this sport?
STAHL
Tim is a genuine person, love him or hate him he wears every emotion on his shirt sleeve. He tells it like it is. From my beginnings in contest calling he was always available to answer questions, give advice on calling, fix calls, offering his home to stay, etc...and he asked nothing in return. Who do I look up to...tough question but I would have to say Tom Matthews, president of Avery Outdoors. His passion and commitment to the outdoors and the people around him is greater than any person I’ve ever met...PERIOD!!
FLYWAY
When we discuss "teachers" and "mentors" you are certainly that to many people out there in the waterfowl community. How comfortable are you with that and do you feel there are certain responsibilities and obligations that come with being a teacher or mentor? I have to believe it can be exhausting and very time consuming at times, fair to say?
STAHL
My wife and kid would probably say that it’s very time consuming! But seriously, you cant forget where you came from and how hard it was. If I can help anyone out I will always try. As far as an obligation, I feel all of us have an obligation to protect or resources and heritage.
FLYWAY
For your birthday this year I will be inviting 3 of your favorite bands or singers to perform for you at your birthday party. Who will I be inviting?
STAHL
Oh man, that is a tough one! I would say Kid Rock for sure, then Nickelback, and a toss up between M&M and some 70’s classic rock band.
FLYWAY
You can go on a dream hunt with any 3 people, alive or deceased. They can be movie stars, athletes, politicians, relatives, friends, etc.. Who will you be taking on your dream hunt, where will you be going, and what will you be hunting??
STAHL
I’m pretty simple. My dream hunt would be anywhere in North America without the pressures of a camera crew and having to produce. As for companions, any of my buddies, AND I probably wouldn’t even take my gun out of the case!!!
FLYWAY
You have won over 20 titles and if memory serves you finished in the top 5 in 55 or 56 of 60 goose calling championships. Correct me if I am wrong with those numbers so I give you your due diligence. Regardless, those are impressive numbers and credentials. There has to be a lot of very proud moments for you but Iwant you to take that 2000 World Goose Calling Championship out of the equation and tell me one or two that hold very special meaning to you.
STAHL
That would have to be my first 1K contest win in Des Moines called the Hawkeye Classic. There were plenty of big dawgs there and that made it even more special. You know, I honestly never got into contest calling to say I was better than anyone, but simply to prove I could be as good as anyone.
FLYWAY
Lets talk progression for a moment. Take me back to when you were a rookie or just starting out in waterfowl hunting. Tell me what calls we would've seen on your lanyard back then and in contrast what we would see on your lanyard today.
STAHL
My first lanyard had an OLT 800 goose call, a Ken Martin Goose call, and a Herter’s Glodo duck call. Today, I have several lanyards. All of my calls are RNT and most goose calls are some form of prototype I’m currently working on. As for duck calls I like the Daisy Cutter, Old Style, and Timbre.
FLYWAY
I would be remiss If I didn't pick your brain on a certain topic that has bothered me for a long time and it pertains to duck calling. I can't nail the feed call to save my life. I sound like a sheep in heat every time I attempt it and it drives me insane. Honestly, it's embarrassing and pathetic. Is it true that there may be certain types of calling that people just can't figure out or master, or is it simply that I'm a complete moron? Seriously, I practice it over and over and cannot figure it out. What are your thoughts on this and you can be honest if you think it's moronic. Your thoughts or impressions, Master Stahl?
STAHL
For that I would have to defer you to the MASTER himself, Mr. Butch down at the RNT shop!!!
FLYWAY
Your favorite movie and favorite TV show is.....?
STAHL
Ummm....RNT-V of course!!! For regular TV I watch a few reality shows on MTV. Modern Family seems to be a hit with the wife and I. The boy and I watch the DIY network about every other night.
FLYWAY
I know you get up here for Game Fair but have you ever taken the time to hunt the fine state of Minnesota? If so, has it left you with any lasting impressions
or fond memories?
STAHL
I have hunted Minnesota before, a few times actually. All my hunts have lasting memories, seriously. To me it’s the sights you see and the people you meet.
FLYWAY
Describe Shawn Stahl in one word.
STAHL
Simple.
FLYWAY
Tell us what you like to do in your spare time? What are some of your other hobbies besides hunting?
STAHL
What is that?? Before I made hunting a job and it was a hobby I played in an ice hockey league, a roller hockey league, golfed and fished. I think I went fishing once last year! Most of my free time is spent hanging with the family these days, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
FLYWAY
What is your biggest pet peeve?
STAHL
Disrespectful people.
FLYWAY
You are from Michigan and that is a big sports state. It has me wondering if you like football and if so are you a Detroit Lions fan or a Michigan Wolverines fan? Maybe you hate football and like baseball and are a Detroit Tigers fan?
STAHL
To be honest, I really don’t follow one team. I am a fan of all sports and good competition. I can sit down and watch anything from a tennis match to a UFC bout!!!
FLYWAY
In closing I want to thank you for taking some time out to talk with Minnesota Flyway. Should I have any concerns or things I need to pick your brain on in the
future do you have the "open door" policy? I may need it with this feed call dilemma I have going on.
STAHL
I have and always will have an open door policy. Whether it be in person, email, text, phone, Facebook, etc....sometimes it might take a few days but I make every effort!
Minnesota Flyway would like to thank Shawn Stahl for taking the time to answer our interview questions.
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