Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Craig Wilson, owner of River Oaks Outdoors and a Senior World Duck Calling Champion to trace his path from SoCal refuge rat (Wister/Kern) to Idaho mallard country, and what that journey taught him about scouting, pressure, and staying calm on stage. Craig breaks down how to practice with purpose, the real differences between Main Street contests and meat calling, and why late-season California birds demand restraint on the call. He also dives into the shop side—how he builds custom call displays (smart dowels, snug fit, clean glass) and the little design details that keep a lanyard organized and a collection looking sharp.

Episode highlights

• SoCal to Idaho: how refuge days shaped today’s mallard-first approach, and why scouting beats slogging
• Contest nerves & routine: making the jump from good caller to stage-ready—and staying clean in Round 3
• Meat vs. Main Street: what actually carries to ducks versus judges
• Late-season reality: why whistles and quiet spreads often beat hail calls in California
• Shop talk: River Oaks Outdoors display builds, dowel sizing, and protecting your calls the right way

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