The art of duck calling takes years of practice to master.

An accomplished caller can turn ducks around in mid-flight and “talk” the flock right into the decoys.

If you have that magic touch with a mallard call, there is an opportunity for you to exhibit your skills and measure them against the best in the state.

The 2009 California Duck Calling Contest is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Hosted by Auto Life Outdoors in Modesto, the day will feature four separate contests and prizes for each winner.

There will be two sanctioned competitions, the California state and Grassland regional contests.

The entry fee for each contest is $60.

The winner of the California state contest wins 100 percent of the entry fees, plus is qualified to compete in the World Duck Calling Contest in Arkansas.

The Grassland regional competition includes entrants from several states, with prize money going to the first- through fourth-place winners.

The first-place winner also earns the right to compete in Arkansas.

Included in the day’s events are a junior/intermediate bracket and a two-man “Meat Duck” contest.

Entry in the junior/intermediate bracket is free, with trophies awarded to the first- through third-place winners.

The “Meat Duck” competition has a $50 entry fee, with prize money awarded to first- through third-place teams.

Entrants must have been a California state resident for more than six months to qualify for the sanctioned contests. The events are open to anyone willing to compete.

Following on Sunday, Aug. 2 will be the California State Goose Calling Contests.

Similar to the previous day’s duck calling events, there will be several categories of goose calling competitions including junior/intermediate, combined goose, and specklebelly only.

Entry fees are $40 each for these contests.

The 2008 world champion specklebelly caller, Ken White, will be at the event both days to offer tips and demos.

Factory reps will also be on hand to show off all the new waterfowl products for 2009.

Even if you’re not an expert caller, these events are great to attend just to watch the masters in action, and perhaps pick up a few tips and secrets to improve your own success out in the duck blind this year.

For more information, call Tom Lucas Jr. at (800) 499-1004, or visit the Web site at www.autolifeinc.com/downloads/duckcallingcontest.pdf.

Online registration is also available on the Web site.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com). Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.