Fifteen-year-old Hayes Kibe of Batesville made history Saturday at the 90th Wings Over the Prairie Festival, becoming the youngest winner ever of the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest. The previous record was set in 1976 by a 16-year-old champion.
Kibe’s achievement capped a remarkable weekend in which he also claimed the Intermediate World Championship, securing a rare double-title victory. His winner’s package included a $10,000 gold ring from Wilkerson’s Jewelers, a Benelli shotgun, a Turtlebox speaker, top-tier outdoor gear, and more. Festival chairman Bill Free said newly updated contest rules—now allowing competitors of any age—made Kibe’s historic win possible, as he outperformed two-time champion Seth Fields.
Arkansas callers excelled across the board in 2025. Phil Green II of Jonesboro finished 4th Runner Up in the World Championship and later captured the Champion of Champions title. Daniel Duke of Brinkley placed 6th Runner Up, and Grant McDougald of Greenbrier earned 9th Runner Up. In the Women’s World division, Emma Hyatt of Stuttgart took 2nd Runner Up.
Arkansas youth also made a strong showing. Abram Hibbard of Pocahontas secured 2nd Runner Up in Intermediate, Cache McNespey of Damascus placed 3rd Runner Up, and Romie Morrisette of Lonoke earned 3rd Runner Up in Junior World. Landon Powell of DeWitt took top honors as the Junior World Champion. In the Senior World Championship, Kent Cullum of Monette claimed 3rd Runner Up.
Despite rainy weather, organizers say the Wings Over the Prairie Festival saw strong attendance, with big crowds at Duck Gumbo and heavy traffic for local sporting goods vendors.
The World Duck Calling Contest began in Stuttgart in 1936 with 17 entrants and a $6.60 prize. Today, it stands as a globally recognized competition awarding more than $25,000 in prizes—an Arkansas tradition now proudly carried forward by its youngest-ever world champion.
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